Dentures in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Great for: Multiple missing teeth or full-arch replacement.
  • Trip length: Conventional dentures often 3–7 days with 2–4 visits; implant-supported options usually need 2 trips.
  • Common options: Complete, partial (metal or flexible), immediate, and implant-supported overdentures (“snap-in”).
  • Languages: Many Seoul clinics have English/CN/JP coordinators and can prepare an itemized English receipt.

Denture Types (What to Choose and When)

  • Complete Denture (upper/lower): For fully edentulous arches. Budget-friendly; relies on fit + suction.
  • Partial Denture: Replaces several teeth; frameworks are cobalt-chromium (rigid) or flexible nylon (e.g., Valplast).
  • Immediate Denture: Inserted the day teeth are removed; expect a soft reline at 2–6 weeks and a reline/remake after gums heal (3–6 months).
  • Implant-Supported Overdenture (“Snap-in”): 2–4 implants per arch + detachable denture for better stability and chewing.
  • Fixed Full-Arch (All-on-4/6): Not removable; higher cost and typically covered in implant guides.

Typical Costs in Seoul (Guide Only)


Rough conversion used: ₩1,300 ≈ US$1. Ask if VAT is included and what follow-ups are covered.
  • Complete denture (per arch): ₩600,000–₩1,800,000 (≈ US$460–$1,385)
  • Premium esthetic complete (per arch): ₩1.8M–₩3.0M (≈ US$1,385–$2,300)
  • Partial denture (metal framework): ₩700,000–₩1,800,000 (≈ US$540–$1,385)
  • Flexible partial (Valplast-type): ₩600,000–₩1,500,000 (≈ US$460–$1,155)
  • Immediate denture add-on: ₩200,000–₩500,000 (≈ US$155–$385) for extra visits/soft relines
  • Implant overdenture (per arch): Implants (2–4 × ₩900k–₩1.8M each) + attachments + denture → ~₩4.0M–₩9.0M total (≈ US$3,075–$6,925)
  • Reline (per arch): ₩150,000–₩400,000 (≈ US$115–$310)
  • Repairs/tooth additions: ₩80,000–₩300,000 (≈ US$60–$230)

Extras to ask about: extractions, temporary liners, try-in count, premium teeth/gingiva materials, sedation, night guard (for bruxers), and warranty.

Standard Timeline (Conventional Dentures)

  • Day 1: Exam, impressions/scan, bite registration, shade & tooth selection
  • Day 2–3: Wax try-in (verify tooth position, smile, bite)
  • Day 3–7: Final processing → Delivery & adjustments
    Some clinics can compress to         2–3 days for simple partials or straightforward complete dentures.

Timeline (Immediate Dentures)

  • Day 1: Planning + extractions + immediate denture delivery
  • Week 1–2: Soft reline for comfort as gums heal
  • Month 3–6: Permanent reline or remake once tissues stabilize

Timeline (Implant Overdentures)

  • Trip 1 (2–4 days): Consult + CBCT → implant placement → temporary/old denture adapted
  • Healing at home: 8–12+ weeks
  • Trip 2 (5–7 days): Attachment connection → new overdenture fabrication → delivery

How to Choose a Clinic (Checklist)

  • Prosthodontic experience: Ask for before/after cases similar to yours (especially full-arch).
  • Try-in policy: At least one wax try-in for esthetics and speech.
  • Materials disclosed: Tooth brand/shade system, base acrylic, metal framework or flexible nylon.
  • Digital workflow: Intraoral scanning, facebow, photos; improves fit and symmetry.
  • Adjustments included: Clarify number of post-delivery adjustments and reline policy.
  • Language support & documents: English aftercare + itemized receipt (tooth numbers, materials).

Fit, Comfort & What to Expect

  • New dentures often need 1–2 adjustment visits for pressure spots.
  • Lower complete dentures can feel loose at first (less surface for suction); consider 2-implant overdenture for stability.
  • Practice reading aloud and soft foods for the first week; saliva flow and gag reflex usually normalize.

Aftercare & Longevity

  • Daily cleaning: Brush denture and gums; soak overnight in non-abrasive cleanser (unless told otherwise).
  • Sleep: Most patients remove dentures at night (except immediate post-op per dentist’s advice).
  • Relines: Expect a reline every 2–3 years as bone and gums change.
  • Lifespan: Typical 5–8 years before significant wear/fit changes prompt a remake.
  • Overdenture attachments: Locators/balls may need insert replacement every 6–18 months.

Risks & How to Reduce Them

  • Sore spots/ulcers: Normal early on—get timely adjustments.
  • Looseness with time: Plan periodic relines; consider implants for stability.
  • Speech changes: Improve with practice and refined tooth positioning at try-in.
  • Bone resorption: Faster without implants—another reason to consider overdentures.

Bridges/Implants vs Dentures (Quick Compare)

  • Dentures: Fastest and most affordable; removable; may need periodic relines.
  • Implant Overdenture: Removable but snaps in—much more stable; mid-range cost.
  • Fixed Full-Arch Implants: Highest stability/chewing efficiency; highest cost and 2 trips.

Travel Tips

  • Plan 3–7 days for conventional dentures; longer if extractions/implants are involved.
  • Bring your old dentures (if any) to copy or improve upon.
  • Schedule follow-up before you fly for fine adjustments.
  • Payments: Cards widely accepted; ask about bank-transfer discounts.

FAQ

Will my dentures look natural?
Yes—Seoul labs offer multi-layered teeth and customized gum tinting for lifelike esthetics.

Can I eat normally?
Start with soft foods. Chew on both sides; stability improves after adjustments (and dramatically with implants).

Do I need implants?
Not required, but 2–4 implants can transform comfort and chewing—especially for lower dentures.

What if I already wear dentures?
Clinics can duplicate a successful shape or improve fit/esthetics; bring them to your exam.