Dental Veneers in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Ideal trip length: 5–7 days for porcelain/e.max; 1–2 days for composite/direct bonding.
  • Common materials: Porcelain, e.max (lithium-disilicate), zirconia, and composite.
  • Who it suits: Gaps, discoloration, minor shape/size correction, small chips, mild misalignment.
  • Durability: Porcelain/e.max typically 10–15+ years with good care; composite 3–7 years.
  • Language: Many Seoul clinics offer English-speaking coordinators and digital smile design previews.

Why Choose Seoul for Veneers?

  • High-tech dentistry: CAD/CAM milling, digital smile design (DSD), 3D intraoral scanning, and in-house labs that speed up turnaround.
  • Aesthetic experience: Korean clinicians place strong emphasis on tooth proportion, facial harmony, and natural translucency.
  • Value for money: Competitive pricing vs. North America/Europe for similar materials and lab quality.
  • Convenience: Dense clinic clusters (Gangnam, Apgujeong, Myeongdong) with easy subway access, plus flexible scheduling for visitors.

Types of Veneers (Pros & Cons)

  • Porcelain / e.max (lithium-disilicate)
    Pros: Best aesthetics and stain resistance; long lifespan.
    Cons: Higher cost; requires light enamel reduction.
  • Zirconia (monolithic or layered)
    Pros: Very strong; good for darker underlying teeth.
    Cons: Can look less translucent if not layered; cost similar to e.max.
  • Composite (direct or lab-made)
    Pros: Budget-friendly; same-day option; easy to repair.
    Cons: Stains sooner; shorter lifespan; aesthetics depend heavily on operator skill.
  • No-prep / minimal-prep
    Pros: Preserves enamel; conservative.
    Cons: Not suitable for all cases; may appear bulky if poorly planned.

Typical Costs (Guide Only)


Conversions below use ~₩1,300 ≈ US$1 (rough estimate). Final quotes vary by case, clinic, and lab.
  • Porcelain / e.max veneer (per tooth): ₩500,000–₩1,200,000 (≈ US$385–$925)
  • Zirconia veneer (per tooth): ₩600,000–₩1,300,000 (≈ US$460–$1,000)
  • Composite veneer (per tooth): ₩200,000–₩500,000 (≈ US$155–$385)

Example smile makeover budgets:

  • 6 teeth (social six) porcelain/e.max: ~₩3.0–7.2M (≈ US$2,300–$5,550)
  • 8–10 teeth: ~₩4.0–12.0M (≈ US$3,075–$9,230)

Extras to ask about: Consultation/scan fee, temporaries, whitening add-on, occlusal guard (night guard), sedation fee, and warranty terms. Cosmetic dentistry is typically self-pay; quotes usually include VAT—confirm with the clinic.

Suggested Travel Timeline

Day 1: Consultation ➜ 3D scan ➜ photos ➜ shade discussion ➜ digital smile design preview.
 Day 2: Tooth prep (minimal), impressions/scan ➜ temporaries placed.
 Day 3–5: Lab fabrication (you’re free to sightsee; stay reachable for a try-in).
 Day 5–6: Try-in ➜ adjustments ➜ final bonding/cementation.
 Day 7 (optional): Bite check & polishing before flying.
 Composite option: Often completed same day or within 24–48 hours.

Are You a Good Candidate?

  • Healthy gums and adequate enamel.
  • Realistic expectations (veneers change shape/color, not bite mechanics).
  • Stable bite or mild crowding only; moderate misalignment may need aligners first.
  • Non-smoker or committed to maintenance (smoking increases stain risk).

How to Choose a Clinic in Seoul (Checklist)

  • Experience gallery: Before/after photos of cases similar to yours.
  • Materials disclosed: Brand/lab details (e.max, zirconia system) and translucency options.
  • Digital workflow: Intraoral scanner, DSD mock-ups, milled temporaries.
  • Language support: English-speaking staff and written aftercare instructions.
  • Warranty: Clear re-cement/repair policy (e.g., 1–5 years) and night-guard inclusion.
  • In-house vs. partner lab: In-house can shorten turnaround.
  • Transparent pricing: Itemized estimate with VAT and optional add-ons.

What to Bring / Prep

  • Dental x-rays or recent check-up notes (if available).
  • Medication list and allergy info.
  • Shade references (photos you like), and your smile goals.
  • Avoid new whitening within 2 weeks before shade selection (it can rebound).

Procedure & Comfort

  • Local anesthesia; optional conscious sedation (ask in advance).
  • Minimal-prep technique emphasizes enamel preservation.
  • Temporaries protect teeth and help you “test-drive” length/shape before final bonding.

Aftercare & Longevity

  • Wear the night guard if provided.
  • Avoid biting hard items (ice, crab shells, pens).
  • Non-abrasive toothpaste; soft brush; floss or water flosser daily.
  • Maintain 6-month cleanings; request hygienists familiar with veneers.
  • Expect maintenance: occasional polishing, resealing margins, or replacement after a decade+.

Risks & Limitations

  • Sensitivity (usually temporary), chips, or debonding if overloaded.
  • Gum recession over years may reveal margins—polishing or replacement may be needed.
  • Irreversibility: Most porcelain cases involve some enamel reduction; discuss no-prep candidacy if concerned.

Alternatives to Consider

  • Teeth whitening (for color only).
  • Orthodontics/aligners (for alignment/spacing).
  • Composite bonding (budget-friendly shape changes).
  • Crowns (for heavily damaged or root-canal treated teeth).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many veneers do I need?
Most smile lines use 6–10 upper teeth; some add lowers for symmetry.

Will my teeth be shaved a lot?
Modern veneer cases are minimal-prep; the goal is conservative enamel removal.

Can I eat normally?
Yes—avoid very hard biting on the edges. Cut tough foods; no chewing ice.

How long do veneers last?
Porcelain/e.max often 10–15+ years; composite 3–7. Night guards extend lifespan.

Is whitening needed first?
If you plan to keep natural teeth visible next to veneers, whiten first, then match veneer shade.