Braces and orthodontics in Busan
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into a better position using fixed braces or removable clear aligners. At Dr. Oh's Dental Clinic in Haeundae, Busan, most adult cases take 12 to 24 months with check-ups every 4 to 8 weeks. Dr. Oh is a full member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists and plans each case personally.
Which appliance is right for you
| Option | Best for | Visibility | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Complex crowding, bite correction, best control | Visible | 18–30 months |
| Ceramic braces | Same range of cases, adults who want discretion | Tooth-coloured, low visibility | 18–30 months |
| Clear aligners | Mild to moderate crowding and spacing | Nearly invisible | 10–24 months |
| Lingual braces | Adults needing full correction with nothing visible | Hidden behind the teeth | 20–30 months |
Aligners are not a universal substitute for braces. Rotations, large vertical movements and some bite corrections are still handled more predictably with fixed appliances. We will tell you which category your case falls into after the records are taken, not before.
What happens at the first orthodontic visit
The diagnostic appointment includes a clinical examination, panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, intraoral photographs and a digital scan of the teeth. From these we build a treatment plan: what will move, in what order, how long it should take and what it will cost in total.
You leave that appointment with a written plan. Nothing is bonded to your teeth on the same day unless you have already agreed to proceed.
Living with braces as a foreign resident
Orthodontics is a long commitment, so the practical questions matter as much as the clinical ones.
- If you leave Korea mid-treatment. We supply your full records — X-rays, scans, plan and progress notes — so another orthodontist can continue. Tell us as early as you can.
- Appointment frequency. Every four to eight weeks, usually 15–30 minutes. Saturday morning slots exist but fill quickly.
- Emergencies. A loose bracket or a poking wire is uncomfortable but not urgent. Message us on WhatsApp and we will fit you in.
Retention — the part people underestimate
Teeth drift back toward their old position after treatment. Retainers are not optional; they are what makes the result permanent. We fit a bonded retainer behind the front teeth, a removable retainer for night wear, or both, and we check them at follow-up appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old for braces?
No. Teeth move at any age as long as the gums and supporting bone are healthy. Adult treatment is a large part of orthodontic practice in Korea. What changes with age is not whether teeth can move but how carefully gum health has to be managed first.
How much do braces cost in Busan?
Orthodontic fees in Korea are quoted as a total treatment fee covering the whole course of care, not per visit, and are usually paid in instalments. National Health Insurance does not cover orthodontics for cosmetic purposes. We give a fixed total in writing after the diagnostic records are taken.
Do you offer clear aligners?
Yes. We assess whether your case can be treated predictably with aligners and say so honestly. If a case needs fixed appliances to get a good result, we will recommend that rather than sell you a compromise.
Does the clinic explain orthodontic treatment in English?
Yes. Consultations, treatment plans and aftercare instructions for foreign patients are handled in English. For a detailed treatment plan we recommend booking the diagnostic appointment on a weekday morning, when we can give the consultation more time.