Chiang Mai Dental Scale and Polish Deals – Local Discount Guide

Chiang Mai Dental Scale and Polish Deals – Local Discount Guide

If you’re hunting for an easy, wallet-friendly way to brighten your smile in the north, Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand for a professional scale and polish. Between neighborhood clinics around Nimman and the Old City, hospital dental centers, and university teaching clinics, you’ll find plenty of promotions, English-speaking dentists, and convenient booking by phone or Line. This guide rounds up how to find real deals, what prices to expect, and how to book like a local—sabai sabai, no stress.

Why scale and polish matters (and what it includes)

- A standard “scale and polish,” called kood-hin-puun (ขูดหินปูน) in Thai, removes tartar and surface stains. Most clinics use ultrasonic scaling followed by polishing paste; many include a quick check-up and advice on gum care.

- Expect 20–40 minutes if your gums are healthy. If you’ve got heavier tartar or bleeding gums, the dentist may suggest deep cleaning (root planing), sometimes split over quadrants.

- Good rule of thumb: every 6–12 months. Coffee, tea, and som tam chili flakes love to stain, so Chiang Mai’s frequent tea drinkers often go every 6 months.

Typical Chiang Mai prices for teeth cleaning

Realistic price ranges you’ll see on local menus and promo posters:

- Scale and polish (standard): from THB 800–1,500

- Check-up + cleaning combo: often THB 990–1,600

- Deep cleaning (per quadrant): around THB 1,200–1,800

- X-rays (if needed): single film THB 250–400; panoramic THB 900–1,500

Note: Prices vary by location and clinic profile (mall clinic vs. neighborhood shop, hospital center, or university). Weekend or evening slots may fill fast; weekday daytime can be cheaper when a clinic runs a weekday promo.

Where to spot genuine deals

- Facebook pages and groups: Many Chiang Mai dental clinics post monthly promotion posters in English and Thai. Search “Chiang Mai dental clinic promotion” or join expat groups like Chiang Mai Community. You’ll often see limited-time cleaning deals (e.g., THB 999 for scale + polish).

- Line Official Accounts (OA): Scan the clinic’s QR in-store or on their page. Ask, “Any promo for scale and polish this month, krub/ka?” and they’ll send current rates, time slots, and bundle packages.

- GoWabi: While more popular for spa/beauty, some Chiang Mai dental clinics list cleaning and whitening promos. Check app ratings and read recent reviews.

- University and hospital centers: The Faculty of Dentistry at CMU and private hospital dental centers sometimes run seasonal discounts. University clinics are cheaper but require longer appointments and advance booking.

- Mall clinics: In Central Festival or One Nimman area, look for “Grand Opening” or “Anniversary” promotions. Good for clean, modern setups and easy parking.

Neighborhood cheat sheet

- Nimman & Santitham: Trendy area, many English-speaking dentists, convenient for walk-ins and Line booking. Expect mid-range prices with frequent promo posts.

- Old City & Tha Pae: Plenty of traveler-friendly clinics used to working with internationals. Good chance of English and weekend hours.

- Chang Phueak & CMU area: Closer to the university and local communities, often more budget-friendly. Teaching clinic options nearby.

- Mall/airport corridor: Clean, modern clinics in malls or near main roads, easy Grab access, sometimes higher list price but regular promotions.

How to ask for the best price (polite and local)

- “Do you have any promotion for cleaning this week, krub/ka?”

- “Cash price or PromptPay discount available?”

- “Any student or morning s

lot price?” (Some clinics offer weekday morning deals or student rates with ID.)

- “Check-up included with cleaning, right?” (Many clinics bundle it.)

Booking, payment, and language tips

- Booking: Walk-in can be okay on quiet weekdays, but Line or call ahead for weekends and payday weeks (around the end of the month).

- Payment: Cash is always fine; QR PromptPay is common. Card is accepted at most clinics; sometimes a small card fee applies—ask first.

- Language: “Scale and polish” is widely understood. You can also say “teeth cleaning.” If needed, show the Thai term ขูดหินปูน.

- Transport: Red songthaew is easy for short hops; Grab is fast and cheap inside town. Tell the driver the clinic’s soi or landmark (e.g., near Maya, near Thapae Gate).

What to expect on the chair

- Quick history: The dentist will ask about sensitivity, bleeding gums, or medications. Mention if you have sensitive teeth; they can go gentler or add topical numbing gel.

- Ultrasonic scale: A buzzing tip shakes off tartar; there’s water spray and suction. Some people feel vibration but little pain if gums are healthy.

- Polish: Gritty paste smooths the enamel and removes surface stains. You’ll rinse; fluoride varnish may be offered for a small add-on fee.

- Home care: They’ll suggest flossing or interdental brushes and an interval for your next clean—usually 6 months.

Money-saving strategies that actually work

- Weekday and morning slots: Ask for off-peak pricing; some clinics post “Mon–Thu only” promos.

- Bundle cleanings: Couples or friends can ask for a two-person promo. Not always advertised, but often possible.

- Student or local resident rates: If you study or work in Chiang Mai, bring your ID; some clinics offer a quiet discount.

- Watch for whitening bundles: Whitening + cleaning packages sometimes drop the cleaning price significantly. If you’re considering whitening anyway, it can be good value.

- Check before extras: X-rays or fluoride are useful in many cases but ask if they’re necessary today—no problem to confirm first.

When you might need more than a standard clean

If the dentist advises deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) due to gum pockets or heavy tartar, the price will be higher and may need 2–4 visits. Don’t worry—Chiang Mai still offers fair rates compared with many countries. You can request a written treatment plan with itemized costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Insurance and receipts

- Thai insurance with dental riders usually requires official receipts. Ask the clinic to issue a detailed tax invoice with your name/passport number.

- International visitors: Most travel insurance won’t cover routine cleaning, but keep the invoice just in case.

Quick FAQ

- How often should I clean? Every 6 months is common; yearly is okay if gums are healthy and you’re a light tea/coffee drinker.

- Will it hurt? Mild sensitivity is normal; tell the dentist if you’re nervous—Chiang Mai dentists are generally gentle and can take it slow.

- How long does it take? Around 20–40 minutes for a standard session.

- Can I walk in? Yes in many clinics, but booking is safer on weekends and evenings.

Final local tip

Before you go, send a quick Line message: “Hi, I’d like to book scale and polish this week. Any promo price available, krub/ka?” You’ll get current deals straight from the source, plus time slots. Easy, clear, and very Chiang Mai style.

With the right timing and a little local know-how, you can keep your smile bright in Chiang Mai without paying premium prices—clean teeth, happy gums, and change left over for khao soi after your appointment.