Professional dental polishing is an important part of comprehensive oral care. It enhances the smoothness and brightness of your teeth, removes surface stains, and contributes to overall dental health. In Korea, dental polishing is usually performed together with routine dental cleaning and scaling by licensed dental professionals. Below is a clear breakdown of dental polishing costs in Korean dental clinics and what influences the pricing so you can confidently inform patients or website visitors.



What Is Dental Polishing?

Dental polishing is a cosmetic and preventive dental procedure that smooths the tooth surface after professional cleaning. It removes surface stains caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco, leaving teeth cleaner and shinier. In Korean dental clinics, polishing is often included as part of a complete cleaning package that may also involve scaling and fluoride application.

Typical Polishing and Cleaning Fees in Korea

In Korea, dental polishing services are generally offered as part of a professional dental cleaning package, and fees can vary by clinic, region, and whether additional services are included.

Standard professional cleaning with polishing usually ranges from ₩60,000 to ₩120,000. This covers:

• Scaling to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces
• Basic oral examination and consultation

The exact fee depends on the patient’s needs, plaque buildup, and any add-on services included in the visit.

Fee Variations by Treatment Scope

Many Korean dental clinics structure polishing costs within different service levels:

• Basic Cleaning & Polishing: Typically around ₩60,000 to ₩100,000, ideal for routine maintenance.
• Comprehensive Cleaning + Polishing: ₩100,000 to ₩150,000 or more, often including extra checks, fluoride treatment, or stain removal.
• Deep Cleaning & Polishing (for gum issues): Premium clinics may charge higher if periodontal care or root planing is necessary.

Is Dental Polishing Covered by Insurance?

Routine dental polishing performed as part of preventive care is generally not covered by Korean national health insurance when provided outside standard insured scaling services. Many patients pay out-of-pocket for polishing and additional cleaning beyond what is covered by insurance.

However, one insurance-covered scaling session per year is possible for adults, and polishing within that appointment may be offered based on clinic policy. Always confirm whether the polishing service is part of insured preventive care or billed separately.

What’s Included in Dental Polishing Fees

Professional dental polishing fees in Korea frequently include:

• Clinical oral examination
• Scaling to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing with specialized prophy paste
• Post-polish check and hygiene guidance
• Optional fluoride application or stain removal

Patients should ask the clinic what is included in the quoted price to avoid unexpected charges.

Factors That Affect Polishing Costs

Several elements influence polishing fees at Korean dental clinics:

• Clinic Location: Practices in Seoul’s central districts or premium facilities may charge more.
• Condition of Teeth: Heavy staining or extensive plaque may require deeper cleaning before polishing.
• Add-on Services: Fluoride treatment, X-rays, or gum assessments can raise the total fee.

Why Choose Professional Polishing at a Clinic

Compared with home whitening or polishing products, professional dental polishing:

• Offers safer and more thorough stain removal
• Is performed by trained dental professionals
• Helps prevent plaque buildup and gum disease
• Provides superior results compared to over-the-counter options

Patients benefit from a healthier, brighter smile with minimized risk of enamel damage.

Final Thoughts on Polishing Fees in Korea

Dental polishing in Korean dental clinics is a cost-effective, essential part of oral hygiene care. With typical fees ranging from ₩60,000 to ₩120,000, most patients find the procedure affordable and valuable for maintaining a clean, polished smile. Whether as part of routine care or included in a broader preventive package, polishing enhances both health and aesthetics.

For the best experience, patients should consult with their dentist about polishing options, what’s included in fees, and how it fits into their long-term dental care plan.