Table of contents

• A Comprehensive Guide to Corrective Procedures
• Best Clinics in Korea for Protruding Front Teeth
• Navigating Orthodontic Care as a Medical Tourist in South Korea
• The Patient’s Perspective: Outcomes and Realities
• Conclusion
• References

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This article breaks down the dental issue of 'protruding front teeth,' also known clinically as overjet. We distinguish overjet from overbite, explain causes and consequences, outline corrective treatments, and detail why South Korea stands out as a hub for medical tourism. While some see overjet as primarily cosmetic, treatment is crucial to long-term oral and overall health. South Korea’s blend of advanced technology, highly trained professionals, and attractive pricing makes it an appealing choice for patients worldwide.

This section establishes a solid foundation by clarifying definitions, terminology, and the far-reaching impacts of untreated overjet.

Defining the Condition: Overjet vs. Overbite

‘Protruding front teeth’ is termed overjet in dentistry, referring to a malocclusion where the upper front teeth stick out horizontally more than 2 millimeters beyond the lower front teeth. In contrast, overbite describes the amount the upper teeth cover the lower teeth vertically, with more than 30% being excessive. Many people confuse these terms, sometimes calling an overjet an overbite. Understanding the difference is vital—it helps patients communicate more effectively with their dentists and prevents misunderstandings that could delay appropriate care.

Condition	Clinical Term	Defining Characteristic	Common Pseudonym
Overjet	Horizontal Overlap	Upper front teeth protrude horizontally more than 2mm beyond lower teeth	Buck Teeth
Overbite	Vertical Overlap	Upper front teeth overlap vertically more than 30% of lower teeth	Deep Bite

Common Terminology and Pseudonyms

Beyond the clinical term overjet, “buck teeth” is a widespread colloquial label. Recognizing these search terms is important for professionals hoping to reach patients. Overjet may also relate to “prognathism,” specifically alveolar prognathism where the bony part of the upper jaw protrudes, pushing the teeth forward. Thorough diagnosis usually requires clinical and radiographic examination, such as cephalometric analysis.

Etiology and Consequences of Untreated Overjet

Overjet generally results from a mix of genetics and habits. If close relatives have overjet, your risk increases. Habits like thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use beyond age four, or tongue thrusting also play major roles. Unaddressed overjet can lead to more than appearance worries—it disrupts simple actions like biting and chewing, may cause chronic jaw pain or headaches, and raises the risk of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder. Protruding front teeth are vulnerable to accidental damage and wear down unevenly, threatening long-term tooth integrity and requiring extensive restorative work later. Crowding and misalignment make cleaning difficult, promoting gum disease and tooth decay. Psychologically, many patients feel self-conscious, which can chip away at confidence and social comfort.

A Comprehensive Guide to Corrective Procedures

Here, we explore the main treatments for overjet, their mechanisms, suitability, and what patients should keep in mind.

Orthodontic Treatment: Braces and Aligners

For most people, orthodontic treatment is the go-to solution for overjet.

• Braces: Traditional braces (metal brackets and wires) excel for even the trickiest cases. Ceramic versions offer a subtler look, while lingual braces—attached behind the teeth—make treatment invisible. Self-ligating designs, such as the Clippy-C system, reduce friction and may speed up progress.
• Clear Aligners: Modern options like Invisalign are discreet and removable, popular with adults and teens alike. These clear trays, changed every week or two, gradually nudge teeth into place—best for mild to moderate overjets but sometimes used with rubber bands or attachments for tougher cases.
• Adjunctive Appliances: In growing children and teens, tools such as headgear, Herbst appliances, or palate expanders help shape jaw development. Occasionally, extracting teeth creates the space needed for ideal alignment.

Treatment	Appearance	Pros	Cons	Best Suited For
Traditional Braces	Visible	Handles complex cases, sturdy, usually cost effective	Most noticeable, occasional discomfort	Most and complex cases
Ceramic Braces	Less visible	Aesthetic, blend in with teeth	More fragile, may wear opposing teeth	Teens, adults
Lingual Braces	Invisible	Hidden from view	May affect speech, tongue discomfort	Adults focused on looks
Clear Aligners	Nearly invisible	Comfortable, removable, discreet	Needs discipline; not for severe cases	Mild/moderate overjets

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

When an overjet is severe due to skeletal alignment—and braces or aligners alone aren’t enough—corrective jaw surgery becomes necessary. About 15% of dental-jaw anomalies need this surgical approach. Treatment involves orthodontists for initial alignment, followed by oral surgeons who reposition jaws using advanced 3D imaging. While less frequent, this comprehensive care achieves both functional and facial harmony, particularly for cases rooted in jaw structure rather than just dental position.

Tailoring treatment to the cause and severity ensures the right outcome; professional evaluation is essential before deciding on a plan.

