Teen Orthodontics in Seoul: Braces and Aligners for Teenagers
Quick answer
The teen years are a common time for comprehensive orthodontics because most adult teeth have erupted and some jaw growth usually remains. At Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics, Dr. Sally Lee treats teens with metal, ceramic or clear aligners, using growth analysis and 3D CT. Many teen cases take about 18–24 months, with Saturday and evening visits for school schedules.
Why the teen years work well
By around 11 to 14, most baby teeth have been replaced and the second molars are coming in. The jaws are often still growing, which can help correct bite problems such as an overjet or deep bite. Teens also tend to adapt quickly to appliances.
Common teen problems
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- High or impacted canines that have not erupted into place
- Deep bites and protruding upper teeth
- Gaps, rotations and midline shifts
- Relapse after earlier childhood treatment
Real teen examples from the clinic
Consented cases the clinic has published include a teen with a deep bite and a displaced canine treated with braces without extractions in 18 months, and a teen with both upper canines erupting high, treated non-extraction with braces in 19 months. Every teen's growth and teeth are different, so these show what is possible rather than what to expect.
Braces or aligners for a teenager?
| Braces | Clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Often preferred when | Compliance is uncertain or canines are impacted | The teen is motivated to wear trays 20–22 hours a day |
| Sports | Mouthguard recommended | Trays can be removed for sports |
| Food rules | Avoid hard and sticky foods | Remove trays to eat |
What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro
The first visit takes about 60 minutes. We take digital scans (no impression putty), X-rays or a RAY Quantum 5D CT and photos, and use a growth-plate and skeletal maturity analysis to see how much growth remains. Dr. Lee explains the findings to both the teen and parents in English, with options, a timeline and a written estimate.
In Dr. Lee's practice, teens are included in the conversation, not just their parents, because a teenager who understands why elastics or aligner wear matter tends to cooperate better and stay on schedule. She also times bite correction to coincide with the growth that remains, based on skeletal analysis.
Dr. Lee sees your teen at every appointment. Saturday hours (9 AM to 2 PM) and evening hours on Mondays and Thursdays help avoid missed classes.
Families at international schools
- Treatment planned around school breaks and expected moves
- Complete English records for a new orthodontist if you relocate
- English receipts and statements for overseas insurance claims
After braces come off
Teeth can drift as teenagers keep growing, so retention matters as much as the active phase. When treatment ends, Dr. Lee fits retainers, which may be a thin bonded wire behind the front teeth, a removable clear retainer or both, and explains how long to wear them. Follow-up visits during the first year help catch small changes early, and families who move abroad receive retainer details in English to take with them.
Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.
At a glance
- Typical duration: about 18–24 months for many teen cases (not promised)
- Options: metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign or Angel Aligner
- Growth analysis helps use remaining jaw growth where appropriate
- Saturday mornings and Mon/Thu evening appointments around school
- Parents and teens get explanations in English from Dr. Sally Lee
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
What age should my teenager get braces?
Many teens start comprehensive treatment between about 11 and 14, once most adult teeth have erupted. The right time depends on dental development and growth rather than age alone. Dr. Lee uses skeletal maturity analysis to judge whether starting now or waiting a few months would work better.
Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes, many teens are treated with clear aligners. They work well when the teen wears them consistently for 20 to 22 hours a day. For teens who may forget or for some impacted canine cases, fixed braces can be more reliable. Dr. Lee helps families weigh this honestly at the consultation.
Will braces interfere with sports or music?
Most teens continue sports with a mouthguard and adapt to wind instruments within a few weeks. Aligners can be removed for games or performances but must go back in afterward. Tell Dr. Lee about your teen's activities so the appliance choice fits their routine.
What if we move abroad before treatment ends?
Tell Dr. Lee your expected move date at the start. She can plan treatment phases around it and will prepare complete English records, including scans, X-rays and progress notes, so an orthodontist in your new country can continue. Raising it early leaves more room to plan.
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.