Orthodontics · Gangnam, Seoul

Orthodontics in Seoul

Braces, clear aligners and protrusion correction from a dedicated orthodontic department in Gangnam, led by Dr. Kim Do-hoon on the 8th floor of our Building 3 at 442 Gangnam-daero.

  • Since 2002
  • 13 dentists
  • In-house lab
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Oneday Dental Clinic's three buildings on Gangnam-daero, Seoul
3 clinic buildings in Gangnam Yeoksam-dong · implants, lab & orthodontics

Where can I get orthodontic treatment in Seoul?

Gangnam One Day Dental Clinic has a dedicated orthodontic department in Gangnam, Seoul, led by Dr. Kim Do-hoon at the Heungkuk Fire Insurance Building 8F, 442 Gangnam-daero. Options include metal braces, self-ligating Clippy-C braces, lingual braces, Invisalign and other clear aligners, and protrusion and surgical orthodontics. Most comprehensive cases take about 12 to 30 months, confirmed after examination.

Reviewed by Dr. Kim Do-hoon , Chief Director, Orthodontics · Updated October 5, 2026

One orthodontic department, every main appliance type

Orthodontics at Gangnam One Day Dental Clinic is a separate department, not a side service. It sits in our third building, the Heungkuk Fire Insurance Building 8F at 442 Gangnam-daero, Yeoksam-dong. Dr. Kim Do-hoon, Chief Director of Orthodontics, leads general, lingual, clear aligner and Invisalign treatment, protrusion correction and surgical orthodontics.

Because one team offers fixed braces and aligners, the appliance is chosen for your bite, not the other way round. How teeth move and how each appliance type compares are explained below.

  • Fixed braces: metal braces and self-ligating Clippy-C braces
  • Hidden or removable: lingual braces, Invisalign and other clear aligners
  • Bite and profile: overbite, buck teeth, protrusion and surgical orthodontics
  • Children: children's orthodontics within our family dentistry

How teeth actually move

Each tooth sits in bone, held by a thin ligament. When a brace or aligner presses gently on a tooth, bone on the pressure side is resorbed and new bone forms on the other side. The tooth travels with it, usually at around 1 mm per month.

This is why orthodontics cannot be rushed. Heavy force does not speed it up; it raises the risk of root shortening and gum problems. Planned, light force is safer and more predictable.

Not sure if this is right for you? Send a photo or X-ray — a dentist replies on WhatsApp in English, Chinese or Japanese.

Get a free opinion

The main types of orthodontic appliance

All appliances use the same biology. They differ in visibility, control, comfort and how much the patient has to do.

  • Metal braces: brackets and wires; the widest control for complex movement. See metal braces.
  • Self-ligating braces: brackets with a built-in clip instead of elastic ties, such as Clippy-C braces.
  • Lingual braces: brackets bonded behind the teeth, hidden from view.
  • Clear aligners: a series of removable trays worn 20–22 hours a day, such as Invisalign.
  • Retainers: fixed wires or removable trays that hold results after treatment.

Which problems orthodontics can correct

Orthodontics moves teeth slowly through the bone with light, steady force. It treats crowding, gaps, rotated teeth, deep bites, open bites, crossbites and forward-flared front teeth. Where the jaw itself is the cause, orthodontics may be combined with jaw surgery, which Dr. Kim Do-hoon plans as surgical orthodontics.

Many adults come to us for protruding front teeth. Our page on protruding front teeth explains when extraction space is needed and when it is not.

Planning starts with records, not a sales quote

A plan needs X-rays, photos and an intraoral scan or impressions. From these the orthodontist measures tooth position, jaw relationship and available space before suggesting an appliance and a time frame.

You can start on WhatsApp by sending clear smile photos and any recent X-rays. The team replies in English, Chinese, Japanese or Korean with which options look realistic and what the in-person examination will confirm.

Signs you may benefit from orthodontics

Orthodontics is not only cosmetic. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, and a poor bite can wear teeth unevenly or overload certain teeth. Common reasons people seek treatment include crowding, gaps, a deep bite, buck teeth, crossbite and front teeth that flare forward.

Not every concern needs braces. Small chips or shape issues may be better solved with bonding or veneers, and the orthodontist will tell you when tooth movement is not the right tool.

