Maggok Station Dental Clinic_ 3. Glass Ionomer (GI) Cost [feat. National Health Insurance]

Hello.

We are Seoul Dia Dental Clinic at Magok Station, where we reduce the burden on patients and improve dental health.

In times like these, when prices are rising sharply,

you may be wondering, “Will dental treatment costs be okay?”

Especially for cavity treatment, the cost can vary greatly depending on the material,

so questions like “Is this covered by insurance?” and “Is it cheaper than resin?” are the most common.

Today, we’ll clearly explain the key point of that question!

We’ll give you a straightforward summary of the cost of glass ionomer (GI) fillings and the criteria for National Health Insurance coverage.

What is glass ionomer (GI)?

Maggok Station Dental Clinic_Glass Ionomer

The name may sound a little difficult, right?

Glass = glass, Ionomer = an ionic bonding material

In other words, it is a material that hardens when glass powder and ions come together.

Its color is in the milky ivory to white range,

and it is often used for early cavities and primary teeth (children’s cavity treatment).

GI contains fluoride,

so it is a smart material that helps prevent cavities from recurring even after treatment.

Beyond simply filling, it is a two-in-one filling material that also helps with prevention.

Glass ionomer (GI), cost and National Health Insurance coverage

Maggok Station Dental Clinic_Dental Treatment Cost

“Is it covered by National Health Insurance?”

The answer is yes.

Glass ionomer (GI) is a filling material covered by National Health Insurance.

For early cavities or simple restorative treatment,

insurance coverage significantly reduces the treatment cost burden.

1. When insurance applies

With insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket amount is

reduced to about 30–40% of the total cost.

If it is an early cavity, treatment is possible for around 20,000 won,

so you can take care of both your wallet and your teeth.

2. When not covered by insurance

If insurance does not apply, the cost rises to around 40,000 to 80,000 won.

In particular, light-cured GI (the type that hardens with light) has higher material costs,

so it is classified as non-covered.

• Self-cured GI (the type that hardens on its own) → Insurance coverage possible

• Light-cured GI (the type that hardens with light) → Non-covered, 2 to 3 times more expensive

In other words, even with the same filling material,

the insurance status and price can differ depending on the type.

How does it compare with resin?

Maggok Station Dental Clinic_Resin

Many people ask, “Resin is non-covered and expensive, so is GI better?”

The truth is, resin is strong and highly aesthetic,

so it provides a much more natural result for front teeth or visible areas when smiling.

On the other hand, GI is somewhat weaker in strength,

but it contains fluoride, so it helps prevent cavities,

and it is suitable for early cavities or areas with less biting force.

In other words, the choice between the two materials depends on

“which area is being treated” and “what condition the tooth is in.”

In conclusion,

rather than one material being simply “better,”

what matters is choosing the one that fits the patient’s dental condition and purpose.

For simple cases such as early cavities or primary tooth treatment,

self-cured GI, which is covered by insurance, can be a less burdensome and practical option.

Conversely, for front teeth where aesthetics are important or molars that need strength,

resin may be the better choice.

To summarize today’s post!

Category	Insurance Coverage	Average Cost (per tooth)	Features
Self-cured GI	Covered	Around 10,000–20,000 won	Contains fluoride, helps prevent cavities, economical
Light-cured GI	Non-covered	Around 40,000–80,000 won	Brighter color, fast hardening
Resin	Non-covered	Around 60,000–150,000 won	Excellent aesthetics and durability

For cavity treatment, “when, where, and with what material” matters.

Rather than simply comparing costs,

it is important to consider both the condition of the tooth and the characteristics of the material

for the treatment to last the longest.

Seoul Dia Dental Clinic at Magok Station

At Seoul Dia Dental Clinic at Magok Station,

we analyze the depth of the cavity, bite, lifestyle habits, and budget

to help you choose the most reasonable and customized material.

Rather than searching aimlessly,

find the answer that suits your teeth through an accurate diagnosis and consultation.

For your dental health, Seoul Dia Dental Clinic will stand by you.

[ This post was written in accordance with medical law for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgery and procedures. Infection and side effects may occur after surgery, so you should decide on surgery (procedure) after consulting sufficiently with a skilled medical professional. ]

[ Magok Station Seoul Dia Dental Clinic Glass Ionomer Series ]

1. Features, advantages, and disadvantages

2. Indications

3. Cost (National Health Insurance coverage)

4. Treatment process

5. Precautions after treatment