International patients · Relocation
Relocating During Orthodontic Treatment in Seoul
If you may leave Korea before treatment ends, tell Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee your timeline at the first visit. Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics plans appointments around your departure and prepares a complete English records package so an orthodontist abroad can continue your care.
Reviewed by Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD · Updated October 2026
Tell us your timeline at the first visit
Expat contracts, military rotations, embassy postings and study programs often have fixed end dates. Sharing yours at the consultation lets Dr. Lee factor it into your options, because some plans fit a shorter stay better than others.
Depending on your case, she may discuss limited treatment, a phased plan, or starting comprehensive treatment with a clear handover point. See short-stay treatment planning and starting braces in Korea and finishing abroad .
Planning around your departure
- Appointments scheduled around travel and relocation dates
- Final records taken at a visit close to your move
- Extra aligners or spare retainers discussed where appropriate
- Advice on what to do if a bracket breaks while traveling ( read more )
- Written summary of where treatment stands and next steps
In Dr. Lee's practice, the handover is planned months ahead rather than at the last appointment, so the receiving orthodontist gets a clear picture of the case.
What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro: your English records package
The package is prepared in English and typically contains the following. Contents depend on your treatment.
Scans and 3D models
Digital intraoral scans and 3D models from before and during treatment.
X-rays and CT
Radiographs and 3D CBCT images taken on our RAY Quantum 5D CT.
Clinical photos
Intraoral and facial photos documenting your starting point and progress.
Treatment plan
Diagnosis, treatment goals and the planned sequence of mechanics.
Progress notes
What has been done so far and what remains, written for the next orthodontist.
Appliance details
Bracket system and wire sequence, or aligner system and stage, plus retainer details.
Aligner case transfer considerations
Invisalign cases can often be transferred to another Invisalign provider, but the process depends on the receiving doctor and the regional system. Points to discuss:
- How many aligner stages remain and whether to take extras with you
- Whether the new provider will continue the plan or start a new one
- Refinement or additional aligners and how they are handled
- Angel Aligner availability in your destination country
See transferring an Invisalign case and Invisalign in Seoul .
Finding an orthodontist abroad
Look for a qualified orthodontic specialist in your new city who accepts transfer patients. Professional bodies such as national orthodontic associations often have directories. When you contact them:
- Ask whether they accept mid-treatment transfers with your appliance
- Send the English records package before your first visit
- Ask how they handle fees for continuing treatment
- Book soon after arrival to avoid long gaps between adjustments
Moving to Seoul mid-treatment instead? Read continuing braces started abroad . Also see our guides for US military families and corporate transferees .
FAQ
Relocation questions
Can I start braces in Seoul and finish in another country?
Often, yes, if planned ahead. Tell Dr. Lee your expected departure date at the first visit so she can factor it into your options. Before you leave, Isu Yonsei Baro prepares an English records package so a qualified orthodontist abroad can review and continue your treatment.
What is in the English records package?
It typically includes digital scans or 3D models, X-rays and CT images, clinical photos, your treatment plan and progress notes, and details of your appliance or aligner stage. Exact contents depend on your case and what the receiving orthodontist needs.
Can my Invisalign case be transferred?
Invisalign cases can often be transferred to another provider, but it depends on the receiving doctor and regional processes. Discuss remaining stages, refinements and whether the new provider will continue or re-plan. See Invisalign case transfers.
How early should I tell you that I am moving?
As early as possible, ideally at the first consultation or as soon as your move is confirmed. Several months' notice lets us schedule final records, prepare documents and plan the handover point rather than rushing at the last appointment.
Will the new orthodontist charge separately?
Usually, yes. The receiving orthodontist sets their own fees for continuing treatment. Ask them how they charge for transfer cases, and ask us for English receipts and itemized statements for your records and any insurance claims. See insurance receipts.
Talk to Dr. Lee in English
Share your timeline and we will plan treatment around your move.