Main orthodontic options at a glance (typical ranges; confirmed after examination)
Metal / Clippy-C braces Lingual braces Clear aligners
Visibility Visible on front Hidden behind teeth Nearly invisible
Removable No No Yes, 20–22 h/day wear
Case range Simple to complex Most cases Mild to moderate, selected complex
Typical duration 18–30 months 18–30 months 6–24 months
Check-ups Every 4–8 weeks Every 4–8 weeks Every 6–10 weeks
Step by step

How it works at Oneday Dental

  1. Before visit

    WhatsApp photos

    Send smile photos and any X-rays to +82-10-5298-2875 for an initial view of your options.

  2. Visit 1

    Examination and records

    X-rays, photos and an intraoral scan in Building 3, 8F, with an orthodontic consultation.

  3. Visit 2

    Plan and appliance

    Dr. Kim Do-hoon explains the plan, time frame and cost, then braces are bonded or aligners are fitted.

  4. Every 4–10 weeks

    Adjustments

    Wires are changed or aligner progress is checked and refined as teeth move.

  5. End of treatment

    Retention

    Braces come off or aligners finish, and retainers hold the new position.

Things to know before you decide

  • Orthodontics takes months to years; short trips to Seoul are rarely enough to complete treatment.
  • Poor brushing around braces can cause white spots, decay or gum inflammation.
  • Some root shortening and mild soreness after adjustments are known effects of tooth movement.
  • Teeth relapse without retainers; long-term retainer wear is usually needed.
  • Active gum disease must be controlled before orthodontic treatment starts.
Why patients trust Oneday Dental

Experience you can check

  • 2002
    Founded in Gangnam — 24 years
  • 13
    Dentists in 5 departments
  • 3
    Clinic buildings, 1,570 m²
  • 0.01 mm
    T-Scan bite-force detail
Medically reviewed Dr. Kim Do-hoon — Chief Director, Orthodontics

Leads the orthodontics department (Building 3): braces, lingual, Invisalign & surgical orthodontics

Meet the team
FAQ

Orthodontics in Seoul: common questions

Who leads orthodontic treatment at your clinic?
Dr. Kim Do-hoon is Chief Director of Orthodontics. He leads general braces, lingual braces, clear aligners and Invisalign, protrusion correction and surgical orthodontics. Treatment takes place in our third building, the Heungkuk Fire Insurance Building 8F, 442 Gangnam-daero, separate from our implant buildings.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It depends on the movement needed. Minor alignment with aligners can take around 6 to 12 months. Comprehensive braces cases usually take 18 to 30 months, and surgical cases can take longer. The orthodontist gives your estimated time frame after examining X-rays and scans.
Am I too old for braces?
Usually not. Teeth can move at any age if the gums and bone are healthy. Adults often choose clear aligners or lingual braces for discretion. Gum health is checked first, and existing crowns or implants are considered in the plan because implants cannot be moved.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Seoul?
Cost depends on the appliance, case complexity, treatment length and diagnostic records needed. We do not quote a fixed price without seeing your teeth. Send photos and any X-rays on WhatsApp for an initial estimate; the final cost is confirmed after the in-person examination.
Can I start orthodontics in Seoul if I live abroad?
Possibly, but plan carefully. Braces need adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks, which is hard from abroad. Aligners allow longer gaps between visits. Read the travel section of our clear aligners page, and discuss your travel schedule on WhatsApp before starting.
Do braces hurt?
Bonding braces or fitting aligners does not usually need anaesthesia. Most people feel pressure and tenderness for two to four days after starting and after each adjustment or new aligner. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief usually manage it.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist?
An orthodontist focuses on tooth movement and bite correction, including diagnosis of jaw relationships. General dentists treat decay, gums and restorations. At our clinic, orthodontics is a separate department led by Dr. Kim Do-hoon, while other departments handle implants, gums and general care.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For mild to moderate crowding and spacing, aligners can achieve results similar to braces when worn 20 to 22 hours a day. For large rotations, major bite changes or extraction cases, fixed braces usually give more control. The orthodontist advises after examining your records.
Why do some orthodontic plans need tooth extractions?
If teeth are severely crowded or the front teeth are pushed forward, there may not be room to align them without space. Removing selected teeth, often premolars, creates that space. Many cases do not need extractions; it is decided from measurements, not routinely.
How long do I need to wear retainers?
Retainers are usually worn full time for the first months, then at night. Because teeth can move throughout life, many orthodontists recommend night-time retainer wear long term. Fixed wire retainers bonded behind the front teeth are another option.

Get a dentist's opinion on WhatsApp

Send your question, photos or X-ray. We reply with a plan, timeline and estimate in English, Chinese, Japanese or Korean.

💬 WhatsApp +82-10-5298-2875 📍 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul