Key facts
- Clippy-C ceramic self-ligating braces at Lucid: from ₩3,490,000 (≈US$2,493 at ₩1,400/US$).
- Lingual braces at Lucid: from ₩5,280,000 (≈US$3,771).
- Anterior (front-teeth) alignment: from ₩1,290,000 per arch.
- Braces commonly stay on for one to two years, with regular adjustment visits.
- Orthodontics for appearance is typically not covered by Korea's NHIS.
Braces are a long commitment, so the fee is only one piece of the decision. For foreigners in Korea, the bigger questions are often how long you will stay, how often you can come in, and what happens if you move. This post focuses on fixed braces: what they cost at Lucid Dental Clinic, and what to plan for.
How much do braces cost in Korea?
At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Clippy-C ceramic self-ligating braces have a reference fee from ₩3,490,000, and lingual braces from ₩5,280,000. Front-teeth-only alignment starts from ₩1,290,000 per arch. All fees are confirmed after an exam.
| Type of braces | Where the brackets sit | Reference fee at Lucid | Approx. US$ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clippy-C ceramic self-ligating | Front of teeth, tooth-colored | from ₩3,490,000 | ≈US$2,493 |
| Lingual braces | Behind the teeth | from ₩5,280,000 | ≈US$3,771 |
| Anterior alignment (per arch) | Front teeth only | from ₩1,290,000 | ≈US$921 |
| Other bracket types | Varies | Quoted after an exam | – |
US dollar figures assume roughly ₩1,400 per US$; check today's rate. Ask what your reference fee includes, such as adjustment visits and retainers.
What are Clippy-C and lingual braces?
Both are fixed braces, but they look and feel different. The choice usually comes down to appearance, comfort and budget.
Clippy-C is a ceramic, self-ligating bracket. The ceramic blends with tooth color, and a built-in clip holds the wire instead of elastic ties. Our Clippy-C ceramic braces guide covers how it works. Lingual braces are bonded to the tongue side of the teeth, so they are hidden from the front. They can take longer to get used to for speech and tongue comfort; see lingual braces in Seoul.
How long do braces take, and why does that matter for cost?
Full braces commonly stay on for one to two years, as CareCredit's braces guide notes. During that time you return regularly for adjustments.
That timing shapes your real cost. An English teacher or student living in Seoul can drop in for checks with little expense, especially using our late weekday hours (Tue to Thu until 20:30) or Saturday hours (10:00 to 16:00). Someone flying in would pay for each trip. If you expect to leave Korea mid-treatment, raise it at the start so records can be shared with a new orthodontist later.
How do Korean braces fees compare with the US?
CareCredit's figures, based on Synchrony cost study data, list US averages of about $6,343 for metal braces, $5,834 for ceramic braces and $9,221 for lingual braces, with wide ranges by state.
Lucid's reference fees for ceramic and lingual braces fall well below those averages after conversion. Still, a direct comparison only works if you know what each quote includes, such as records, visits and retainers. For a separate look at aligners, read clear aligners vs braces cost in Korea.
Does NHIS cover braces for expats?
Usually not. Orthodontics for appearance is typically not covered by Korea's national health insurance, even for enrolled foreign residents. Some cases with a medical cause may be treated differently, so confirm with NHIS.
If you have private expat insurance, ask your insurer about orthodontic benefits before you start, and ask us for an itemized receipt on request. See NHIS dental coverage for foreigners for what is usually covered.
What happens after the braces come off?
Teeth tend to drift back without support, so every case ends with retainers. At Lucid, retainers are listed from ₩300,000.
Retainers may be fixed wires behind the front teeth, removable clear trays, or both. Wear them as told, and keep a spare if you travel often. Lost one abroad? Our guide to replacement retainers in Seoul explains how a new one is made.
What should you ask before agreeing to a braces plan?
A few direct questions avoid surprises later. Bring these to your consultation:
- Are adjustment visits and emergency bracket repairs part of the fee?
- Is the first set of retainers included, or charged separately?
- What happens to the fee if I have to leave Korea early?
- Which records (scans, X-rays, plan) can I take with me?
- Are extractions or other treatment needed before the braces go on?
What are the steps to start braces at Lucid?
- Message us on WhatsApp with smile and bite photos and how long you will stay in Korea.
- Book an exam with X-rays and a digital scan.
- Review a written plan with the bracket type, estimated length and reference fees.
- Have the braces bonded, then attend regular adjustment visits.
- Finish with retainers and a follow-up check.
Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required. For the treatment overview, see our braces in Seoul page, or compare all fees on the Seoul dental price list for 2026.
Book a consultation
Thinking about braces while you live in or visit Seoul? Send us a message through WhatsApp booking or write to WhatsApp +82-10-8354-2975 in English. Lucid Dental Clinic is on the 3rd and 4th floors of the COWAY Building, right in front of Exit 3 of Eonju Station on Subway Line 9 in Gangnam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start braces in Korea and finish them in my home country?
It can be done, but a new orthodontist may charge their own fees to take over. Tell us your plans early so we can prepare records you can take with you.
Do braces hurt?
Most people feel pressure or soreness for a few days after placement and after adjustments. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief as directed usually help.
Am I too old for braces?
Adults of many ages have braces. Healthy gums and enough bone support matter more than age, which is why X-rays come first.
What if a bracket breaks?
Contact us on WhatsApp and avoid hard or sticky food. A loose bracket is usually rebonded at your next visit or sooner if it hurts.
Can I get just my front teeth straightened?
Sometimes. If the bite is fine and only front teeth are crowded, anterior alignment may be an option, priced per arch.
