Washington Dental Orthodontic Clinic logo Washington Dental GANGNAM · SEOUL

FAQ · English

What happens at a first orthodontic consultation in Korea, and what should I bring?

The first visit is a records visit. Knowing what happens makes it easy to plan, even from another country.

Plan for about an hour: panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, an intraoral scan, photographs, and a discussion of findings. Bring any previous dental records, and book ahead by phone or KakaoTalk so a records slot is reserved.

Last reviewed 2026.08.02 · Reviewed by Dr. Keun-Hye Lee, Orthodontic Specialist

1. The records a proper workup includes

An orthodontic diagnosis is built from images, not a glance in the mirror. A thorough first workup includes:

  • A panoramic X-ray — all teeth and roots in one image, including unerupted ones
  • A lateral cephalometric X-ray — the skeletal relationship between upper and lower jaws, which decides whether a problem is dental or skeletal
  • An intraoral scan (or impressions) — the digital model treatment is planned on
  • Clinical photographs of the face and bite

If a treatment plan and a price are offered without the cephalometric image, ask why — that image is what separates cases that need camouflage, growth guidance or surgery consultation.

2. What the consultation itself covers

After the records, the doctor walks through the findings on screen: what the bite problem is, which movement options exist, roughly how long each would take, and what retention will look like afterwards. This is the right moment to raise constraints — a wedding date, a posting abroad, a travel-heavy job — because they change which appliance makes sense.

Expect an itemised fee discussion rather than a single number, and expect some questions back: your dental history, previous orthodontic work, jaw-joint symptoms, and medications that affect bone or gums.

3. Practical details for visitors to Gangnam

Washington Dental Orthodontic Clinic is a three-minute walk from Exit 9 of Gangnam Station (Line 2 and Shinbundang Line), on the second floor of the Daekyung Building. Hours suit working schedules: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–15:00, closed Thursday, Sunday and holidays.

Book before you come — by phone at +82-2-552-3000 or through the KakaoTalk channel 강남워싱턴치과 — and mention if you are flying in, so the records visit and the plan discussion can be arranged efficiently. Bring a photo ID, any recent X-rays from your home dentist, and notes on prior dental work.

What to bring to a first orthodontic visit in Korea
ItemWhy it helps
Photo ID (passport for visitors)Registration at a Korean clinic
Recent X-rays or scans from your home dentistAvoids duplicate imaging and shows history
List of medications and conditionsSome affect tooth movement and gum response
Notes on previous orthodontic or dental workOld treatment changes what movements are safe
Your travel or schedule constraintsShapes the appliance choice and visit plan

At Washington Dental Orthodontic Clinic

  • Dr. Keun-Hye Lee — board-certified orthodontic specialist (first residency-trained cohort), 30 years of clinical experience
  • First visits include full diagnostic records: panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, intraoral scan, photographs
  • Located 3 minutes on foot from Gangnam Station Exit 9 — 2F Daekyung Building, 15 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
  • Open weekday evenings until 20:00 (Mon·Tue·Wed·Fri) and Saturdays 10:00–15:00; closed Thu/Sun/holidays
  • Booking: +82-2-552-3000 or KakaoTalk channel 강남워싱턴치과
  • Location: 2F Daekyung Bldg, 15 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul — 3 min walk from Gangnam Station Exit 9
  • Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 11:00–20:00 (lunch 14:00–15:00), Sat 10:00–15:00, closed Thu/Sun/holidays — +82-2-552-3000

Outcomes vary by individual skeletal pattern, age and oral condition. Eligibility for any treatment is determined after an in-person diagnostic workup. Non-covered fees are posted at the clinic.

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People also ask

Is the first orthodontic consultation in Korea free?
Policies differ by clinic. Diagnostic records — X-rays and scans — are typically charged as posted in the clinic's non-covered fee schedule, and a records-based consultation is worth paying for: it produces an actual plan rather than a sales estimate. Confirm the consultation and records fees when you book.
Can I take my X-rays and scan data home after the visit?
Yes — you can request copies of your imaging and records. That is useful if you want a second opinion elsewhere or if part of your care will happen in another country. Ask at the front desk; a small copying fee may apply under the posted schedule.
How far ahead should I book if I am flying into Seoul?
Contact the clinic as soon as your travel dates are fixed, ideally two to three weeks ahead. That allows the records visit early in your stay and a follow-up discussion before you leave, instead of squeezing both into your final days.
Diagnosis comes first. This page is general medical information. Whether a given treatment applies to you, and its method, duration and cost, can only be determined after an in-person diagnostic workup (X-ray and intraoral scan). Appointments: +82-2-552-3000

Last updated: 2026.08.02 · Reviewed by Dr. Keun-Hye Lee, Orthodontic Specialist