Orthodontic Care in Seoul for Patients from Canada
Quick answer
Canadians living in Seoul can receive orthodontic care in English at Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics. Dr. Sally Lee is a Korean government-certified orthodontic specialist and AAO member. She provides English receipts, itemized statements and doctor's letters that you can submit to a workplace or private benefits plan, and prepares records if you continue with an orthodontist in Canada.
Recognizing a specialist when you are away from home
In Canada, orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional university training in orthodontics and are recognized as specialists by their provincial regulator. Korea uses a national system: orthodontic specialists complete specialty training and are certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Looking for that certification in Seoul is the practical equivalent of checking that you are seeing a recognized orthodontic specialist at home.
Dr. Lee holds Korean specialist certification and a PhD in Orthodontics from Yonsei University, where she is a clinical professor. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, which includes orthodontists from both the US and Canada, and a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists.
Workplace and private benefits plans
Many Canadians have orthodontic coverage through an employer group plan, with lifetime maximums, age limits and rules about care outside Canada that differ from plan to plan. Provincial health plans generally do not cover routine orthodontics. We cannot tell you what your plan will reimburse, so check with your plan administrator or insurer before you start. Useful questions include:
- Is orthodontic treatment received outside Canada eligible?
- Is there an age limit or lifetime maximum for orthodontics?
- Do you require a pre-treatment estimate, and in what format?
- Will you accept receipts issued in Korean won?
The clinic provides English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters.
Planning around a return to Canada
If you expect to return to Canada before treatment is finished, contact an orthodontist there early to ask whether they would accept a transfer case. The clinic prepares complete English records, including scans, imaging, the treatment plan and progress notes. Your Canadian orthodontist will make their own assessment and set their own plan and fees.
What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro
The first visit takes about 60 minutes and includes digital intraoral scans, 3D CBCT imaging, a 3D facial scan and photos. Dr. Lee examines your teeth, bite and jaw, explains findings and options in English, and provides a written estimate before you decide. She personally treats every patient from consultation through retention.
In Dr. Lee's practice, patients who bring their benefit plan questions to the first visit can usually get the estimate and supporting documents prepared in a form that is easier to submit.
Treatment options
Options include Invisalign, Angel Aligner, metal, ceramic and lingual braces, limited front-teeth treatment, children's growth orthodontics and re-treatment. Which one is appropriate is decided after examination.
Practical notes
- Clinic at Isu Station (Lines 4 and 7) Exit 2, Seocho-gu, with parking.
- Mon and Thu 1–9 PM; Tue and Fri 10 AM–7 PM; Sat 9 AM–2 PM; closed Wed, Sun and Korean public holidays.
- Contact by WhatsApp, email, KakaoTalk or phone in English.
Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.
At a glance
- Korean specialist certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Member, American Association of Orthodontists; Fellow, WFO
- English receipts and doctor's letters for benefits claims
- Records prepared for an orthodontist back in Canada
- Evening appointments Mon and Thu until 9 PM
Your orthodontist
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
Isu Station Exit 2 · 1-minute walk
Mon & Thu until 9 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM
+82 2-592-2080
Frequently asked questions
Will my Canadian benefits plan cover orthodontics in Korea?
It depends on your plan. Ask your administrator whether care outside Canada is eligible, what age limits or lifetime maximums apply, and what documents they need. The clinic provides English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters for your claim.
Is a Korean orthodontic specialist comparable to a Canadian orthodontist?
The systems are separate, but both recognize orthodontists as specialists with additional training beyond general dentistry. In Korea that recognition is certification by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Dr. Lee holds this certification and is also an AAO member and WFO Fellow.
Can an orthodontist in Canada continue treatment I start in Seoul?
Possibly, if they agree to accept a transfer case, so contact them early. The clinic prepares complete English records, including scans, imaging, the plan and progress notes. The Canadian orthodontist will make their own assessment and set their own plan and fees.
Can I get a pre-treatment estimate for my insurer?
Yes. After the first visit, with scans, imaging and an examination, you receive a written estimate in English. Ask your plan administrator what details they need in a pre-treatment estimate so the document can be prepared to match their requirements.
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 .
Talk to Dr. Lee in English
Send your concern and preferred dates. You'll get an examination, your options, a timeline and a written estimate before you decide anything.