Front Teeth Alignment in Seoul: Minor Orthodontics for Your Smile Line
Front teeth (anterior) alignment is limited orthodontics that straightens only the teeth you see when you smile, without changing the whole bite. At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, it has a reference fee of ₩1,290,000 per arch. It suits mild crowding, gaps or relapse after earlier braces, and a retainer is needed afterward.
Key facts
- Anterior alignment moves only the front teeth; it does not correct the overall bite.
- Reference fee at Lucid Dental Clinic: ₩1,290,000 per arch (≈US$920 at ₩1,400/US$).
- It suits mild crowding, small gaps, slight rotations and relapse after earlier braces.
- Limited cases typically take months rather than years, with check-ups during treatment.
- A retainer (from ₩300,000) is needed; the British Orthodontic Society advises part-time retainer wear for life.
- Orthodontics is typically not covered by Korea's NHIS.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Prosthodontist, Chief Dentist at Lucid Dental Clinic. Last reviewed 27 September 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis; individual results vary, and a consultation and exam are required.
What is anterior teeth alignment?
Anterior teeth alignment is limited orthodontic treatment that moves only the front teeth — usually the six to eight you see when you smile — rather than correcting the whole bite. Dentists also call it minor tooth movement or short-term orthodontics.
It is designed for people whose back teeth already meet well, but whose front teeth have crept out of line: a tooth that overlaps its neighbor, a small gap, a slight rotation, or crowding that came back after braces as a teenager. At Lucid Dental Clinic, it is listed on the fee table as "anterior alignment" and priced per arch.
Who is front-teeth alignment suitable for?
It usually suits adults with mild crowding or spacing in the front teeth and a stable, healthy bite. If the bite itself needs correcting, full orthodontics is normally the better choice.
| Situation | Anterior alignment may suit | Full orthodontics is usually needed |
|---|---|---|
| Crowding | Mild overlap of a few front teeth | Moderate to severe crowding throughout |
| Spacing | Small gaps between front teeth | Large gaps or missing teeth to manage |
| Bite | Back teeth meet well | Overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite to correct |
| History | Relapse after earlier braces | Never treated, with complex movement needed |
| Goal | Neater smile line | Functional bite change plus appearance |
An exam with X-rays is essential, because gum and bone health around the front teeth decide how safely they can move.
How much does front-teeth alignment cost in Seoul?
At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, anterior alignment has a reference fee of ₩1,290,000 per arch(about US$920 at roughly ₩1,400 per US$ — check today's rate). Treating both upper and lower front teeth would therefore start from about ₩2,580,000.
| Treatment | Reference fee (KRW, from) | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Anterior alignment, one arch | ₩1,290,000 | Front-tooth position, one jaw |
| Anterior alignment, both arches | ₩2,580,000 | Front-tooth position, both jaws |
| Retainer (each) | ₩300,000 | Holds the result |
| Clippy-C ceramic braces (full) | ₩3,490,000 | Whole-arch alignment and bite |
| LUCINATE veneer (per tooth) | ₩1,190,000 | Visible shape and color, not position |
These are reference "from" prices; your fee is confirmed at consultation once the plan is clear. Orthodontic treatment is typically not covered by Korea's NHIS.
How long does anterior alignment take?
Limited front-teeth cases usually take a few months rather than the year or more of full orthodontics, but the exact time depends on how far each tooth needs to move and how your teeth respond.
You will need check-ups during treatment to adjust the appliance and confirm teeth are moving as planned. That makes this option practical for expats, students and residents in Seoul. If you are visiting only briefly, ask about clear aligners for short stays, which may allow some monitoring between visits.
What are the steps of front-teeth alignment?
- Consultation and exam including X-rays, to check roots, bone and gums around the front teeth.
- Records and planning: photos and scans or impressions to map how each front tooth should move.
- Plan and fee confirmation, including the expected number of visits.
- Appliance placement on the front teeth, using the approach chosen for your case.
- Adjustments at planned intervals. Small amounts of enamel polishing between teeth may be used in some cases to create space.
- Finishing once the front teeth are in line.
- Retention: a retainer is fitted to stop the teeth drifting back.
Why do front teeth move after braces?
Teeth can shift throughout life, and front teeth are the most likely to show it. The British Orthodontic Society advises that the only way to make sure teeth cannot move after treatment is to wear retainers part-time for life.
That is why many people who had braces as teenagers notice lower front teeth crowding again in adulthood, often after they stopped wearing a retainer. Anterior alignment can correct this relapse, and a long-term retainer plan helps keep it from recurring.
Should I choose alignment or veneers for crooked front teeth?
If your teeth are a healthy color and shape and only their position bothers you, moving them with alignment keeps your natural enamel. Veneers make sense when you also want to change color or shape, or when alignment alone would not give the look you want.
Some patients do both: a short course of alignment first, then fewer or thinner veneers. You can compare approaches in veneers for crooked teeth and LUCINATE Orthodontics. For full-arch options, see our braces in Seoul page.
What should I expect during treatment?
- Pressure or tenderness for a few days after the appliance is placed and after adjustments is common.
- Soft foods help in those first days.
- Brush carefully around any brackets or attachments; plaque can cause white marks.
- Contact the clinic if something breaks or pokes, rather than waiting.
English, Japanese and Chinese consultations are available, and late weekday hours make regular visits easier. Our international patients guide explains payment and scheduling.
Book a consultation
Send a photo of your front teeth for an initial discussion. Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975 or use our WhatsApp booking link. Lucid Dental Clinic is on the 3rd–4th floors of the COWAY Building, 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, directly in front of Exit 3 of Eonju Station (Line 9). Hours: Mon & Fri 10:00–18:00, Tue–Thu 10:00–20:30, Sat and public holidays 10:00–16:00; closed Sundays.
Frequently asked questions
Can I straighten just my bottom front teeth?
Yes, if the rest of your bite is stable. Lower front crowding is one of the most common reasons people ask for anterior alignment. The fee is per arch, so treating only the lower teeth starts from ₩1,290,000.
Is minor orthodontics less stable than full braces?
Any tooth movement can relapse without retention. Because limited treatment does not change the bite, it is important that the case is chosen carefully and that you wear your retainer as instructed.
Will I need to have teeth filed to make space?
Sometimes a small amount of enamel is polished between teeth to create room, which is a common orthodontic technique. Whether it is needed depends on your crowding and is explained before treatment.
Can anterior alignment close a gap between my front teeth?
Small gaps can often be closed by moving the front teeth. The cause of the gap, such as tooth size or gum attachment, is checked first. Composite bonding or veneers are alternatives when teeth are small.
Do I need an X-ray before minor orthodontics?
Yes. X-rays show root length and bone support, which determine whether teeth can move safely. An exam also checks for decay or gum problems that should be treated first.