Composite Bonding in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Great for: Small chips, gaps (diastema), worn edges, minor shape/asymmetry, discoloration, and some black triangles near the gums.
  • Trip length: Often same day (30–90 min per tooth). Multi-tooth makeovers may use 2 visits (mock-up ➜ final).
  • Tooth prep: Usually no drilling or minimal—conservative and reversible.
  • Longevity: Typically 3–7 years with good care; easy to repair/polish.
  • Aesthetics: Shade-matched resin sculpted by hand; highly operator-dependent.

Typical Costs (Guide Only)


Rough conversion used: ₩1,300 ≈ US$1. Final quotes vary by case complexity and clinic.
  • Per tooth (front tooth cosmetic bonding): ₩150,000–₩450,000 (≈ US$115–$345)
  • Edge bonding / minor chip repair: ₩120,000–₩300,000 (≈ US$90–$230)
  • Diastema closure (per space): ₩200,000–₩450,000 (≈ US$155–$345)
  • Smile line 6–10 teeth (estimate): ₩1.2M–₩4.0M (≈ US$925–$3,075)

Ask whether prices include consultation, photos/scan, mock-up (if used), finishing/polish visit, and VAT.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

  • Healthy gums and enamel; small to moderate cosmetic concerns.
  • Stable bite (heavy crowding or deep bites may chip resin—consider aligners first).
  • Realistic expectations: bonding refines shape/edges/color, not full bite changes.

What Composite Bonding Can Fix

  • Chips & worn edges on front teeth
  • Small gaps (diastema) without orthodontics
  • Minor rotations/asymmetry (optical correction)
  • Discoloration/patches that don’t respond to whitening
  • Black triangles near gumlines (case-dependent)

Procedure & Timeline

Option A — Same-Day (most common for 1–4 teeth)

  1. Exam, photos, shade selection → 2) Isolation & surface conditioning → 3) Layered composite sculpting → 4) Contour, polish, bite check.
    Walk out with your new smile the         same day.

Option B — Mock-Up + Final (5–10 teeth or precise reshaping)
 Visit 1: Photos/scan, digital smile design or wax-up, preview mock-up (in mouth).
 Visit 2 (1–3 days later): Final bonding using the preview as a guide.

Why Choose Seoul?

  • Detail-oriented aesthetics: Emphasis on tooth proportion, incisal translucency, and symmetry.
  • Digital workflow: Photography, 3D scans, and mock-ups to reduce guesswork.
  • Speed & value: Dense clinic clusters (Gangnam/Apgujeong/Myeongdong) with competitive pricing and short lead times.
  • Language support: Many clinics offer English coordinators and written aftercare.

How to Choose a Clinic (Checklist)

  • Portfolio: Before/after photos of bonding (not just veneers). Look for natural edges and lifelike luster.
  • Materials: Modern nanohybrid or microfilled composites; ask about brand and polish protocol.
  • Isolation & finishing: Rubber dam or equivalent isolation, multi-grit polishing for long-lasting shine.
  • Mock-up availability: Digital/wax-up previews for multi-tooth plans.
  • Warranty: Touch-up/repair policy (e.g., within 12 months for minor chips).
  • Clear pricing: Itemized, including VAT and a polish/adjustment visit.

Aftercare & Longevity

  • Avoid strong colorants (coffee, red wine, curry) for 24–48 hours post-polish.
  • Use a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste; consider a night guard if you grind.
  • Schedule 6-month cleanings; request occasional high-gloss repolish to keep luster.
  • Expect eventual touch-ups or re-polish; bonding is repairable without replacing the whole surface.

Risks & How to Minimize Them

  • Chipping at edges: Night guard for bruxers; don’t bite nails/ice.
  • Staining/losing gloss: Periodic professional polishing maintains shine.
  • Margin wear: Gentle brushing, floss or water-flosser; keep up with hygiene.
  • Shade mismatch: Always do whitening first (if planned), then color-match bonding.

Alternatives to Consider

  • Whitening for overall color improvement.
  • Orthodontics/aligners for alignment/rotations beyond “optical” correction.
  • Porcelain veneers for longer lifespan and stain resistance (more costly, minimally invasive).
  • Enamel micro-contouring for tiny shape adjustments.

Travel Tips

  • Plan 1–2 days in case you’d like a next-day polish/photograph review.
  • Book early in your trip so there’s time for a quick refinement before you fly.
  • Request an itemized English receipt listing tooth numbers and materials used.
  • Most clinics accept major cards; some offer bank-transfer discounts.

FAQ

Will it look natural?
Yes—skilled layering and finishing create translucent edges and a glassy shine.

Does it damage my teeth?
Bonding is typically no-prep or minimal-prep; it’s conservative and reversible.

How long does it last?
Usually 3–7 years before a touch-up/repolish or partial redo is needed.

Can I whiten after bonding?
Whiten before bonding. Composite doesn’t bleach; the dentist matches bonding to your post-whitening shade.