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Blanche Dental Clinic
Partial Orthodontics · Front Teeth

Partial orthodontics: first, can only the front teeth be treated?

A gap between the front teeth or slightly overlapping front teeth can sometimes be fixed with partial orthodontics. But if there's also a back-teeth bite problem or a protruding mouth, full orthodontics may be the right fit — so we check that first.

  • Treated personally by Dr. Juhee Baek, orthodontic specialist (22 years)
  • Partial vs. full criteria explained first
  • Less visible with inside appliances
Consult with two photos Call +82-1877-2882
Common concerns

If you just want to tidy up your front teeth

Many people are bothered by one or two front teeth every time they take a photo, but find years of full orthodontics too much. Partial orthodontics moves only some teeth, for people like this. But the decision that "only the front teeth need work" can't be made by looking at the front teeth alone. We also need to see how the back teeth bite together and whether the mouth looks pushed forward.

It is also called front-teeth orthodontics, partial front-teeth braces or limited orthodontics.

  • There's a visible gap between my front teeth
  • My front teeth overlap slightly, or one sticks out
  • One or two teeth are twisted at an angle
  • I had braces before, but my front teeth have shifted a little
  • Because of work, I'm worried about visible braces
  • I'm torn between veneers and orthodontics
Appliances

Appliances used in partial orthodontics

Front-teeth partial orthodontics is often done with an inside (lingual) appliance, and can also be done with outer-surface MTA or clear aligners. The appliance is chosen after diagnosis.

  • 2D appliance bonded to the inside of the front teeth at Blanche Dental, actual photo
    Inside (lingual) 2D appliance
  • MTA appliance bonded to the outer surface of the lower front teeth at Blanche Dental, actual photo
    Outer-surface MTA appliance
  • Holding a clear aligner
    Clear aligners (Invisalign Express) · sample image

Includes real Blanche Dental photos (published with consent) and sample images. The appliance depends on your tooth condition and plan.

Why an orthodontic specialist

In partial orthodontics, deciding the scope is half the work

The hardest part of partial orthodontics isn't placing the appliance — it's judging how far teeth can move without upsetting the bite. That's why at Blanche, an orthodontic specialist sees you personally from the start.

  • 01

    Orthodontic specialist training

    Completed an orthodontics residency at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital and is a specialist and certified member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists.

  • 02

    About 5% of dentists in Korea

    Orthodontic specialists make up about 5% of dentists in Korea.

  • 03

    22 years of orthodontics

    Dr. Juhee Baek has practiced orthodontics for 22 years.

  • 04

    10,000+ cases

    She has treated more than 10,000 orthodontic cases over 22 years — and so has seen many cases where "partial works" and where "it doesn't".

How we decide

When partial orthodontics is possible, and when full orthodontics is needed

Even with the same "crooked front teeth", the scope of treatment differs depending on whether the cause is limited to the front teeth or extends to the jaw and back teeth.

  • When partial orthodontics may be considered

    • There's a small gap between the front teeth
    • The front teeth overlap slightly, and only a little space is lacking
    • Only one or two teeth are rotated or tilted
    • The back teeth bite together well, with no trouble chewing
    • Seen from the side, the mouth doesn't look pushed forward

  • When full orthodontics may fit better

    • The upper and lower back teeth bite out of line
    • You're concerned about a protruding mouth
    • The lower jaw sticks out, or the front teeth bite in reverse
    • The upper and lower front teeth don't touch, or overlap too deeply
    • Teeth overlap a lot, so a lot of space has to be made

If you start partial orthodontics looking only at the front teeth and end up switching to full orthodontics because the bite doesn't fit, you spend time and money twice. That's why the first exam checks the back-teeth bite and your profile too. Protrusion and bite problems are covered in more detail on the Adult Orthodontics page, and underbite or facial asymmetry on the Non-Surgical Underbite & Asymmetry page.

Partial appliances

Partial orthodontic appliances: what can you choose?

Once partial orthodontics is judged possible, the appliance is chosen to suit your teeth and lifestyle. Below are general features; which appliance actually fits is decided together after the exam.

