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Dental care at Picasso — a guide for Nelson patients
Practical guide for Nelson patients considering treatment at Picasso Dental Clinic in Vietnam — flights, costs, recovery, and what your visit looks like from Nelson.
Nelson patients fly from Nelson Airport via Wellington or Christchurch to reach Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with return economy fares of NZD 1,500 to NZD 2,800 and treatment from NZD 2,667 for a Nobel or Straumann implant versus Nelson and Tasman private benchmarks of NZD 4,800 to NZD 7,500 per tooth.
Nelson has a character distinct from New Zealand’s larger cities. It is a small regional centre with a professional population, a strong arts and creative community, and a lifestyle orientation that sits somewhere between urban convenience and rural ease. Nelson and the wider Tasman district attract people who have consciously chosen to live there — which tends to produce patients who are considered, self-directed, and comfortable researching their own decisions.
Patients who contact us from Nelson have usually done their homework. They have read about dental treatment in Vietnam, compared the prices, and want to talk specifics. This guide is written for that kind of inquiry: detailed, practical, and direct.
Prices are from the May 2026 Picasso price list (1 NZD = 15,000 VND). Local benchmarks are from the 2026 Nelson dental fee survey. Travel data is from 2026 Nelson logistics research.
Why Nelson patients visit us
Nelson’s dental market is smaller than Christchurch or Wellington, with a correspondingly limited range of specialist services locally. Patients needing complex implant work, full-arch reconstruction, or cosmetic dentistry at a specialist level may already be accustomed to travelling — to Nelson’s own regional specialists or, for the most complex cases, to Christchurch or Wellington.
The private dental fee structure in Nelson and the Tasman region tracks the national range rather than the premium rates of Auckland or Queenstown. At the lower end of local implant benchmarks — around NZD 4,800 — the saving before flights for a single implant is more modest. Where the economics become compelling is at the multi-tooth level: four implants, ten veneers, or a full-arch reconstruction produce savings large enough to cover the full cost of travel with room to spare.
Nelson’s lifestyle and arts communities also include a segment of patients who have been thinking about cosmetic dental work for years but have not prioritised it over other spending. For this group, the combination of a meaningful saving and the ability to take the treatment and recovery in a genuinely interesting destination is a practical nudge toward action.
We apply the same assessment to all Nelson inquiries: if the treatment scope does not justify the travel, we say so. A small filling or a single crown does not make the trip worthwhile. A full-arch reconstruction, six or more implants, or a comprehensive smile makeover does.
Nelson dental fee context, 2026
The table below uses anonymous Nelson and Tasman private-practice benchmarks from the 2026 Nelson dental fee survey. Picasso prices are converted at 15,000 VND per NZD.
| Treatment | Nelson private benchmark (indicative) | Picasso Vietnam, May 2026 | Indicative saving before travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single implant (Nobel Biocare / Straumann) | NZD 4,800–7,500 | NZD 2,667 | NZD 2,133–4,833 |
| 10 Emax Press veneers | NZD 13,000–22,000 | NZD 6,000 | NZD 7,000–16,000 |
| All-on-4 per arch (Nobel / Straumann) | NZD 22,000–38,000 | NZD 14,667 | NZD 7,333–23,333 |
Return economy flights from Nelson via Wellington or Christchurch are NZD 1,500 to NZD 2,800. Nelson to Wellington or Christchurch domestic segments are short (under an hour) and well-served. Total travel costs including accommodation for a 10-day visit sit in the range of NZD 3,300–5,800. For multi-tooth and full-arch treatment, the net saving after travel costs is typically substantial.
Getting from Nelson to our clinic
Nelson Airport (NSN) connects to Wellington (WLG) and Christchurch (CHC) on regular domestic services. Both hubs offer onward connections to Vietnam, though the routing choices differ.
