COLUMN · Orthodontics
Can I Get Braces in Seoul If I Live Abroad?
Visits, Retainers and Care After You Go Home
Yes, but it needs a plan. At Ceramic Dental Clinic (Hakdong Station, Gangnam), fixed braces need regular adjustment visits: the first two are 2 weeks apart, then usually once a month. Clear aligners are easier from abroad: you visit about once every 2–3 months, and between visits we check by photo only if something comes up. Dr. Sunmin Kim, a board-certified orthodontist, treats you from the first consultation to the finish, and tells you at diagnosis which method fits your case.
How often do I need to come to Seoul?
| Appliance | Visit interval | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed braces (for example, ceramic braces) | First 2 visits 2 weeks apart, then usually once a month | Ceramic braces KRW 6,000,000 |
| Invisalign (clear aligners) | Usually once every 2–3 months | KRW 8,500,000 |
| Partial orthodontics (upper or lower) | Explained at diagnosis | KRW 3,000,000 (usually 4–6 months) |
Fees for other appliances, such as lingual or combination braces, are on our dental costs page. The orthodontic fee includes the orthodontic diagnosis, extractions (except wisdom teeth), mini-screws, basic retainers, and retainer check-ups and adjustments for 2 years after treatment. For Invisalign, rescans and additional aligners during treatment are included in the orthodontic fee.
Who suits clear aligners from abroad?
- You can wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day.
- You can come once every 2–3 months. We give you several stages of aligners in advance.
- Your case involves tipping teeth or moving them a little, such as crowding, gaps or minor relapse. Extraction cases take about 2 years even with aligners.
What happens when the braces come off?
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| The day the braces come off | Braces removed, fixed retainer bonded, intraoral scan taken |
| After that | Clear (removable) retainer made from the scan; if you live abroad, we can send it to you |
| 1, 3 and 6 months later | Retainer check-ups |
| 1 year after the 6-month check | Check-up again |
| Up to 2 years after treatment | Check-ups and adjustments included in the fee |
The fixed retainer is bonded on the day the braces come off, and the clear (removable) retainer can be sent to you abroad, so you do not need to stay in Seoul to wait for it.
What if something comes off after I go home?
- A bracket comes off or a wire hurts: send us a photo on WhatsApp. We check it and tell you what to do. Some repairs need a visit.
- A retainer breaks or your teeth start to move: send us a photo on WhatsApp. Remaking a retainer costs extra and may need a visit.
- A lost or broken aligner: message us on WhatsApp.
How long does treatment take?
From 1 year at the shortest to 2–3 years at the longest, depending on the movement needed. Your doctor does not change partway through treatment.
What are the limits and risks?
- Gum inflammation, tooth decay and root resorption can occur during orthodontics.
- Teeth tend to move back after treatment, so retainers are needed. After the 2-year period, we recommend wearing a clear retainer at night and a check-up about once a year.
- Your doctor tells you at diagnosis which method fits your case.
- Results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have orthodontic treatment in Seoul if I live abroad?
When do I get my retainer?
What if a bracket comes off after I go home?
Questions about your own teeth?
Send us photos of your teeth for a rough direction. The diagnosis and total cost are given after an examination in person.
Ask on WhatsAppThis article is for general information and does not promise any particular result. Suitability, treatment plan, results and schedules differ from person to person. Please have a consultation and examination with a dentist before treatment. Prices are list prices as of November 2026 and may change.