Washington Dental Orthodontic Clinic logo Washington Dental GANGNAM · SEOUL

Washington Dental Orthodontic Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul

Clear aligners in Gangnam, Seoul
for adults, children and people living abroad

Discreet, removable aligners let you keep up your work and social life during treatment. Tooth movement is planned digitally in advance, and for patients who live abroad the schedule is built around their visits to Korea.

Clear aligner consultation +82-2-552-3000

Clear aligners can treat gaps, crowding, mild to moderate misalignment, deep bite, open bite and mild asymmetry, and suitability is confirmed by a detailed diagnosis. They are worn at least 22 hours a day. Because the aligner stages can be made in advance, treatment can continue for patients who live abroad without monthly visits.

Clear aligners in brief

  • Suitable casesGaps between front teeth, twisted front teeth, mild to moderate crowding, deep bite and open bite, mild asymmetry. Suitability is decided by detailed diagnosis.
  • FeaturesRemovable clear appliances that are easy to keep clean and hard to notice, a good fit for working adults and students
  • ChildrenClear aligner treatment for growing children, designed together with growth guidance
  • Living abroadDigitally planned treatment with visit intervals adjusted for business trips, study or work overseas
  • Treating doctorDr. Keun-Hye Lee, board-certified orthodontic specialist, invited lecturer at SureSmile, Bidex and Osstem clear aligner seminars (2022 to 2026) · +82-2-552-3000
Clear Aligner

What clear aligners can treat

Clear aligners do not suit every case. Whether they can be used depends on how far the teeth need to move and on the bite, which is assessed at diagnosis.

Where clear aligners apply
ProblemClear aligner treatment
Gap between the front teeth (diastema)A typical case for aligners, closing the gap between the front teeth
Twisted front teeth, mild crowdingOften improved with non-extraction aligner treatment
Deep biteVertical overlap improved by intruding the front teeth and extruding the back teeth. In growing children, can be combined with growth guidance.
Open biteVertical overlap improved by extruding the front teeth and intruding the back teeth, while also correcting the habits behind it
Mild facial asymmetry, shifted dental midlineIn some cases the midline can be improved with aligners without extractions
Severe skeletal malocclusionOther methods, such as braces or combined skeletal treatment, may be recommended, although a detailed diagnosis sometimes shows aligners are possible

How treatment works

  1. Diagnosis and digital scan. A 3D intraoral scanner and X-rays are used to analyze the teeth and the jaw structure.
  2. Tooth movement simulation. Based on the diagnosis, the expected result is designed digitally and the aligner stages are planned.
  3. Wearing the aligners stage by stage. You switch to the next aligner at set intervals as the teeth move.
  4. Regular check-ups. Progress is checked and the plan adjusted if needed. For patients who live abroad, the visit interval is adjusted in the plan.
  5. Retention. After treatment, retainers keep the result stable.
Dr. Keun-Hye Lee wearing loupes during a clear aligner appointment at Washington Dental Orthodontic Clinic
From diagnosis to appliance care, aligner treatment is also handled personally by the orthodontic specialist

Treatment while living abroad, on business trips or studying overseas

In short, it is possible. Because aligner stages can be made in advance, treatment can continue without the monthly visits that braces require. Washington Dental was previously registered with Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare as a medical institution for international patients (that registration is not currently active). Drawing on that experience and on its experience treating patients through overseas networks, the clinic sets a check-up plan around your trips home so that treatment can progress steadily while you live abroad.

Clear aligners at a glance
ItemGeneral guide
Daily wear timeAt least 22 hours, removed only for meals and brushing
Partial correction (for example a front-tooth gap)Generally 6 to 9 months
Comprehensive treatmentAbout 2 to 2.5 years
After treatmentRetainers to stabilize the result

Duration depends on how far the teeth need to move and is estimated individually after diagnosis.

Language. Consultations are conducted in Korean. If you do not speak Korean, message the KakaoTalk channel "강남워싱턴치과" before your visit so the clinic can prepare, and consider bringing a Korean-speaking companion or using a translation app. The diagnosis is explained with your scans and X-ray images.
FAQ

Questions about clear aligners

How many hours a day do I need to wear clear aligners?
At least 22 hours a day is generally recommended, taking them out only for meals and brushing. If wear time falls short, treatment can take longer.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
A partial correction, such as closing a gap between the front teeth, generally takes 6 to 9 months, and comprehensive treatment about 2 to 2.5 years. It depends on how far the teeth need to move, so we give an individual estimate after a detailed diagnosis.
I live abroad. Can I still have clear aligner treatment?
Yes. After the first detailed diagnosis and aligner production, the check-up interval is planned around your trips to Korea. If you consult and book before you arrive, the necessary appointments can be grouped within your stay.
Can every case be treated with clear aligners?
No. Aligners suit many cases of gaps, crowding, deep bite, open bite and mild asymmetry, but for severe skeletal malocclusion braces or combined skeletal treatment may be recommended. A detailed diagnosis decides, and in some severe cases it shows that aligners are still possible.

Read more

See all FAQs →

Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Keun-Hye Lee, board-certified orthodontic specialist