| Route | Typical airlines | Return economy | Door-to-door time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSN–WLG then WLG–AKL then AKL–SIN–HAN | Air NZ (x2 segments) + Singapore Airlines | NZD 1,600–2,600 | 18–21 hours | Adds an extra NZ domestic hop; WLG–AKL is frequent |
| NSN–CHC then CHC–SIN–HAN | Air NZ + Singapore Airlines / Scoot | NZD 1,500–2,400 | 16–20 hours | CHC–SIN direct available; often simplest routing |
| NSN–CHC then CHC–SIN–SGN | Air NZ + Singapore Airlines / Scoot | NZD 1,500–2,300 | 15–19 hours | HCMC entry; shorter final leg |
| NSN–WLG then WLG–SYD then SYD–SGN | Air NZ + Jetstar / Vietnam Airlines | NZD 1,700–2,800 | 17–21 hours | Australian transit option; adds complexity |
For most Nelson patients, the Christchurch connection is the simplest: NSN to CHC (under an hour), then a direct CHC–SIN service and onward to Hanoi. This produces a clean two-connection itinerary without the additional Auckland stop.
Nelson flights to Christchurch are served by multiple daily frequencies. Avoid booking tight connections — allow at least 90 minutes at CHC before a long-haul departure to account for domestic check-in and the terminal transfer.
Plan your Vietnam arrival as a rest day. Do not schedule a clinical appointment on the same day as arrival.
How long Nelson patients typically stay
The table below is our standard planning guide for Nelson patients.
| Treatment | Recommended stay | Trip structure |
|---|---|---|
| 6–10 Emax veneers | 7–10 days | Single trip |
| Crowns, 2–6 units | 6–9 days | Single trip |
| Root canal + crown | 5–7 days | Single trip |
| Single implant (Nobel / Straumann) | Trip 1: 4–5 days; Trip 2: 5–7 days | Two trips, 3–6 months apart |
| All-on-4 per arch | Trip 1: 5–7 days; Trip 2: 5–7 days | Two trips, 3–6 months apart |
| Veneers + implants combined | 10–14 days | Single extended trip |
Nelson patients who prefer a single trip — especially those managing self-employed schedules or with limited leave — can often combine implant placement with crown and veneer work in an extended 10–12 day visit. We design the schedule to front-load surgical work and allow restorative appointments to fill the healing days.
Recovery planning for Nelson’s lifestyle and professional community
Nelson’s patient mix reflects its community profile: small-business owners, tradespeople, creative professionals, retirees, and a range of public-sector workers from the region’s schools, hospital, and council services. Scheduling flexibility varies significantly across this group.
Self-employed and owner-operated patients often have the most flexibility — but also the least buffer. Taking 10 days away means 10 days of reduced income or client management. We recommend these patients time their visit for a period when work is naturally quieter rather than trying to work remotely from Vietnam — though light laptop work is possible during the fabrication days of a veneer visit.
Veneer and crown treatment carries no surgical recovery requirement. Sensitivity settles within 24–72 hours. The days between clinical appointments are genuinely free. Most patients find they are comfortable enough to enjoy Hanoi at a relaxed pace from day two of the visit.
Implant surgery requires proper recovery time. The first 48 hours post-placement involve swelling, a soft diet, and rest. Physical work — outdoor labour, lifting, extended standing — should be avoided for at least 5–7 days. Nelson tradies and physically active patients should build in recovery days before returning home and resuming work.
We do not recommend flying within 24 hours of a surgical appointment. Allow at least 48 hours, and ideally 72, before the long-haul return flight.
What your visit looks like
The following is a representative schedule for a Nelson patient visiting for 10 Emax veneers over 9 days.
Day 1 — Travel and arrival. NSN to Christchurch, connect to Singapore, then on to Hanoi. Arrive evening. Check in and rest. Vietnam’s time zone is 5–6 hours behind New Zealand; an early night positions you well for Day 2.
Day 2 — Consultation. First appointment at our clinic: examination, OPG review, digital photographs, shade selection, and treatment plan confirmation. Time to ask questions and discuss options before anything begins.
Day 3 — Preparation and temporaries. Veneer preparation under local anaesthetic. Impressions taken and sent to our on-site laboratory. Temporaries placed and polished. Mild sensitivity expected. Most patients eat normally that evening.
Day 4 — Rest. Free day. Sensitivity has typically resolved or reduced significantly by the second morning. A slow walk in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or a relaxed meal is typical.
Day 5 — Check-in. Brief appointment to confirm temporary fit and bite comfort. Adjustments made overnight if needed.
