Cosmetic dentistry cost in Korea

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. In Korea, cosmetic dental services—from veneers and bonding to full smile makeovers—are known for high-quality results and competitive pricing. Whether you want whiter, straighter, or more balanced teeth, understanding the cosmetic dentistry cost in Korea helps you budget your treatment and choose the best clinic for your needs.



This guide explains popular cosmetic dental procedures, typical prices without insurance, and what factors influence the total cost for foreign patients.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry includes dental treatments that enhance the appearance of teeth, gums, and bite. These services are usually elective rather than medically necessary, which means they are typically paid out of pocket, regardless of whether you have Korean national health insurance.

Common cosmetic dental procedures include:

• Tooth whitening
• Veneers
• Crowns (esthetic / porcelain / zirconia)
• Composite bonding
• Gum contouring
• Orthodontics (braces / clear aligners)
• Smile makeovers

Each procedure addresses specific aesthetic goals, and a combination of services often forms a full cosmetic treatment plan.

Average Cosmetic Dentistry Costs in Korea

Below are typical price ranges for cosmetic dental procedures in Korea for foreigners paying out of pocket. Actual costs vary by clinic, location, and complexity.

Teeth Whitening

• 150,000 – 500,000 KRW per session

Veneers

• 300,000 – 800,000 KRW per tooth
  Premium or porcelain options may cost more.

Cosmetic Crowns

• 150,000 – 600,000+ KRW per tooth
  Zirconia or high-end ceramic materials cost more than standard crowns.

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Bonding

• 60,000 – 200,000+ KRW per tooth

Gum Contouring

• 300,000 – 800,000 KRW per session

Orthodontics (Braces / Clear Aligners)

• 2,000,000 – 6,000,000+ KRW
  Metal braces are generally cheaper; clear aligners (Invisalign / similar) tend to cost more.

Smile Makeover

• 2,000,000 – 8,000,000+ KRW (total cost)
  Combines multiple cosmetic treatments tailored to your goals.

Dental Implants (if needed for appearance)

• 600,000 – 2,000,000+ KRW per implant

3D Dental CT Scan (for planning)

• 80,000 – 200,000 KRW

These ranges are approximate and vary by clinic, technology used, and materials chosen.

Cosmetic Dentistry Cost at Different Types of Clinics

Neighborhood Dental Clinics
These clinics often offer cosmetic services at the lower end of price ranges. They are ideal for standard cosmetic treatments like single veneers or whitening.

Cosmetic Dental Centers / Large Hospitals
Clinics located in major cities like Seoul (Gangnam, Apgujeong) or specialized cosmetic dentistry centers may charge premium fees for advanced smile design, digital planning, and high-end materials. These clinics often provide detailed aesthetic consultations and follow-up care as part of the treatment plan.

Even at high-end clinics, cosmetic dentistry cost in Korea is often competitive compared to prices in North America, Europe, or Australia.

What’s Typically Included in Cosmetic Dentistry Pricing

Most cosmetic dentistry fees in Korea include:

• Initial consultation and smile evaluation
• Treatment planning
• Materials and laboratory costs (e.g., veneers, crowns)
• Procedure appointments
• Follow-up visits (often included within a warranty period)

Some clinics also include digital smile design, before/after imaging, and detailed aesthetic planning.

What’s Not Usually Included

Certain items may be charged separately:

• X-rays or 3D CT scans
• Dental cleaning/scaling before cosmetic procedures
• Sedation or anesthesia (if requested)
• Travel or accommodation
• Premium materials beyond standard cosmetic options

Always ask for a full written estimate to understand which items are included and which are extras.

Factors That Affect Cosmetic Dentistry Cost in Korea

The following influence the total cost:

Materials Used
Porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia materials cost more than basic options.

Number of Teeth Treated
Treating multiple teeth increases the total price proportionally.

Technology and Planning Tools
Digital smile design and 3D planning typically add to the cost but improve precision.

Clinic Location and Reputation
Clinics in central districts and those with strong cosmetic branding tend to charge more.

Complexity of Your Case
More extensive aesthetic issues require additional time, visits, and expertise.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance in Korea?

Cosmetic dental procedures are usually considered elective and not covered by Korean national health insurance (NHIS), even for NHIS-enrolled residents. Foreigners pay out of pocket for these services.

Some restorative treatments with cosmetic overlap (like crowns for functional reasons) may receive partial coverage if medically necessary, but pure cosmetic upgrades typically do not.

Tips for Foreigners Considering Cosmetic Dentistry in Korea

To make the most of your cosmetic dental experience:

• Request a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate
• Compare quotes from multiple clinics
• Ask about sample portfolios or before/after photos
• Clarify warranty and follow-up policies
• Consider bundled packages (e.g., whitening + veneers)

Many clinics also offer English-language support for foreign patients—confirm this when booking.

Final Thoughts on Cosmetic Dentistry Cost in Korea

The cosmetic dentistry cost in Korea varies depending on procedures, clinic type, and your aesthetic goals. Typical price ranges for whitening, veneers, crowns, and smile makeovers are generally competitive with or lower than comparable services in Western countries.

Knowing the average costs, what is included, and factors that influence pricing will help you make informed decisions and plan your cosmetic dental treatment in Korea with confidence.