Braces in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Best for: Crooked teeth, gaps, bite issues (overbite/underbite/crossbite), pre-cosmetic alignment.
  • Timeline: Usually 12–24 months; simple cases can be shorter. Visits every 4–8 weeks (braces) or 6–10 weeks (aligners).
  • Trip fit: Ideal if you’ll live in Korea 6–12+ months. Short-term visitors: consider clear aligners with remote check-ins or limited “aesthetic” orthodontics.
  • Languages: Many clinics in Gangnam/Apgujeong/Sinsa/Myeongdong support English/CN/JP.

Treatment Options (What to Choose & Why)

  • Metal Braces (standard)
    Pros: Most efficient, budget-friendly.
    Cons: Visible; may irritate cheeks initially.
  • Ceramic/Clear Braces
    Pros: Less noticeable than metal.
    Cons: Slightly bulkier; ceramic brackets can be more brittle.
  • Self-Ligating (e.g., Damon-style)
    Pros: Low-friction bracket design; potentially fewer visits.
    Cons: Not a magic “faster” option—case selection matters.
  • Lingual Braces (behind the teeth)
    Pros: Truly invisible.
    Cons: Costly; speech/tongue adaptation needed.
  • Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign-type)
    Pros: Removable, discreet, easier hygiene; good for         remote monitoring when traveling.
    Cons: Requires disciplined wear         20–22 hrs/day; complex bites may need attachments/elastics or hybrid braces.

Typical Costs in Seoul (Guide Only)


Rough conversion used: ₩1,300 ≈ US$1. Confirm if records, x-rays/CBCT, retainers, and adjustments are included.
  • Metal braces (full case): ₩3.5M–₩6.0M (≈ US$2,700–$4,615)
  • Ceramic braces: ₩4.5M–₩7.5M (≈ US$3,460–$5,770)
  • Self-ligating braces: ₩4.5M–₩7.5M (≈ US$3,460–$5,770)
  • Lingual braces (full): ₩8.0M–₩14.0M (≈ US$6,155–$10,770)
  • Clear aligners (mild → complex): ₩4.0M–₩9.0M (≈ US$3,075–$6,925)
  • Diagnostics package (records): ₩150k–₩500k (≈ US$115–$385)
  • Retainers (pair): ₩200k–₩500k (≈ US$155–$385)

Ask if fees cover: emergency appointments, broken bracket fixes, refinements (aligners), and final retainers.

Travel-Friendly Planning

  • Living in Korea? Great—book monthly/bi-monthly adjustments.
  • Short stay (≤2–3 weeks)? Start aligners (scans + first trays) and continue at home with remote check-ins; or do limited objective orthodontics (minor front-teeth alignment) if suitable.
  • Moving mid-treatment? Request transfer records: photos, ceph/pano, STL scans, bracket system, wire progress, aligner stage.

What to Expect (Braces)

  1. Records & plan: Photos, scans, x-rays/ceph → personalized plan.
  2. Bonding day: 60–120 min; chewing may feel tight for a few days.
  3. Adjustments: Every 4–8 weeks.
  4. Finishing & detailing: Elastics or fine bends to perfect the bite.
  5. Debond & retainers: Fixed (lingual wires) and/or removable clear retainers.

Aligners flow: Scan → plan/preview → tray delivery → wear 20–22 hrs/day, switch trays as directed → refinements → retainers.

Comfort & Day-to-Day

  • Mild soreness 2–3 days after starts/adjustments—soft foods help.
  • Wax for bracket irritation; saline rinses for ulcers.
  • Meticulous hygiene: interdental brushes/water flosser, fluoride toothpaste.

How to Choose a Clinic (Checklist)

  • Orthodontic specialist or GP with strong ortho portfolio.
  • Digital workflow: 3D scans, ceph analysis, virtual setup; clear aligner certification if applicable.
  • Transparent package: What’s included (records, appliances, emergency visits, retainers).
  • Communication: English consent forms, WhatsApp/email for travel support.
  • Before/after gallery of cases similar to yours (crowding, open bite, adult cases).
  • Retention plan: Fixed vs removable; length of follow-up.

Risks & How to Reduce Them

  • Decalcification/cavities: Strict brushing, fluoride, fewer sugary snacks.
  • Root resorption (rare/usually mild): Regular monitoring with x-rays.
  • Relapse: Wear retainers as instructed (typically nightly long-term).
  • Bracket breaks/alignment setbacks: Avoid very sticky/hard foods.

FAQs

How long will it take?
Most adult cases: 12–24 months; simple alignment can be faster.

Can I start braces during a short visit?
Not ideal—consider aligners to continue at home or schedule a longer stay.

Will I lisp with lingual braces?
Mild speech changes are common for 1–2 weeks; improves with practice.

Do I need teeth removed?
Only if space is required and alternatives (IPR/expansion) won’t achieve a healthy bite—case by case.

How long do I wear retainers?
Plan on nightly long-term. Teeth move throughout life without retention.