Can I Start Braces in Korea and Finish Abroad?
Short answer
Yes, you can usually start braces or aligners in Korea and finish with an orthodontist abroad, but it works best when planned from day one. At Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics, Dr. Sally Lee schedules treatment around your relocation date and prepares complete English records, including scans, X-rays and a treatment summary, so a new orthodontist can continue your care.
Yes, with planning
Expats, military and embassy families and corporate transferees often have a fixed end date in Seoul. Orthodontic treatment, meanwhile, typically runs for many months. Starting here and finishing elsewhere is common, but the transition goes much more smoothly when everyone knows the plan in advance.
How a handover works
When you move, your new orthodontist needs to understand where you started, what the goals are and what has been done so far. That means records: initial and current scans, X-rays, photos, the appliance and wire details or aligner stage, and a clear treatment summary. With those, the receiving doctor can evaluate your case and decide how to continue.
The new orthodontist may want to modify the plan, change appliances or set their own fee for the remaining treatment. That is normal, and it is worth researching orthodontists in your next city before you leave.
Choosing an appliance with a move in mind
- Metal and ceramic braces are widely used worldwide, so most orthodontists can continue them, though bracket systems differ.
- Invisalign is available in many countries. Transfers between Invisalign providers are possible, though the process and any fees depend on the provider and region.
- Lingual braces are custom and require specific training, so continuity abroad depends on finding a lingual-trained orthodontist.
Timing can also shape the plan. If your stay is short, a limited goal, such as aligning the front teeth, may fit better than full treatment.
What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro
At your first 60-minute visit, tell Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee your expected move date. She examines your teeth, bite and jaw using digital scans, X-rays or 3D CBCT and photos, then explains options and a timeline in English, with a written estimate.
In Dr. Lee's practice, relocation is built into the plan from the beginning: appointments are spaced around your travel, and treatment phases are sequenced so you leave at a sensible stage. Before you go, we prepare complete English records so an orthodontist abroad can continue. We can also provide English receipts, itemized statements and doctor's letters for insurance.
A checklist before you move
- Confirm your departure date with us as early as possible.
- Request your full records and treatment summary.
- Book a consultation with an orthodontist in your new city.
- Ask your insurer how a change of provider affects your benefit.
- Bring spare elastics or aligners if your plan uses them.
Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.
Key points
- Tell your orthodontist your expected move date at the first visit
- Complete English records prepared for the next orthodontist
- Aligners can be easier to transfer if the receiving doctor uses the same system
- Fees and transfer policies abroad vary, so check them early
- Appointments planned around travel and relocation
Answered by
Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD
- MOHW-certified orthodontic specialist
- PhD in Orthodontics, Yonsei University; Severance Hospital residency
- Member, Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists
- 2026 AJO-DO peer reviewer
- Consults in fluent English and treats you herself, start to finish
People also ask
Will my new orthodontist accept my case?
Most orthodontists will evaluate a transfer patient, but acceptance and fees are their decision. Complete records make that evaluation much easier. Contact orthodontists in your next city before you leave, and share the English records and summary Dr. Lee prepares for you.
Should I choose aligners if I might move?
Aligners can be convenient for transfers if your next orthodontist works with the same system, but braces are also widely continued abroad. The right choice depends on your bite and goals. Dr. Lee can explain which option suits both your case and your timeline.
How much notice should I give before moving?
As much as possible. Ideally, mention your expected move date at your first consultation so the plan can account for it. If your date changes, tell us promptly so we can adjust appointments and prepare records in time.
What records will I receive?
Typically your scans, X-rays, photos, appliance or aligner details and a written treatment summary in English. These give a new orthodontist a clear picture of where you started and what has been completed so far.
Related reading
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after an in-person examination. See our editorial and medical review policy .
Have a question about your own teeth?
Send a message with photos or previous records. Dr. Lee will tell you what an examination would look at, in English.