Orthodontic Care in Seoul for Patients from the USA
Quick answer
Americans living in Seoul can receive orthodontic care in English at Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics. Dr. Sally Lee is a Korean government-certified orthodontic specialist with UCLA and USC exchange training and AAO membership. She provides English receipts and itemized statements for US insurance claims and prepares records if you continue with an orthodontist back in the States.
Understanding credentials if you are used to the US system
In the US, an orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an accredited orthodontic residency, and some also pursue board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics. Korea has its own system: dentists who complete specialty training are certified as orthodontic specialists by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. That certification is the closest Korean counterpart to knowing you are seeing a trained orthodontic specialist rather than a general dentist who offers braces.
Dr. Lee holds Korean specialist certification and a PhD in Orthodontics from Yonsei University. Her training also includes a UCLA School of Dentistry exchange program and an orthodontic exchange residency at USC. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists, a 2026 peer reviewer for the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and a member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists (Northern California).
US dental insurance and treatment abroad
US dental plans vary in whether and how they reimburse orthodontic care received overseas, including lifetime maximums, age limits and pre-treatment estimate requirements. We cannot tell you what your plan will pay. Before starting, ask your insurer:
- Is orthodontic treatment covered for my age and plan?
- Is care outside the US eligible, and on what basis?
- Do you need a pre-treatment estimate, procedure codes or translated documents?
The clinic provides English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters.
Continuity with an orthodontist in the US
If you started treatment in the US, bring your records and the name of your orthodontist. If you plan to return before finishing, it helps to contact a US orthodontist early about accepting a transfer case. The clinic prepares complete English records, including scans, imaging, the treatment plan and progress notes.
What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro
The first visit lasts 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 and explains everything in English, then gives you a written estimate. She treats each patient personally from consultation through retention.
In Dr. Lee's practice, American patients often find it helpful that terminology, records and treatment concepts follow the same international orthodontic literature they may have encountered at home.
Practical notes
- Clinic hours include Monday and Thursday evenings until 9 PM and Saturday mornings.
- Contact options include WhatsApp and email, which many Americans find easier than local apps.
- The clinic is at Isu Station (Lines 4 and 7) Exit 2 in Seocho-gu, with parking.
- Korean calendars include public holidays that differ from US ones; the clinic is closed on Korean public holidays, as well as Wednesdays and Sundays.
Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.
At a glance
- Korean orthodontic specialist certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
- UCLA exchange program and USC orthodontics exchange residency
- Member, American Association of Orthodontists; 2026 AJO-DO peer reviewer
- English receipts and itemized statements for US insurance claims
- Complete English records for your US 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 Dr. Lee board certified like a US orthodontist?
Dr. Lee is certified as an orthodontic specialist by Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare, which is the Korean specialist credential. American Board of Orthodontics certification is a separate US process. She is also an AAO member, WFO Fellow and member of the Angle Society.
Will my US dental insurance reimburse treatment in Korea?
That depends on your plan. Ask your insurer whether orthodontic care abroad is eligible, what limits apply, and which documents they need. The clinic provides English receipts, itemized statements, medical certificates and doctor's letters that you can submit when filing.
Can my US orthodontist continue treatment I start in Seoul?
Possibly, if they agree to accept a transfer case. Contact them early. The clinic prepares complete English records, including scans, imaging, the plan and progress notes. Your US orthodontist will make their own assessment and set their own plan and fees.
Can I continue treatment I started in the US?
Sometimes. Bring your records, appliance details and treatment plan from your US orthodontist. Dr. Lee examines your current situation and explains whether continuing in Seoul is possible, what changes might be needed, and provides a written estimate in English.
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.