Hello! Today, I’d like to share my experience of starting orthodontic treatment in Korea to correct my “gummy smile” while I’m studying here.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to get braces in Korea, or how to navigate potential language barriers, I hope this will be helpful for you!
Why I Decided to Correct My Gummy Smile and Chose Korea
I had been self-conscious about my gummy smile (where a lot of gums show when I smile).
I’d heard that orthodontic treatment is generally more common and affordable in Korea than in Japan.
So, while I’m staying here, I thought it would be the perfect time to give it a try!
I decided to start with a consultation to see if this was right for me.
Discovering “New York Smile,” an English-Speaking Dental Clinic in Korea
Since I don’t speak Korean, finding a dental clinic that offers support in either Japanese or English was essential.
After some research, I came across a specialized orthodontic clinic called “New York Smile.”
With impressive credentials and experience in orthodontics and support for English-speaking patients, so I went ahead and made an appointment.
A Thorough Consultation Experience
I easily booked my appointment via KakaoTalk, and they responded quickly, which made me feel comfortable starting the process.
On the day of the consultation, I received a detailed explanation in English, which was very reassuring.
The staff was attentive and genuinely helpful, which made a great impression.
They have many foreign patients (˘ᴗ˘)♡
In my first visit, I wanted a thorough understanding of my dental and jaw structure, so I underwent X-rays and other diagnostic tests (200,000 KRW).
The results would be available in about a week, so I returned later to receive a detailed explanation of the findings.
Addressing My Concerns About Gummy Smile Correction and Finally Committing to Treatment
When it comes to orthodontics, I had two concerns:
- Would the treatment make my philtrum (the area between my nose and upper lip) look longer?
- Would excessive extraction or retracting of my teeth leave me with a shrunken or aged appearance around the mouth?
When I shared these concerns, the doctor explained that they’d use an anchor screw to pull my teeth upwards rather than pushing them backward, which addressed my worries.
After comparing the treatment costs with those in Japan, I felt confident that this experienced doctor would be my best option and made my final decision to proceed with orthodontics here.
Starting My Orthodontic Journey in Korea!
We needed to start with the lower teeth;
we performed extractions (for an additional fee) and then installed the orthodontic appliance a few days later.
I’ve only been wearing the appliance for about two weeks, so I haven’t noticed any major changes yet, but I’m excited to see my progress!
Orthodontic Treatment Costs
Here’s a breakdown of the costs for anyone curious:
- S&S Appliance: 4,000,000 KRW
- Ceramic Braces: 6,000,000 KRW
- Orthodontic Screws (×2): 300,000 KRW
- Retainers (×3): 600,000 KRW
The total was originally 10,900,000 KRW, but with an optional discount, my final cost was 10,100,000 KRW.
In Conclusion
I’ll keep updating on my progress with gummy smile correction in Korea, so if you have a similar concern or are interested in orthodontic treatment in Korea, I hope you find these updates helpful (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)୨୧