Appliance table
AppliancePlacement · formConsider if youTrade-offs
MTA bracesVery small tubes bonded to the outer tooth surface, linked by a thin wireHave mild twisting or overlap of a few front teethThe range of movement is narrow, mainly the front teeth
2D braces (2D lingual)Thin brackets bonded to the inside of the teethAre most worried about visible bracesSpeech and tongue discomfort are possible at first
Clear aligners (Invisalign)Clear trays you put in and take outWant to remove them to eat and brush, and can keep to wear timeTeeth won't move as planned if daily wear time isn't kept
Clippy-CTooth-colored ceramic self-ligating brackets bonded to the outer surfaceNeed wire braces but find metal-colored brackets a burdenBonded on the outer surface, so may be visible up close

At Blanche, front-teeth partial orthodontics is often done with the appliance bonded to the inside (lingual side) of the teeth so it's less visible, and it can also be done with clear aligners. Dr. Juhee Baek decides between MTA and 2D (lingual) after diagnosis. Choosing based on the direction and amount of movement needed, rather than picking the appliance you want first, works better for the result.

Orthodontics or veneers?

For front-teeth concerns, how do partial orthodontics and veneers differ?

Both make the front teeth look even, but one moves the teeth and the other covers the tooth surface. Which fits becomes clear when you look separately at the teeth's position, shape and color.

Comparison table
ComparisonPartial orthodonticsVeneers
What changesTooth position and angleShape and color of the tooth surface
Best-suited concernsPosition problems such as gaps, overlap and twistingSmall teeth, unhappy with shape or color, chipped front teeth
Your own teethMoved without trimming (sometimes very slightly reshaped between teeth if needed)Blanche no-prep veneers involve no trimming or only minimal reshaping
Time neededUsually 3–6 months (varies by person)Finished in a relatively short time
MaintenanceRetainer must be worn consistentlyRegular check-ups needed for chipping, discoloration, etc.

  • When orthodontics comes first

    If teeth overlap or are twisted a lot, covering them with veneers may require trimming more tooth. In that case, we recommend arranging the teeth with partial orthodontics first.

  • Finishing with veneers after orthodontics

    Small gaps that remain after orthodontics, naturally small teeth and black triangles can be finished with Blanche no-prep veneers. See front-teeth veneers for veneers on the front teeth.

Honestly

Benefits and trade-offs of partial orthodontics

  • What you can expect

    • Fewer teeth move, so it usually takes 3–6 months — shorter than full orthodontics at 1 to 2.5 years (varies by person)
    • The appliance covers a smaller area, so it may be less of a burden in daily life
    • Your own teeth are repositioned without trimming
    • Choosing an inside appliance or clear aligners makes it less visible

  • Burdens and limits to accept

    • It can't fix problems beyond the front teeth, such as the bite or a protruding mouth
    • For a few days after placement, teeth may feel sore and uncomfortable
    • With insufficient care, gum inflammation or cavities may develop
    • Rarely, tooth roots may shorten, and teeth may shift again if you don't wear a retainer
Process

The partial orthodontics process

Dr. Juhee Baek personally handles the consultation, appliance placement and final check.

  1. 01

    Consultation

    We ask which teeth bother you most and the look you want, and a dentist spends an hour or more explaining.

  2. 02

    Detailed exam

    Photos, X-rays and an intraoral scan check your bite and profile to judge whether partial orthodontics is possible.

  3. 03

    Plan · appliance choice

    We decide which teeth move and in which direction, and choose a suitable appliance together.

  4. 04

    Appliance placement

    The dentist places the appliance personally and explains care for the first week.

  5. 05

    Regular adjustments

    You visit at set intervals so movement can be checked and adjusted.

  6. 06

    Finishing · retention

    After the dentist checks the finish, the appliance is removed and a retainer is fitted.

Partial orthodontics usually takes 3–6 months; full orthodontics takes 1 to 2.5 years. It varies with the number of teeth and how far they move, so we give you an estimated duration after the detailed exam. We go over every explanation at least four times, and you're welcome to decide at home.

Retainers and relapse

After partial orthodontics, keeping teeth from shifting again

Even after being moved, teeth tend to drift back to where they were. Front teeth in particular move easily — and shift back easily. So it's best to think of the day the appliance comes off not as the end, but as the day you start wearing a retainer. We plan retention with your smile 20 years from now in mind.

  • 01

    Fixed retainer

    A thin wire is bonded to the inside of the front teeth. It's invisible from outside, but you need to learn how to floss with it.

  • 02

    Removable retainer

    A clear tray, mainly worn while sleeping. If you put off wearing it, it can soon stop fitting.

  • 03

    If it comes off or breaks

    Contact us right away rather than waiting. Teeth can move in the meantime.

  • 04

    Regular check-ups

    Even after the appliance is removed, we regularly check your retainer and gums.

