Straumann vs Osstem Implants: An Honest Comparison
Published by The Seoul Dental Clinic · Meet the dentists
On the clinic's published list, the Osstem implant is ₩650,000 (standard) or ₩800,000 (premium) and the Straumann implant is ₩1,300,000. For both brands the crown is a separate item, PFM ₩350,000 or zirconia ₩450,000 per tooth. The better fit depends on your case, budget and what you want to pay for.
What the price list says
Prices below are from the clinic's published non-covered list. They are for guidance, and the confirmed amount comes after examination.
A fair comparison needs the same question asked of every option: what exactly is in the number? Implant prices in Korea are often quoted as a package, and packages differ. On this clinic's schedule the implant, abutment and crown are listed as separate items, so the total depends on which crown and abutment your case needs. That is why this page leans on the clinic's own published figures rather than general claims about brands.
If you are comparing quotes from more than one clinic, put them side by side with the same items listed, and do not assume two quotes with the same brand name cover the same things.
Published figures
| Osstem standard | Osstem premium | Straumann | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant price | ₩650,000 | ₩800,000 | ₩1,300,000 |
| Crown | Separate: PFM ₩350,000 / zirconia ₩450,000 | Separate: PFM ₩350,000 / zirconia ₩450,000 | Separate: PFM ₩350,000 / zirconia ₩450,000 |
| Example with zirconia crown | ₩650,000 + ₩450,000 = ₩1,100,000 | ₩800,000 + ₩450,000 = ₩1,250,000 | ₩1,300,000 + ₩450,000 = ₩1,750,000 |
| Abutment | Only if needed: custom ₩100,000 / ₩300,000, zirconia ₩200,000 | Only if needed: custom ₩100,000 / ₩300,000, zirconia ₩200,000 | Only if needed: custom ₩100,000 / ₩300,000, zirconia ₩200,000 |
Price list as published; your written quote shows exactly which items apply. Confirm at consultation.
What you are paying for
The gap between the two implant figures is large, so it is fair to ask what it buys. On the published list, neither figure includes the crown: for either brand you add a PFM (₩350,000) or zirconia (₩450,000) implant crown, plus an abutment only if your case needs one.
Do not compare only the headline numbers. Ask for a line-by-line breakdown: implant, abutment, crown material, any bone work, and follow-up.
What stays the same whichever you pick
Implant success depends heavily on case planning, bone and gum health, surgical technique, your oral hygiene and whether you smoke. A well-planned case with a lower-priced system and a poorly planned case with a high-priced one are not equal. No brand removes these factors.
Whichever brand you choose, the implant is planned from your imaging, and your dentist can explain how placement will be carried out.
Healing also follows the same basic biology. The implant needs time to integrate with bone before the final crown is placed, and bone grafting or a sinus lift may be needed first in some cases. A bone graft is published at ₩100K to ₩1M by extent, and a sinus lift is quoted after CT examination; either is added to the implant figure only when needed.
After placement, hygiene visits and careful brushing around the implant matter as much for one brand as for the other. Treat the implant like a natural tooth that cannot get a cavity but can still be affected by gum disease.
Who might lean which way
Cost is a legitimate factor. A system that fits your budget and is correctly planned is a better outcome than one you stretch to afford and then cannot maintain.
Budget-conscious, standard case
Some patients choose a mid-priced system when the case is straightforward and the price matters. The premium Osstem option sits between the standard one and Straumann.
Prefers the Straumann brand
Patients who prefer the Straumann brand may choose it. It costs more, the crown is added separately, and an informed choice means knowing exactly what is in the quote.
Still deciding
Two other systems are on the list: DIO at ₩550,000 (crown separate) and MegaGen at ₩350,000 with a PFM crown included. A dentist can explain how they differ for your case.
This is not a recommendation for a brand. Your dentist advises based on examination.
Questions to ask before you pay
- Is the crown included, and in which material?
- Which abutment is quoted?
- Will I receive an implant card or record with brand and size?
- What does follow-up cover, and what is not included?
Frequently asked questions
Is Straumann better than Osstem?
The published list shows a price difference, but no ranking can be given. Outcomes depend on your case and care, not brand alone.
Why is Straumann more expensive?
The list does not explain its pricing. For both brands the crown is a separate item, so ask the clinic what else differs for your case.
Can I switch brands later?
This depends on what is already in your jaw. Keep your implant record, especially if you live abroad.
Is there a warranty?
Warranty terms are not stated here. Ask the clinic what applies and get it in writing.
English-speaking dentists in Seongnam
The clinic was founded by two brothers trained at Seoul National University who direct it together. Three further dentists hold Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist certifications. Full credentials →
Dr. Hyun Sung Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Microendodontics Programme, SNU
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Certified Invisalign Provider
- Osstem Implant AIC Programme
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Dr. Hyeonjoon Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Affiliate Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Certified Invisalign Provider; leads orthodontic treatment
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Member, Seoul Prime Orthodontic Study Club
Dr. Yu Jin Kim
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Osaka University Dental Hospital, Japan
Dr. Min Ji Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Conservative Dentistry
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Internship and residency, Jeonbuk National University Dental Hospital
- Master’s degree in Conservative Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University
Dr. Jin Young Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Clinical training, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Master’s degree, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Dentistry
- BA in English Language and Literature, Korea University
Related treatments and guides
Compare your options
Bring questions about brand, crown and follow-up. A dentist at the Sujin-dong clinic can explain them in English.