One of my biggest insecurities for years was my teeth. Aside from not looking aesthetically pleasing because of several missing teeth, I also had a gum problem caused by a dental cyst. I had always wanted to get my teeth fixed, not just to improve my smile but also to be able to eat comfortably again.
Now that I was finally earning enough, I made getting my teeth fixed one of my priorities.
Of course, having a beautiful smile also matters to me as a DJ and content creator. I wanted to feel more confident when meeting people, taking photos, and showing up in front of the camera. But more than the aesthetic side of it, I was honestly just tired of wearing dentures.
For years, I had been researching dental clinics in the Philippines, particularly in Davao, Cebu, and Manila. I wanted to explore my options for fixed bridges and veneers, compare prices, and find a clinic that could accommodate my dental condition.
That’s when I discovered dental tourism in Vietnam and came across Vietduc Dental Clinic.
Here’s my experience getting fixed bridge and veneers in Vietnam as a Filipino, including the actual cost, procedures, number of days needed, payment methods, and everything I think you should know before considering dental treatment abroad.
Quick Overview: My Dental Journey in Vietnam
If you’re looking for a quick summary before reading my full experience, here’s an overview of my dental treatment in Hanoi.
Dental Clinic: Vietduc Dental Clinic, Hanoi, Vietnam
Treatment: Full smile restoration
Procedures: Fixed bridge, zirconia crowns, root canal, and minor dental surgery for a dental cyst
Fixed Bridge: 20 units
Zirconia Crowns: 8 units
Material: Zirconia
Total Dental Procedure Duration: 5 days
Total Dental Bill: USD 4,310
Payment Methods: Credit card/PayPal and Vietnamese Dong cash
Promotional Package: USD 1,400 for 13 crowns, including accommodation, airport pick-up, and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour
My treatment involved more than just getting dental crowns. Because of my existing dental condition, I also needed a root canal and minor surgery to remove a dental cyst.
My Dental Condition: Why I Decided to Get Fixed Bridges and Zirconia Crowns
I’ve been wearing dentures since high school. One of my front teeth had to be extracted because an abscess had formed around it. Since then, wearing a denture became part of my everyday life. If you’ve worn dentures for years, you probably understand how uncomfortable they can be. There were times when eating felt like a chore, and I had to be conscious of how I chewed my food.
I mostly ate using the right side of my mouth because the left side felt uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Over the years, I also noticed that the upper left front part of my gum was swollen. I knew something wasn’t quite right, but I never imagined there was a dental cyst underneath.
During my consultation at Vietduc Dental, they discovered a dental cyst in the bone around my upper front gum. This was something I hadn’t expected to find, especially since my main intention was to replace my dentures and improve the appearance of my teeth. The discovery meant that my treatment would involve more than cosmetic restoration.
What Dental Procedures Did I Get in Vietnam?
After my consultation and dental assessment, here’s the treatment I underwent at Vietduc Dental:
20 units of fixed bridge – To replace my missing teeth and restore my bite.
8 units of zirconia crowns – These were placed over my remaining original teeth as part of my full smile restoration.
Zirconia material – Used for my dental restorations.
2 metal bridge components – Included in the construction of my upper fixed bridge.
Root canal treatment – To treat one tooth that required additional attention.
Minor dental surgery – To remove the dental cyst discovered during my initial examination.
One thing I want to clarify is that I didn’t actually get traditional veneers. My original teeth were drilled and prepared down to smaller structures to accommodate the zirconia crowns. This was part of my customized full smile restoration treatment.
Zirconia crowns are different from traditional veneers. Crowns cover the prepared tooth, while veneers generally cover only the front surface of a tooth. The appropriate treatment depends on your dental condition and your dentist’s assessment.
Your dental condition and treatment plan may be completely different, so always have your teeth properly assessed before deciding on any procedure.
My 5-Day Dental Procedure Experience at Vietduc Dental
I dedicated five days of my Vietnam trip specifically to my dental treatment. I didn’t squeeze in sightseeing or other activities between appointments because I wanted to focus on the procedure and give myself enough time to rest. I arrived in Hanoi at around 1:00 AM, checked into my accommodation, and went straight to bed.
Here’s how my dental journey went, day by day.
Day 1: Consultation, Dental X-Ray, and Temporary Teeth
This was also the day I arrived in Hanoi.
9:00 AM – Front Desk and Initial Meeting
I met the clinic’s front desk team, who assisted me throughout the process. They even encouraged me to eat something before starting, even though I told them I was used to skipping breakfast.
Dental X-Ray
I underwent dental imaging so the dental team could assess my teeth and surrounding bone structure. This was important because they needed a better understanding of my dental condition before recommending the appropriate treatment.
One-on-One Consultation
I then had a consultation with their dental expert and an English-speaking dental representative who explained my dental condition and discussed the proposed treatment.
We talked about the number of fixed bridge units and zirconia crowns I would need, the available materials, and the shade of my teeth.
My advice: Don’t be shy about asking questions. Explain what you want your smile to look like, what concerns you have, and what you’re expecting from the treatment. Make sure you understand the proposed procedures before agreeing to anything.
