Fixed braces remain the most versatile way to move teeth, particularly for cases aligners cannot reach. The trade-off for patients who travel is that brackets need adjusting in person.
When fixed braces are the right choice
Severe crowding, significant rotations, large bite discrepancies and cases requiring extraction usually do better with fixed appliances. So do cases where compliance with removable trays would be unreliable.
Protruding mouth correction – what patients often describe as a protruded profile – typically involves planned extractions and retraction of the front teeth. It is one of the more commonly requested treatments and one of the longer ones.
Timeline and travel
Most orthodontic treatment runs 18 to 30 months, with adjustment visits every 4 to 8 weeks. That cadence is the constraint if you are not living in Korea.
Options we can discuss: aligners instead where clinically appropriate, a hybrid plan, or co-management with an orthodontist near you while we handle the phases that need our chair. Tell us your travel pattern at the planning stage – it genuinely changes what we recommend.
Diagnosis first
Orthodontic planning depends on records: panoramic and lateral X-rays, photographs, a digital scan, and an assessment of jaw relationship – not just how the teeth look.
We explain the diagnosis and the plan in English before starting, including what the result will and will not change about your profile.
We give you a written treatment plan and a cost estimate before anything begins, so you know the total before you commit. If the plan changes after we see your CT scan, we tell you why and what it changes before we proceed.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need to come in with fixed braces?
Usually every 4 to 8 weeks. If you live abroad, discuss this before starting – it may point towards aligners or a co-managed plan.
Will I need teeth extracted?
Sometimes. It depends on how much space is needed to align the teeth and, for protrusion cases, how far the front teeth must move back. We tell you before treatment starts, not during.
Do braces hurt?
Expect soreness for a few days after placement and after each adjustment. It is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers and soft food.
Can adults have braces?
Yes. Teeth move at any age provided the gums and supporting bone are healthy – which is why we assess periodontal condition before planning.
Related treatments
Ask us before you travel
Send a recent X-ray or a clear photo and tell us what is bothering you. We will reply in English with what the treatment involves, how many visits it needs, and how long to stay in Korea.
Email Us in English