Days 6–7 — Free. Laboratory fabrication continues. These are genuinely free days. Nelson patients with an interest in culture, food, or craft often enjoy Hanoi’s galleries, ceramics workshops, and local markets.
Day 8 — Try-in. Veneers placed dry for shade and shape review. You see the result before bonding.
Day 9 — Final bond. Veneers bonded and polished. Occlusion checked. Care instructions, warranty documents, and full treatment record provided.
Day 10 — Return travel. Fly Hanoi to Christchurch, connect back to Nelson.
Currency and payment
All quotes are in New Zealand dollars, based on 1 NZD = 15,000 VND (May 2026). Your itemised NZD estimate is provided before you book flights. No surprises about cost.
On arrival, invoicing is in Vietnamese Dong. Visa and Mastercard are accepted via POS at all branches. VND cash from ATMs is also accepted. Notify your New Zealand bank of your travel dates before departure to prevent international card blocks.
For larger treatment amounts, a currency transfer service such as Wise reduces bank card conversion costs. Our accounts team can supply VND bank transfer details on request for patients who prefer to send funds in advance.
Preparing your records
Gather the following before making contact. Complete records allow us to produce a more precise initial estimate.
- A recent OPG (panoramic X-ray) — from your Nelson dentist if available
- Photographs: full-face smile, close-up upper arch, close-up lower arch, side profiles
- Any treatment plans or quotes from your local dentist
- List of current medications, including anything affecting bone health, healing, or bleeding
- Medical history: previous implants, bone grafts, systemic conditions, known allergies
- A brief description of your primary concern and what outcome you are hoping for
If you have no OPG, send photographs and a written description. We will advise whether a conditional estimate is possible or whether we need imaging before quoting. CBCT scanning is available on-site at our clinic.
How to start
Email [email protected] with your photos, OPG if available, and a description of your needs.
We respond within 24 hours on business days. Our response includes an itemised NZD estimate broken down by procedure, material, and brand. No obligation and no fee for the initial assessment — the purpose is to give you accurate numbers before you commit to travel.
If your plan includes implants, All-on-4, or any treatment that warrants pre-operative medical review, we will flag the GP fitness letter requirement in our first response.
Next step
Request a free NZD quote · Dental implants for Nelson patients · Veneers for Nelson patients · Is it safe?
About this page
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founding Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic
DDS · Founder and Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic group
Clinical focus: Cosmetic dentistry · Veneers · Smile design
Dr. Emily Nguyen founded Picasso Dental Clinic in 2013 (originally Serenity International Dental Clinic) and led its 2023 rebrand. She sets clinical standards across the group's six branches in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat, and personally reviews cosmetic protocols including the Portrait Sitting workflow for veneers and smile makeovers.
Frequently asked questions
How do Nelson patients get to Picasso Dental Clinic?
Nelson Airport (NSN) has domestic connections to Wellington (WLG) and Christchurch (CHC). From either hub, patients connect to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Total door-to-door travel is approximately 16–21 hours. Return economy fares from Nelson via Wellington or Christchurch are NZD 1,500 to NZD 2,800.
How much do Nelson patients typically save at Picasso?
For a single Nobel or Straumann implant: NZD 2,133 to NZD 4,833 before flights, compared with Nelson and Tasman benchmarks of NZD 4,800 to NZD 7,500. For 10 Emax veneers: NZD 7,000 to NZD 16,000 before flights. For All-on-4 per arch: NZD 7,333 to NZD 23,333 before flights.
How long do Nelson patients need to stay in Vietnam?
Veneer and crown cases need 7–10 days in a single trip. Implant cases use a two-trip structure: 4–5 days for surgical placement, 3–6 months healing in Nelson, then 5–7 days for the final crown. All-on-4 follows the same two-trip pattern.
When is the best time for Nelson patients to travel?
April to June and September to October are the preferred windows — Vietnam shoulder season and outside New Zealand school holiday peaks. Nelson's lifestyle and creative communities typically have more scheduling flexibility than corporate employees, though the region's fruit-picking and horticultural season (summer) can affect some workers. The April to June window avoids both NZ summer peak and Vietnam's hottest months.
How do Nelson patients get a quote from Picasso?
Email photos, an OPG if available, and a description of your treatment needs to [email protected]. We return an itemised NZD estimate before you commit to flights.