Cost

Partial orthodontics cost

MTA and 2D (lingual) partial orthodontics are priced on the same basis. We start only after a detailed exam confirms partial orthodontics is possible.

Cost table
ItemCost
Detailed exam and diagnosisKRW 200,000 (included in the total if you proceed with treatment)
Partial orthodontics (MTA · 2D lingual)KRW 1,800,000 (per arch, upper or lower; retainer extra)
Clear aligner partial orthodontics (Invisalign Express)KRW 1,000,000
Adjustment feeKRW 50,000 per month (usually once a month; patients living overseas can visit once every 6 months)
  • With clear aligners, it's Invisalign Express at KRW 1,000,000.
  • When comparing quotes, check first whether the exam, appliance and adjustment fees are all included, rather than just the amount.
  • Approximate USD: KRW 200,000 ≈ USD 145, KRW 1,000,000 ≈ USD 735, KRW 1,800,000 ≈ USD 1,325, KRW 50,000 ≈ USD 35 (based on USD 1 = KRW 1,359).
  • Prices for all treatments are on our full price list.
Before & after

Real Blanche front-teeth orthodontic cases

Drag the photo left and right to compare before & after orthodontics.

Real Blanche front-teeth partial orthodontics case before treatment, with unevenly aligned front teeth
Real Blanche front-teeth partial orthodontics case after treatment, with evenly aligned front teeth
BeforeAfter
Real Blanche front-teeth partial orthodontics caseFront-teeth partial orthodontics
Real Blanche orthodontic case 1, gap between front teeth before treatment
Real Blanche orthodontic case 1, gap between front teeth after treatment
BeforeAfter
Real Blanche orthodontic case 1 · gap between front teethGap between the front teeth closed
Real Blanche orthodontic case 2, crowded front teeth before treatment
Real Blanche orthodontic case 2, crowded front teeth after treatment
BeforeAfter
Real Blanche orthodontic case 2 · crowded front teethOverlapping front teeth evenly aligned

Real Blanche Dental cases, published with the patients' consent. Treatment method, duration and results vary with tooth condition. During orthodontics, pain or discomfort, gum inflammation or cavities with insufficient care, and rarely root resorption may occur, and relapse may happen if a retainer isn't worn.

Dr. Juhee Baek, orthodontic specialist with 22 years of experience at Blanche Dental
22-year orthodontic specialist

From start to finish, Dr. Juhee Baek treats you personally

At Blanche, orthodontic specialist Dr. Juhee Baek, who has practiced only orthodontics for 22 years, personally consults, places your appliance and checks the finish. Orthodontic specialists are only about 5% of dentists in Korea.

"With know-how built up over countless orthodontic cases, I will treat you with care and comfort."

  • Valedictorian, Kyung Hee University College of Dentistry
  • Orthodontics residency, Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital
  • Master of Dental Science in Orthodontics, Kyung Hee University Graduate School of Dentistry
  • Specialist and certified member, Korean Association of Orthodontists
  • 10,000+ orthodontic cases treated over 22 years
  • Presented an outstanding non-extraction orthodontic case at Osaka Dental University, Japan
Dr. Kyungri Park, Integrated Dentistry specialist at Blanche Dental
Treating together

Integrated Dentistry specialist Dr. Kyungri Park

Drawing on her experience as an orthodontic clinic director, she treats orthodontic patients together with Dr. Juhee Baek. Cavity and gum care during orthodontics and finishing work such as veneers afterward are all continued within one clinic.

  • Graduate of Stanford University
  • Graduate of Seoul National University College of Dentistry
  • Master's, Seoul National University Graduate School of Dentistry
  • Clinical training at UCLA and Columbia University dental hospitals (USA)
  • Former orthodontics director · former chief director of an orthodontic clinic
FAQ