Dental Check-Up
After the consultation, I went to the dental clinic for a more detailed examination with the dentist.
2:00 PM – Tooth Preparation and Temporary Teeth
This was when the actual dental procedure started. My original teeth were prepared for the restorations, and temporary teeth were placed while the permanent ones were being made. After the appointment, I returned to my room to rest.
Day 2: Root Canal Treatment
My second day was scheduled for root canal treatment. This was one of the additional procedures needed based on my dental assessment.
I had my appointment at around 2:00 PM. After the procedure, I went back to my accommodation and rested for the remainder of the day.
Day 3: First Fitting and Final Fitting
This was probably one of the most exciting days because I finally got to see what my new teeth would look like.
9:00 AM – Removal of Temporary Teeth and First Fitting
The temporary teeth were removed, and I had my first fitting. This is when you get to see the proposed shape, size, and shade of your permanent restorations.
You can also discuss any changes you want before the final placement. I paid close attention to how the teeth looked and felt because I wanted a natural-looking smile rather than something that looked too artificial.
2:00 PM – Final Fitting and Bite Correction
I returned in the afternoon for the final fitting. The dental team checked my bite and made adjustments to ensure everything was properly aligned and comfortable. This part is important because your new teeth should not only look good but should also function properly.
Day 4: Dental Cyst Removal Surgery
This was the day I was most nervous about. At around 11:00 AM, I underwent minor dental surgery to remove the dental cyst discovered during my initial consultation.
I had never undergone surgery before, so the experience was overwhelming, especially because I was alone in another country. It really hit me afterward when I saw a photo of what had been done during the procedure.
An English-speaking dentist explained why removing the cyst was important and that leaving it untreated could allow it to grow. I was also reminded to take my prescribed medication and have my stitches removed once I returned to the Philippines.
My face was swollen after the surgery, and it took around three to five days for the swelling to subside.
Day 5: Recovery and Transit to Malaysia
My fifth day was technically my recovery day, but I also had another country to visit!
After completing my dental procedures in Hanoi, I was scheduled to travel to Malaysia as part of my multi-country trip.
Although I was still recovering from the dental cyst removal surgery, I had to continue with my travel itinerary. Thankfully, the swelling gradually subsided over the next three to five days.
Looking back, I would have preferred to have an extra day or two in Hanoi just to rest before moving to another destination. But since I had already planned my Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore trip, I had to work around my travel schedule.
A quick reminder: My five-day timeline is based on my personal treatment plan. Not everyone will finish their dental procedures within the same number of days. Your treatment may require additional appointments, healing time, or follow-up visits depending on your dental condition.
How Much Does Fixed Bridge and Zirconia Crowns Cost in Vietnam?
This is probably one of the biggest questions Filipinos have when researching dental tourism in Vietnam.
Before booking my treatment, I was also curious about how much I would actually spend compared with getting the same procedures done in the Philippines.
My dental clinic charged in US dollars, and my final dental bill came to USD 4,310.
These are the prices from my own treatment, not a guaranteed price list for every patient. The final amount included my additional dental procedures, so don’t calculate your expected bill using only the per-unit prices above.
Your actual cost will depend on the number of teeth involved, the materials selected, your dental condition, and whether you need additional treatments such as root canal therapy or surgery.
Also, remember that fixed bridges are priced by units. A bridge can consist of several connected crowns, so the number of units is not necessarily the same as the number of missing teeth.
How Much Did I Pay for My Dental Treatment?
My final dental bill was USD 4,310.
For payment, I used a combination of card/PayPal and Vietnamese Dong cash.
USD 1,500 – Paid through my EastWest credit card via PayPal.
VND 40,000,000 – Paid in cash.
VND 33,340,000 – Paid in cash.
I chose this combination of payment methods based on the payment arrangements available at the clinic.
One thing I learned during the process is that you should ask about payment methods and possible transaction fees before arriving. International card transactions and currency conversions can add to your expenses.
I’d also recommend preparing enough cash or arranging your payment methods in advance so you won’t have to worry about transferring or withdrawing large amounts while undergoing treatment.
Important: The final USD amount and the actual Philippine peso equivalent will depend on your exchange rates, conversion fees, and payment method.
Vietduc Dental's Promotional Package: What's Included?
One of the reasons I initially considered Vietduc Dental was their promotional package.
I availed of their USD 1,400 promotion for 13 crowns. The package included:
- 3 days of accommodation within the clinic building
- Airport arrival pick-up
- Hanoi hop-on-hop-off bus tour
I initially paid a USD 100 down payment in July to secure my promotional slot, then planned my Vietnam trip for October.
Just remember that the USD 1,400 promotion was not my total treatment cost. My actual dental treatment costs more because my final treatment involved additional restorations and procedures.
Promotions and inclusions can change, so I recommend messaging Vietduc Dental directly to ask about their current offers and what is included.
Is It Worth Travelling to Vietnam for Dental Treatment?
For me, the experience was worth it.
I was initially skeptical because dental procedures, especially fixed bridges and dental crowns, can be expensive in the Philippines.
