Orthodontic Care in Seoul for Patients from the UK
Quick answer
UK patients living in Seoul can receive orthodontic care in English at Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics. Dr. Sally Lee is a Korean government-certified orthodontic specialist, broadly comparable to seeing a specialist orthodontist at home. She provides English receipts and doctor's letters for private insurance claims and prepares records for continuity with a UK orthodontist.
Specialists in the UK and in Korea
In the UK, patients often look for an orthodontist on the General Dental Council's specialist list, which distinguishes specialist orthodontists from general dentists who provide some orthodontic treatment. Korea draws a similar distinction: orthodontic specialists complete specialty training and are certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. When choosing care in Seoul, that certification is the equivalent credential to look for.
Dr. Lee is a certified orthodontic specialist with a PhD in Orthodontics from Yonsei University, where she is also a clinical professor in the Department of Orthodontics. She is a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and a member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists.
Private and NHS context
Many UK adults are used to arranging orthodontics privately, and NHS orthodontic arrangements are built around care in the UK, so do not assume either applies to treatment in Korea. In Korea, orthodontic fees are generally not covered by National Health Insurance, apart from limited cases.
If you hold private medical or dental cover, or an expat policy, check with your insurer whether orthodontics is included, whether treatment abroad qualifies, and which documents they need. The clinic provides English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters.
Keeping your UK orthodontist in the loop
- If you are mid-treatment, bring records and appliance details from your UK orthodontist.
- If you expect to return before finishing, contact a UK orthodontist early about a transfer.
- Ask the clinic for a complete English record set: scans, imaging, the treatment plan and progress notes.
Your next 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. You have digital intraoral scans in place of impression putty, a 3D CBCT scan, 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.
Dr. Lee treats every patient personally from consultation to retention, and the clinic's approach looks at teeth, bite, roots, skeleton and overall facial balance. In Dr. Lee's practice, patients who have had braces before in the UK often benefit from a careful review of their retention history, because relapse after earlier treatment is a common reason adults return to an orthodontist.
Options available
Treatments include Invisalign, Angel Aligner, metal, ceramic and lingual braces, limited front-teeth treatment, adult and children's orthodontics, and re-treatment. Which option is appropriate is decided after examination.
Practical notes
The clinic is at Isu Station (Lines 4 and 7) Exit 2 in Seocho-gu. Hours include Monday and Thursday evenings until 9 PM and Saturday mornings. You can contact the clinic by WhatsApp or email 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
- Fellow, World Federation of Orthodontists
- Treatment for adults, teens and children
- English receipts, itemized statements and doctor's letters
- Complete English records for a UK orthodontist
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
Is a Korean orthodontic specialist equivalent to a UK specialist orthodontist?
The systems are separate, but both distinguish trained orthodontic specialists from general dentists. In Korea, specialists are certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Dr. Lee holds this certification, a PhD in Orthodontics, and is a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists.
Will the NHS or my private insurer cover orthodontics in Korea?
NHS orthodontic arrangements are built around care in the UK, so do not assume they apply in Korea. Private or expat policies vary, so check with your insurer about coverage abroad and required documents. The clinic provides English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters for claims.
I had braces as a teenager in the UK and my teeth have moved. Can that be treated?
Often, yes. Relapse after earlier treatment is a common reason adults seek orthodontic care. Dr. Lee examines your teeth, bite and retainer history and explains whether re-treatment, limited treatment or a new retainer is appropriate for you.
Can a UK orthodontist continue treatment started in Seoul?
Possibly, if they agree to accept a transfer case. Contact a UK orthodontist early. The clinic prepares complete English records, and your UK orthodontist will make their own assessment and set their own plan and fees.
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.