Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee speaks fluent English and personally handles orthodontic consultations and every treatment explanation. For children’s dental visits, let us know when you book that you’d like English support — Dr. Lee and our team can help explain your child’s care in English. See information for international patients.

Message us on WhatsApp — usually the quickest way to reach us in English — or use KakaoTalk, email isu.ysbaro@gmail.com or call +82 2-592-2080. You can also use Naver Booking, which has a Korean interface. Our how to book page lists every channel and what to include.

Tell us your main concern, who the appointment is for (and their age, for a child), your preferred days and times, and how long you expect to stay in Korea. Photos of your teeth and any previous X-rays or orthodontic records help us prepare, but they are optional. You can also use the form on our contact page.

The first orthodontic examination takes about 60 minutes. We take X-rays or a 3D CT scan, an intraoral digital scan (no impression putty) and photographs, and Dr. Lee examines your teeth, bite and jaws. She then explains the plan, your options, an estimated timeline and a written estimate. Read what to expect at your first visit.

Please bring your passport or Residence Card, any recent X-rays or previous orthodontic records, and any retainers or aligners you currently wear. If you plan to claim from an insurer outside Korea, check beforehand which documents it needs. Our treatment process page explains each step that follows.

Yes. On request we provide English receipts, itemised statements, medical certificates and doctor’s letters for overseas or private insurance claims. Insurers differ, so check with yours which documents it needs and tell us when you book or at your visit. Our insurance and receipts page explains how claims usually work.

Generally not. Orthodontic treatment is usually not covered by Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHIS), except treatment linked to specific congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate. Some preventive and restorative dental care for children can be covered under certain conditions. Our guide to NHIS for foreign residents explains what tends to be covered.

Possibly. Foreign residents generally need six months’ residence to enrol independently, and since April 2024 dependants also need six months, with exceptions that include spouses, children under 19 and some visa types. For enrolled children, care such as sealants on permanent molars can be covered under conditions; we confirm coverage at your visit. NHIS (1577-1000) offers a foreign-language service.

Fees depend on the complexity of your case, the appliance chosen and how long treatment is likely to take, so we cannot quote a price before an examination. After your first visit you receive a written estimate, before you decide anything. Our page on the cost of orthodontic treatment explains how fees are set.

Card payment is accepted. Your written estimate sets out the fees for your treatment plan before you begin, and English receipts and itemised statements are available on request for your records or an insurance claim. Our fees and payment page has more detail.

Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, a board-certified orthodontist (Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare) and adjunct professor of orthodontics at Yonsei University. She treats you from the first consultation until your braces or aligners come off, so you are not passed between doctors. Read about our approach.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by about age 7, when the first adult molars and front teeth have usually come in. Most children do not need treatment at that age; the check helps spot problems that are easier to manage early. Our guide on when to see an orthodontist lists the signs.

Metal, ceramic (tooth-coloured) and lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces, and clear aligners from two systems: Invisalign, including Invisalign First for children, and Angel Aligner, including Angel Aligner KiD. Dr. Lee recommends an option after your examination. Our Invisalign vs Angel Aligner page compares the two systems.

With braces, check-ups are usually about every 4–6 weeks; with clear aligners, about every 6–10 weeks. Evening hours on Mondays and Thursdays and Saturday mornings help with school and work. If a bracket breaks or an aligner is lost between visits, send us a photo by WhatsApp or KakaoTalk; see braces and aligner problems.

Yes to both. If you started elsewhere, bring your records and appliance details and Dr. Lee will assess how to continue your treatment. If you leave Korea, we prepare full English records, 3D scans in standard formats, X-rays, photos and progress notes, help move an Invisalign case and can contact your next orthodontist directly. See moving during treatment.

Dr. Ho-seon Lee, a board-certified pediatric dentist (Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare), leads our pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists complete specialty training in the dental care of infants, children and teens. Contact us for pediatric dentistry appointment times. Our kids’ dentistry page describes the care we provide.

Check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatment and sealants; fillings and crowns for baby teeth; laughing-gas (nitrous oxide) sedation for children who need help relaxing; and visits for dental injuries and urgent problems. Because our orthodontist works in the same clinic, the two specialists can coordinate when a child needs both. See check-ups and cleanings.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are short and gentle: the dentist checks the teeth and gums and shows parents how to brush and prevent cavities. See your child’s first dental visit.

We offer laughing-gas (nitrous oxide) sedation, which helps many children feel calmer while staying awake and able to respond. It is not general anaesthesia, and the dentist will discuss whether it suits your child. Gentle preparation at home helps too; our page on anxious children has practical tips.

Act quickly. Never put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. For a permanent tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty and, if you can, put it back in the socket; otherwise keep it in milk and see a dentist immediately. Call us during opening hours; out of hours, go to a hospital emergency room. Call 119 for breathing problems, heavy bleeding or a head injury. See dental injuries.

We are on the 4th floor of Bangbae Yedain Plaza, 118 Dongjak-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06568. The building is about a one-minute walk from Exit 2 of Isu Station (Line 4 and Line 7), with direct underground access. Our directions page has step-by-step routes from around Seoul.

Monday and Thursday 1:00–9:00 PM; Tuesday and Friday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, with a lunch break from 1 to 2 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, with no lunch break. We are closed on Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays. Contact us for pediatric dentistry appointment times. All channels are on our contact and booking page.

Yes, parking is available. Please mention that you will be coming by car when you book your appointment. If you prefer public transport, Isu Station Exit 2 is about a minute’s walk away with direct underground access. Our directions page covers both options.

Show the driver this address in Korean: 서울 서초구 동작대로 118 방배예다인프라자 4층. It means 4th floor, Bangbae Yedain Plaza, 118 Dongjak-daero, Seocho-gu. You can also share our Kakao Map listing. If you live nearby, our areas we serve page has route tips by neighbourhood.