I spent months researching clinics, comparing prices, and thinking about whether travelling abroad for dental treatment was the right decision.
But my experience at Vietduc Dental was surprisingly positive.
The procedure was completed within five days, and the people who assisted me were warm and accommodating.
I especially appreciated Ms. Binh, who continued checking on me even after my dental appointments.
Since I still had stitches from the surgery and continued travelling to Malaysia and Singapore afterward, she made sure I was doing okay and was happy with my new teeth.
That kind of follow-up made a difference, especially when you’re travelling alone and undergoing dental procedures in another country.
Of course, I wouldn’t say that dental tourism is automatically the best option for everyone. You still need to consider your dental condition, the qualifications of the dental professionals, the treatment plan, the costs, and the aftercare arrangements.
For me, the biggest takeaway was that I was finally able to address a dental problem I had lived with for years.
Things Filipinos Should Know Before Getting Fixed Bridge and Zirconia Crowns in Vietnam
If you’re considering flying to Hanoi for dental treatment, here are a few things I would personally recommend preparing for.
1. Have your dental condition assessed first.
Don’t book your treatment based on the assumption that you’ll only need veneers or crowns. Your dentist may discover underlying problems that require additional procedures.
2. Ask for a detailed treatment plan and quotation.
Request a breakdown of the number of units, materials, additional procedures, and estimated total cost.
Don’t rely solely on a promotional package price.
3. Set aside enough days for your appointments.
My treatment took five days, but yours could be shorter or longer. Avoid scheduling sightseeing activities too tightly around your dental appointments.
4. Ask about payment methods and transaction fees.
Find out whether the clinic accepts cash, credit cards, or PayPal. Ask about additional processing fees and currency conversion before paying.
5. Discuss aftercare before flying home.
Ask what medications you’ll need, whether you’ll have stitches, when they should be removed, and whether you’ll need follow-up appointments.
6. Arrange follow-up care in the Philippines.
This is particularly important if you undergo surgery or other procedures that require monitoring after returning home.
Make sure you know which dentist will handle your follow-up care and have a copy of your dental records and treatment plan.
7. Don’t forget recovery time.
Your face may swell, and you may experience discomfort after certain procedures. Give yourself enough time to rest rather than treating the trip like an ordinary vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fixed Bridge and Veneers in Vietnam
1. How much does a veneer cost per tooth in Vietnam?
The price depends on the dental clinic, material, and type of restoration.
In my case, my quoted price for a zirconia crown was USD 120 per unit. However, these were full-coverage crowns, not traditional veneers.
If you’re specifically looking for veneers in Vietnam, ask the clinic for a separate quotation because the procedure and pricing may differ.
2. How much does a fixed bridge cost per tooth in Vietnam?
My quoted price for a zirconia fixed bridge was USD 150 per unit at Vietduc Dental.
The final cost will depend on how many units are needed and the complexity of your dental case.
3. How much do zirconia crowns cost in Vietnam?
Based on my experience at Vietduc Dental, my quoted price was USD 120 per zirconia crown unit.
Prices may vary depending on the clinic, material, and treatment plan.
4. How many days should I stay in Vietnam for fixed bridges and veneers?
Based on my experience, you should allow around three to five days for your dental appointments, depending on your treatment plan.
Mine took five days because I also needed root canal treatment and dental cyst removal surgery.
If you plan to explore Hanoi or other destinations after your appointments, consider adding extra days for recovery and sightseeing.
5. Is it safe to get dental treatment in Vietnam?
The safety of your treatment depends on the qualifications of your dentist, the clinic’s standards, your dental condition, and the procedures being performed.
Research the clinic, request a detailed treatment plan, and consider getting an independent dental assessment before committing to extensive restorative work.
Also, make sure you have a follow-up dentist in the Philippines.
6. How do I book a dental appointment at Vietduc Dental?
You can contact Vietduc Dental through their official Facebook page to inquire about available appointments, treatment options, and promotional packages.
I recommend sending them your dental concerns and asking what records or X-rays you should prepare before your consultation.
7. Does Vietduc Dental offer accommodation for international patients?
The promotional package I availed included three days of accommodation within the clinic building and airport pick-up.
However, package inclusions may change, so contact the clinic directly to confirm its current offers.
8. Can Filipinos travel to Vietnam for dental treatment?
Yes. Filipinos can travel to Vietnam for dental treatment, subject to the applicable entry requirements at the time of travel.
Make sure your passport, travel arrangements, and any necessary documentation are prepared before departure.
I have to be honest. Even a month after my full smile restoration in Vietnam, I still get emotional thinking about the decision I made for myself.
For years, I thought the discomfort I experienced when eating was simply because of my dentures. I never imagined that there was a dental cyst underneath my gum. Getting my teeth fixed was initially something I wanted for aesthetic reasons. But what I gained from the experience was so much more than that. I became more confident, yes. But more importantly, I could finally chew on my left side and enjoy my food properly again after so many years.
I didn’t realize how much I had missed something as simple as eating comfortably until I could finally do it again. Sometimes, we think we’re investing in our appearance when we’re actually investing in our quality of life. And for me, this dental journey in Vietnam was exactly that.
