Lingual Braces in Seoul: Invisible Braces Behind Your Teeth
Lingual braces are fixed braces bonded to the inside surfaces of your teeth, so they are not seen when you smile. At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, lingual braces have a reference fee of ₩5,280,000, confirmed after an exam. They need regular adjustment visits, so they suit residents or patients who can return.
Key facts
- Lingual braces are bonded to the tongue side of the teeth and are not visible from the front.
- Reference fee at Lucid Dental Clinic: ₩5,280,000 (≈US$3,770 at ₩1,400/US$; confirm at consultation).
- Treatment needs regular adjustment visits, so it suits people living in Korea or able to return.
- Early side effects typically include tongue soreness and a short speech adjustment period.
- Orthodontics is typically not covered by Korea's NHIS.
- Lucid Dental is in front of Exit 3, Eonju Station (Line 9), Gangnam, with English consultations.
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 are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are fixed braces bonded to the tongue side of your teeth instead of the front. They work on the same principle as regular braces: brackets hold an archwire that applies steady, gentle pressure to move teeth over time.
The American Association of Orthodontists describes lingual braces as sitting on the back sides of the teeth, where they stay "virtually invisible" while still correcting many kinds of bite and alignment problems. Because nobody sees them when you talk or smile, they tend to appeal to adults who work with the public, teachers, presenters and anyone who photographs often.
Who are lingual braces a good fit for?
Lingual braces can suit adults and older teens who want fixed braces that stay out of sight and who do not want to rely on remembering to wear removable aligners. Suitability depends on your bite, tooth shape and gum health, so an exam comes first.
- Good candidates often have: crowding, spacing, rotations or bite problems that need full orthodontic control; healthy gums; enough tooth height on the inner surfaces to hold a bracket.
- Less ideal situations: a very deep bite where the lower teeth touch the upper brackets, very short inner tooth surfaces, or active gum disease that needs gum treatment first.
- Lifestyle fit: you will need adjustment visits for the length of treatment, so lingual braces work most smoothly for people who live in Korea or can return regularly.
How much do lingual braces cost in Seoul?
On Lucid Dental Clinic's published non-covered fee table, lingual braces are listed at a reference fee of ₩5,280,000(roughly US$3,770 at about ₩1,400 per US$ — check today's rate). What that figure covers for your case, and how it is scheduled, is confirmed at consultation.
| Option at Lucid Dental | Reference fee (KRW, from) | Visible from the front? |
|---|---|---|
| Lingual braces | ₩5,280,000 | No — bonded behind the teeth |
| Clippy-C ceramic self-ligating braces | ₩3,490,000 | Tooth-colored brackets on the front |
| Invisalign clear aligners | ₩10,000,000 | Clear removable trays |
| Anterior (front-teeth) alignment, per arch | ₩1,290,000 | Depends on the appliance chosen |
| Retainer | ₩300,000 | Clear or fixed wire |
These are reference "from" prices, not quotes. Final fees depend on the diagnosis, the length of treatment and any other care you need first. Orthodontics is typically not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS), and fees are paid directly to the clinic.
Lingual braces vs. ceramic braces vs. Invisalign: which is less noticeable?
Lingual braces are the only option of the three that is hidden entirely behind the teeth. Ceramic brackets blend with tooth color, and clear aligners are hard to spot but must be worn for most of the day and night, as prescribed, to work.
| Factor | Lingual braces | Ceramic (Clippy-C) | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it sits | Inside surface of teeth | Front surface | Over all teeth, removable |
| Relies on daily compliance? | No (fixed) | No (fixed) | Yes |
| Early adjustment period | Tongue and speech | Lips and cheeks | Pressure with each new tray |
| Cleaning | Harder to see; takes practice | Easier to see and brush | Remove trays to brush |
| Where to learn more | This page | Clippy-C braces | Invisalign in Seoul |
What is the treatment process for lingual braces at Lucid Dental?