Partial orthodontics: common questions

When is partial orthodontics possible?
It can be considered when the problem is limited to the front teeth — such as a gap, slightly overlapping front teeth, or one or two twisted teeth — the back teeth bite together well, and the mouth doesn't look pushed forward. We decide after a detailed exam that also checks your bite and profile.
Are front-teeth orthodontics and partial orthodontics the same thing?
The terms are used similarly. Partial orthodontics means moving only some teeth, and since it mostly involves the front teeth, it's also called front-teeth orthodontics or partial front-teeth braces.
How can I tell if partial orthodontics will work for me?
Send two photos — one front-facing and one smiling — via WhatsApp, and we'll first give you a rough direction. The final decision is made after a detailed exam including X-rays and an intraoral scan.
Can a protruding mouth be pulled back with partial orthodontics?
When the whole mouth looks pushed forward, moving only the front teeth usually can't solve it, and a lot of space has to be made, so full orthodontics is often the right fit. We distinguish this from cases where only one or two front teeth stick out.
How long does partial orthodontics take?
Partial orthodontics usually takes 3–6 months, and full orthodontics 1 to 2.5 years. It varies with the number of teeth and how far they move, so we give you an estimated duration after the detailed exam.
How much does partial orthodontics cost?
MTA or 2D (lingual) partial orthodontics is KRW 1,800,000 (≈ USD 1,325; per arch, upper or lower; retainer extra), the diagnosis fee is KRW 200,000 (≈ USD 145; included in the total if you proceed), and the adjustment fee is KRW 50,000 (≈ USD 35) per month. With clear aligners, it's Invisalign Express at KRW 1,000,000 (≈ USD 735).
Are partial orthodontic appliances visible?
It depends on the appliance. 2D (lingual) braces bonded to the inside of the teeth are barely visible from the front, and clear aligners are noticeable only up close. MTA and Clippy-C are bonded to the outer surface, but because they're small or tooth-colored, they're less noticeable than metal brackets.
Which is best: MTA, 2D or clear aligners?
No single one is best for everyone. Dr. Juhee Baek decides between MTA and 2D (lingual) after diagnosis. Clear aligners are also an option; we look at the direction and amount of movement needed, how much visible braces bother you, and whether you can consistently wear a removable appliance.
Should I get partial orthodontics or veneers?
If the problem is tooth position — gaps, overlap or twisting — orthodontics often fits; if it's small teeth or shape and color, veneers often fit. If you have both, the teeth are sometimes arranged with orthodontics first and then finished with veneers.
What about gaps left after orthodontics?
Because of natural tooth size, small gaps or black triangles may remain after orthodontics. In such cases, we can discuss finishing with Blanche no-prep veneers.
Are teeth trimmed in partial orthodontics?
Orthodontics doesn't change tooth shape by trimming. However, the spaces between teeth are sometimes very slightly reshaped to make room for overlapping teeth, and if this is needed, we explain it in advance.
Does partial orthodontics hurt?
For a few days after the appliance is placed or adjusted, teeth may feel sore and chewing may be uncomfortable. The degree varies from person to person, and most people get used to it over time.
I had braces before, but my teeth shifted again. Will partial orthodontics work?
If the front teeth shifted a little because a retainer wasn't worn, they can often be realigned with partial orthodontics. But if the bite has changed too, the scope needs to be reassessed.
Do I need to keep wearing a retainer after partial orthodontics?
Yes. Even after being moved, teeth tend to drift back to where they were, so wearing a retainer consistently is important. We explain how and how long to wear it when the appliance is removed.
Can partial orthodontics be done on just the lower front teeth?
Sometimes, yes. But moving the lower front teeth also changes how they meet the upper front teeth, so we decide by looking at the upper and lower bite together.
Will treatment get in the way of work or school?
For a few days right after placement, speaking or eating may be a little uncomfortable. You need to visit for every adjustment, so distance matters too: Blanche is a 30-second walk from Nonhyeon Station Exit 4 and open until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
I live abroad. Can I get a consultation?
Yes. Send a front-facing photo and a smiling photo via WhatsApp, and we'll reply first. Consultations are available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Russian. Orthodontics requires regular visits, so we also discuss scheduling with you.

Reviewed by Dr. Juhee Baek (orthodontic specialist, 22 years; Master's in Orthodontics, Kyung Hee University Graduate School of Dentistry) · Last updated

Location

Blanche Dental Clinic, Nonhyeon Station, Gangnam

A 30-second walk from Exit 4 of Nonhyeon Station, on Gangnam-daero.

Subway

30-second walk from Exit 4, Nonhyeon Station (Line 7, Shinbundang Line)

Address

7F, 531 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)

Hours

Mon, Thu, Fri 10:30–19:00Tue, Wed 10:30–21:00 (late hours)Sat 10:00–14:00 · Sun every other week
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7F, 531 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)

30-second walk from Exit 4, Nonhyeon Station (Line 7, Shinbundang Line)

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Book a consultation

Can only your front teeth be treated? Ask with photos first

Two photos — one front-facing and one smiling — are all we need. A dentist will review them personally and tell you whether partial orthodontics may work or full orthodontics is needed.

Send photos on WhatsApp
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Send us a front photo and a smiling photo — a dentist will review them and reply.

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