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Orthodontics · Fees & insurance
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost in Seoul?
The cost of braces or aligners depends on the problem being treated, the appliance chosen and how long treatment takes, so a fair fee cannot be quoted before an examination. At Yonsei Baro, near Isu Station, Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee examines you first, then you receive a written estimate, explained in English.
Orthodontic fees at a glance
| Question | At Yonsei Baro |
|---|---|
| Fees depend on | Complexity, appliance type, expected duration and any extra procedures |
| When you get a figure | A written estimate after your examination, before you decide |
| National Health Insurance | Orthodontics is generally not covered, except treatment linked to specific congenital conditions such as cleft lip/palate |
| Overseas or private insurance | English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor’s letters on request |
| Payment | Card payment accepted |
| Language | Estimate and every explanation in English |
Why can’t you quote a price before the examination?
Two people with similar-looking teeth can need very different treatment. Crowding that looks mild in a photo may come with a narrow jaw, a crossbite or roots in awkward positions that only X-rays or a 3D CT scan reveal. A figure given without that information would be a guess, and it could change once treatment begins.
Instead, Dr. Lee examines you first, explains the diagnosis and options, and then gives you a written estimate based on the plan you choose. You see it before you decide anything, and there is no obligation to start.
What affects the cost of orthodontic treatment?
Complexity of the problem
Aligning a few front teeth is a different task from correcting a deep bite, an underbite or jaw asymmetry . Limited treatment is only offered after confirming it will not harm the overall bite.
Type of appliance
Metal, ceramic and lingual braces , Invisalign and Angel Aligner involve different materials, laboratory work and chair time. Our braces vs clear aligners guide compares them.
Expected duration and number of visits
Longer and more complex treatment involves more appointments, adjustments and, for aligners, sometimes refinement sets.
Children’s treatment in phases
For children , an early phase and a later comprehensive phase are planned and estimated separately, because not every child needs both.
Additional procedures
Some plans include extra steps such as skeletal anchorage, coordination with other dental treatment, or retainers and retention visits. Your estimate shows what is included.
Does Korean National Health Insurance cover orthodontics?
Generally, no. Orthodontic treatment is generally not covered by Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), except treatment linked to specific congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate. Some preventive and restorative dental care for children may be covered under certain conditions, and we confirm coverage at your visit.
Foreign residents can read more on our Korean National Health Insurance page, or check directly with NHIS at nhis.or.kr or on 1577-1000, which offers a foreign-language service.
Claiming on overseas or private insurance
Many expat families have international or employer health plans that may reimburse part of orthodontic treatment. On request, we can provide:
- English receipts
- Itemized statements
- Medical certificates
- Doctor’s letters describing the diagnosis and treatment
We do not bill insurers directly, so you pay the clinic and claim from your insurer. Policies vary widely, so ask your insurer which documents and treatment codes they need before you begin. See insurance and receipts .
Payment
Card payment is accepted. Your written estimate sets out the fees for your plan, and we explain how payments are arranged before treatment starts. For general information on fees and documents for international patients, see fees and payment .
Orthodontic cost FAQs
Can you give me a price from photos of my teeth?
Photos help us understand your concern, but they cannot show roots, bone, jaw relationships or how your teeth meet. For that reason we do not quote fees from photos. After an examination with scans and X-rays, Dr. Lee explains your options and you receive a written estimate for the plan you choose.
Is the written estimate the final fee?
The estimate is based on the plan agreed after your examination. If the plan changes significantly, for example because you choose a different appliance or need additional procedures, Dr. Lee will explain why and discuss it with you before any change. Ask about anything in the estimate you would like clarified.
Are Invisalign and braces priced differently?
Usually, yes. Fees reflect the appliance, laboratory or manufacturing costs, chair time and the expected length of treatment, so different options for the same problem can carry different fees. Dr. Lee will explain the clinical pros and cons of each so you can weigh them alongside cost.
Will my overseas insurance reimburse orthodontic treatment?
It depends entirely on your policy. Some plans cover part of orthodontic treatment, often with age limits or waiting periods; others exclude it. Check with your insurer before starting. We provide English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor’s letters on request to support your claim.
Does NHIS cover braces for children?
Generally not. Orthodontic treatment is not usually covered by Korea’s National Health Insurance, except treatment linked to specific congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate. Some preventive dental care for children, such as sealants on permanent molars, may be covered under conditions, and we confirm coverage at your visit.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD
Board-certified orthodontist (Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare) · Adjunct Professor of Orthodontics, Yonsei University · Last updated October 2026
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Treatment results and duration vary from person to person. Orthodontic treatment can cause temporary discomfort and, in some cases, root shortening, gum recession or tooth decay if oral hygiene is poor; teeth can relapse if retainers are not worn as instructed.
Get a written estimate for your treatment
Book an examination with Dr. Lee. You will receive your diagnosis, options and a written estimate, all in English. Isu Station Exit 2 · Open until 9 PM Mon & Thu · Saturdays 9 AM–2 PM.