Treatment starts with records and planning, then the brackets are bonded in one visit and adjusted over the following months. A typical sequence looks like this:
- Consultation and exam. Dr. Park Hyun-min's team checks your teeth, gums and bite, and reviews X-rays. If you have not had a recent dental exam, this is done first.
- Records. Photos, scans or impressions and X-rays are taken to plan tooth movement.
- Treatment plan and fee confirmation. You receive the plan, the expected number of visits and the confirmed fee before anything is bonded.
- Bonding appointment. Brackets are placed on the inner surfaces and the first wire is fitted.
- Regular adjustments. Wires are changed or adjusted at scheduled visits until the teeth reach the planned position.
- Removal and retention. Brackets are removed, teeth are polished, and retainers are made to hold the result.
How long do lingual braces take?
Treatment length depends on how far teeth need to move. Comprehensive cases commonly run well over a year, while limited cases take less; Lucid Dental gives you a planned timeline after the exam rather than a promised end date.
Because appointments continue throughout treatment, lingual braces are usually planned for expats, students and long-stay residents in Seoul. If you are only visiting for a week or two, ask about options designed for short stays, such as clear aligners with remote follow-up or veneer-based LUCINATE Orthodontics for suitable cosmetic cases.
What does it feel like to wear braces behind your teeth?
Most people notice their tongue touching the brackets during the first days. Speech can sound slightly different at first, and the tongue may feel sore; these effects typically ease as you adapt.
- Orthodontic wax over a rough spot can ease tongue irritation.
- Soft foods help for the first few days after bonding and after each adjustment.
- Reading aloud or talking more than usual can help speech settle faster.
- Contact the clinic if a wire pokes or a bracket comes loose rather than waiting for your next visit.
How do you clean lingual braces?
Cleaning takes more care because you cannot easily see the inner surfaces. A small interdental brush, a soft toothbrush angled behind the teeth and regular professional cleaning help protect your enamel and gums during treatment.
Plaque left around brackets can lead to white spots or cavities, so the team will show you a routine at your bonding visit. Professional scaling during treatment is also available; if you are enrolled in NHIS, adult scaling is typically covered once per calendar year.
Can I get lingual braces as an international patient?
Yes, if you can attend the follow-up visits. English, Japanese and Chinese consultations are available, and the clinic's late opening on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (until 20:30) and Saturday hours make regular visits easier for people who work weekdays. See our international patients guide for payment, records and scheduling details, or compare all fixed options on our braces in Seoul page.
Book a consultation
Bring any previous orthodontic records or X-rays if you have them. 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
Do lingual braces affect speech permanently?
Speech changes with lingual braces are usually temporary. Most people notice a slight lisp in the first days while the tongue adapts to the brackets, and it typically settles as you get used to them. Tell your dentist if it does not improve.
Are lingual braces more expensive than regular braces?
Often, yes, because brackets are placed on harder-to-reach surfaces and appointments take longer. At Lucid Dental, lingual braces have a reference fee of ₩5,280,000, compared with ₩3,490,000 for Clippy-C ceramic braces. Your final fee is confirmed after the exam.
Can I eat normally with lingual braces?
You can eat most foods, but hard, sticky or very chewy foods can loosen brackets. Cutting food into small pieces and choosing softer meals after adjustments helps. Your dentist will give you a list at the bonding visit.
Can I start lingual braces in Seoul and finish at home?
Transferring fixed braces between clinics is possible in some cases but needs agreement from both dentists and full records. Because systems and bracket types differ, it is safer to plan treatment where you can attend most visits. Discuss this before bonding.
Will I need a retainer after lingual braces?
Yes. Teeth tend to move back after any orthodontic treatment, so a retainer is part of every plan. Lucid Dental lists retainers from ₩300,000, and you will be told how long and how often to wear them.
Is Korean health insurance used for lingual braces?
Cosmetic and most orthodontic treatment, including lingual braces, is typically not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance. Please confirm your own coverage with NHIS or your private insurer.