Teeth Whitening and Scaling Costs in Seongnam, in Plain Numbers
Published by The Seoul Dental Clinic · Meet the dentists
On our published price list, professional whitening is ₩385,000 (VAT included). Insurance-covered scaling follows national insurance rules, and additional (non-covered) scaling is ₩50,000. Whitening of a single darkened tooth after root canal (internal bleaching) is ₩165,000 per tooth, VAT included. Confirm the final figure at your consultation.
The short answer on price
Three figures matter for most visitors. Professional whitening is listed at ₩385,000, VAT included. Scaling covered by national health insurance follows the insurance rules, and additional scaling beyond that is listed at ₩50,000 as a non-covered service. Whitening after root canal (internal bleaching), which treats one discolored tooth from the inside, is listed at ₩165,000 per tooth, VAT included.
Those numbers come from the price list our clinic publishes. We recommend reading them as a starting point rather than a final invoice, because your mouth decides what is actually needed.
The three prices side by side
The table below puts the list prices in one place. Price list as published; confirm at consultation.
| Treatment | Published price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Professional whitening | ₩385,000 (VAT incl.) | Whitening of the visible teeth |
| Additional scaling (non-covered) | ₩50,000 | Removal of plaque and tartar beyond insurance-covered scaling |
| Whitening after root canal (internal bleaching) | ₩165,000 per tooth (VAT incl.) | One darkened, previously treated tooth |
Cosmetic prices include VAT. Insurance-covered scaling follows national insurance rules. Final figures are confirmed in person.
What scaling actually is
Scaling removes hardened plaque (tartar) from the tooth surface and just under the gum edge. It is routine maintenance, not a cosmetic procedure, though many people notice their teeth look cleaner afterward.
Because it is listed as non-covered, it is paid directly. If you are on an overseas insurance plan, ask your insurer whether routine cleaning is reimbursable before you visit, and ask us for an itemized receipt.
Why whitening and scaling go together
Whitening works best on teeth that are free of tartar and surface buildup. If tartar is present, the whitening agent cannot reach the enamel evenly, and the result can look patchy.
For that reason your dentist may suggest scaling first and whitening afterward. Whether both can be done in one visit depends on your examination, so please do not assume a fixed schedule.
What can change the final bill
The list price assumes a straightforward case. A few things can change what you are quoted after examination:
- Existing fillings or crowns, which do not change color with whitening
- Gum inflammation that needs treatment before cosmetic work
- Heavy staining from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco
- A single dark tooth that calls for internal bleaching instead
Gum treatment and other items without a published price are quoted after examination.
Booking an English consultation
Consultation before treatment is free. Bring any questions about shade, sensitivity and timing. Your dentist will examine your teeth, explain what is realistic, and give you a written figure before anything starts.
Results vary from person to person, and we do not promise a specific shade. If you are whitening for an event, tell us the date early so the plan can fit around it.
Questions worth asking before you pay
A clear conversation up front prevents surprises. Dentists are used to these questions, and we would rather answer them before treatment than after. If anything in the plan is unclear, say so and we will go through it again in plain English.
- Ask for the written quote, so you can compare it with the published list price (cosmetic prices include VAT).
- Ask whether scaling is recommended before whitening in your case.
- Ask how long the effect is expected to last and what upkeep helps, such as avoiding heavy staining drinks right after treatment.
- Ask for an itemized receipt if you plan to claim on overseas insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much is professional whitening in Seongnam at your clinic?
The published price is ₩385,000, VAT included, and the final figure is confirmed at consultation.
How much is scaling?
Insurance-covered scaling follows national insurance rules. Additional scaling beyond that is listed at ₩50,000 as a non-covered service.
Is internal bleaching priced per tooth?
Yes. Whitening after root canal (internal bleaching) is listed at ₩165,000 per tooth, VAT included, and is used for a single darkened tooth.
Do I need scaling before whitening?
Often it helps, because tartar blocks even whitening. Your dentist decides after examining you.
Can I claim these costs on overseas insurance?
That depends on your policy. We can provide itemized paperwork to support a claim.
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
Ask about whitening or scaling
Send us a message with your questions or request an English consultation. We will confirm the current price list and plan the visit around your schedule.