Dental Bridges in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Best for: Replacing 1–3 missing teeth when implants aren’t desired/possible.
  • Common types: Traditional 3-unit, cantilever, Maryland (resin-bonded), implant-supported bridges.
  • Trip length: Usually 2 visits over 3–7 days (prep → temp → final). Some single-tooth cases can be same-day CAD/CAM.
  • Materials: Zirconia, e.max (lithium-disilicate), PFM, or combinations.
  • Aesthetic focus: Seoul clinics emphasize natural translucency and precise contact points for easy cleaning.

Why Choose Seoul for Bridges?

  • Digital workflow: Intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM milling, high-precision labs for better fit and bite.
  • Speed + value: Dense clinic clusters with in-house labs enable fast turnarounds at competitive prices.
  • Language support: Many provide English (and CN/JP) coordinators and written aftercare.

Bridge Types (When to Choose What)

  • Traditional (3-unit or longer)
    Use when: Strong teeth on both sides of the gap.
    Pros: Stable, widely available materials; excellent esthetics with layered zirconia/e.max.
    Cons: Requires shaping of neighboring teeth; hygiene is critical under the pontic.
  • Cantilever
    Use when: Only one adjacent abutment is available (select front-tooth cases).
    Pros: Fewer teeth prepared.
    Cons: Higher leverage forces—case selection is key.
  • Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridge
    Use when: Single missing front tooth, intact adjacent teeth, conservative option.
    Pros: Minimal/no tooth reduction; faster.
    Cons: Lower retention than full-coverage; not ideal for heavy bites or deep overbites.
  • Implant-Supported Bridge
    Use when: Multiple adjacent teeth missing or to avoid preparing natural teeth.
    Pros: No prep of neighbors; preserves bone.
    Cons: Surgical step; usually two trips (see implants guide).

Typical Costs (Guide Only)


Approx. conversion used: ₩1,300 ≈ US$1. Actual quotes vary by span, material, and lab.
  • Per crown unit (abutment or pontic) — zirconia/e.max/PFM: ₩350,000–₩900,000 per unit (≈ US$270–$695)
  • Typical 3-unit bridge (1 missing tooth): ₩1.05M–₩2.70M (≈ US$810–$2,075)
  • Maryland (resin-bonded) single tooth: ₩600,000–₩1.20M (≈ US$460–$925)
  • Implant-supported bridge: Combine implant fees (fixture + abutment) with bridge units.

Possible add-ons: Core build-up/post (after RCT), scans/x-rays/CBCT, same-day milling fee, sedation, night guard. Confirm if VAT is included and if temporary bridge + 2-week adjustment are covered.

Standard Timeline (One Trip)

  • Day 1: Exam, imaging, shade selection → tooth prep of abutments (not needed for most Maryland cases) → temporary bridge.
  • Days 2–5: Lab fabrication (you’re free to sightsee; clinic may call for a try-in).
  • Day 3–7: Final cementation/bonding → bite check → hygiene instructions.

Same-Day / CAD-CAM (case-dependent): Some single-tooth spans can be scanned-designed-milled and delivered same day.

Are You a Good Candidate?

  • Healthy abutment teeth (or suitable candidate for Maryland if conservative).
  • Good gum health and willingness to maintain excellent hygiene.
  • Realistic expectations about color matching and cleaning under the pontic.
  • For longer spans or heavy bite/bruxism, consider implant-supported options or a night guard.

How to Choose a Clinic in Seoul (Checklist)

  • Digital tools: Intraoral scanner, CAD/CAM, photos, and occlusion analysis.
  • Material transparency: Brand/type (multilayer zirconia vs e.max), cement/adhesive details.
  • Before/after photos: Especially for front-tooth cases and Maryland bridges.
  • Turnaround & warranty: Clear 3–7 day schedule, remake policy (e.g., 1–3 years for defects).
  • Hygiene coaching: Demonstration of floss threaders/superfloss and water flosser use.
  • Language support: English consent and printed aftercare.

Comfort & Anesthesia

  • Local anesthesia for prep and cementation; IV/conscious sedation available on request.
  • Mild sensitivity is common for a few days; OTC pain relief usually suffices.

Aftercare & Longevity

  • Clean under the pontic daily with floss threaders/superfloss or a water flosser.
  • Avoid very hard/sticky foods for 24 hours after cementation.
  • Schedule a bite check if anything feels high or food traps persist.
  • Expected lifespan: 10–15+ years with good hygiene; Maryland bridges can last many years in well-selected cases.

Risks & How to Reduce Them

  • Tooth sensitivity or nerve irritation: Conservative prep, desensitizers, accurate bite.
  • Decementation/debonding: Strict bonding protocol (critical for Maryland); wear a night guard if you grind.
  • Caries at margins: Daily hygiene + 6-month cleanings; consider fluoride toothpaste/mouthrinse.
  • Gum recession/black triangles: Keep impeccable hygiene; address bite and contact points.

Bridges vs Implants (Quick Comparison)

  • Bridge: Faster, no surgery, but preps neighboring teeth and requires meticulous cleaning under pontic.
  • Implant: No prep of neighbors, preserves bone, but needs surgery and usually two trips.

If the gap is long or abutment teeth are weak/heavily restored, implant-supported options often age better.

Travel Tips

  • Plan 3–7 days; schedule the prep early in your trip.
  • Stay near Gangnam / Apgujeong / Sinsa / Myeongdong for easy clinic access.
  • Major cards accepted; ask about bank-transfer discounts.
  • Request an itemized English receipt listing material, shade, and cement/adhesive used.

FAQ

Will the bridge look natural?
Yes—layered zirconia/e.max can closely match adjacent teeth; photos and shade guides help.

Can I replace an old PFM bridge with zirconia?
Often yes; your dentist will assess the abutments and bite first.

Is a Maryland bridge strong enough?
In carefully chosen single-front-tooth cases with proper bonding and bite, yes—ask about retention wings design.

How do I floss a bridge?
Use threaders/superfloss or a water flosser daily to clean under the pontic.