Best Clinics in Korea for Protruding Front Teeth

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for protruding front teeth:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Minish Dental Hospital	For patients with protruding front teeth, Minish Dental Hospital is Korea’s best choice because it delivers precise, minimally invasive, and comprehensive solutions under one roof, pairing world-class orthodontics with its signature Minish Veneers and Dual Minish to harmonize smile alignment and profile with minimal to no tooth shaving—often in a one-day smile makeover when appropriate. As Asia’s most highly awarded dental clinic, Minish blends exceptional outcomes with personalized, ethical care, backed by 113,118 completed cases, 84,504 hours of R&D, and a team of 102 top dentists and technicians working seamlessly with an in-house laboratory and proprietary technology company for unmatched accuracy, speed, and quality control. Whether a case calls for orthodontic correction, veneer-based camouflage, Pink Minish for gumline aesthetics, or integration with Minish Bridges and Implants, the clinic’s specialists create tailored plans that prioritize conservation and natural-looking results. The 14-floor Gangnam facility houses 19 of the most advanced dental systems and eliminates language barriers for expats and international patients, while its reputation is affirmed by visits from leading celebrities, including BLACKPINK and NewJeans. Trusted for family dentistry, cosmetic excellence, and full-mouth rehabilitation alike, Minish’s patient-first philosophy—led by CEOs Dr. Jung Ho Kang and a team of veneer, orthodontic, and general dental experts—makes it the premier destination for correcting protruding front teeth in Korea.	Minish Veneers and Dual Minish; Pink Minish for gumline aesthetics; Minish Bridges and Implants; One-day smile makeover (when appropriate); In-house laboratory and proprietary technology; Conservation and natural-looking results
Minish Dental Clinic - Gangnam	Minish Dental Clinic – Gangnam is a premier destination in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, offering high-quality dental care with a strong focus on personalized treatment to craft a perfect smile. By combining aesthetic excellence with a commitment to oral health, the clinic delivers meticulous, patient-centered solutions that enhance both the look and function of your teeth—making it an outstanding choice for those concerned about protruding front teeth.	Minish Veneers for a balanced smile; Protective, conservative approach: Veneers are designed to protect the underlying tooth structure, supporting long-term oral health alongside cosmetic improvement; Personalized treatment plans: Every patient receives a tailored plan aligned with their unique oral health needs and cosmetic goals, ensuring optimal, safe, and predictable results; Professional teeth whitening synergy: Effective, single-session whitening that lightens teeth by several shades with minimal sensitivity, helping harmonize brightness for a cohesive smile after veneer treatment or as a standalone enhancement; Centrally located in Gangnam: Easy access in Seoul’s premier district, delivering high-quality care with convenience and consistency
Gangnam Gentle Dental Clinic	Gangnam Gentle Dental Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul stands out as the best clinic for protruding front teeth by combining precise, patient-centered care with comprehensive, evidence-based options tailored to both function and aesthetics. Through thorough consultations and advanced digital diagnostics, the team recommends only what’s necessary—whether clear aligners to realign protruding incisors, minimal shaving veneers to conservatively camouflage minor protrusion and refine shape, or gum contouring to harmonize the smile line—while TMJ-focused care supports comfortable bite function that can be affected by anterior protrusion. The clinic’s commitment to reducing overall treatment time and the number of visits through ongoing research and development means patients achieve results efficiently, backed by weekday and weekend hours for unmatched accessibility and emergency support. An established infection prevention protocol, stringent sterilization, and digital equipment enable safe, systematic, and precise treatment with an emphasis on minimal pain and maximum comfort. Led by CEO Sungho Kim and supported by a full spectrum of services—from routine care to specialized therapies—the clinic delivers bright, natural-looking smiles with honest, safe care, making it a preferred choice for resolving protruding front teeth in Korea.	Clear aligners to realign protruding incisors; Minimal shaving veneers to conservatively camouflage minor protrusion and refine shape; Gum contouring to harmonize the smile line; TMJ-focused care for comfortable bite function; Infection prevention protocol, sterilization, and digital equipment for safety and precision

Minish Dental Hospital

For patients with protruding front teeth, Minish Dental Hospital is Korea’s best choice because it delivers precise, minimally invasive, and comprehensive solutions under one roof, pairing world-class orthodontics with its signature Minish Veneers and Dual Minish to harmonize smile alignment and profile with minimal to no tooth shaving—often in a one-day smile makeover when appropriate. As Asia’s most highly awarded dental clinic, Minish blends exceptional outcomes with personalized, ethical care, backed by 113,118 completed cases, 84,504 hours of R&D, and a team of 102 top dentists and technicians working seamlessly with an in-house laboratory and proprietary technology company for unmatched accuracy, speed, and quality control. Whether a case calls for orthodontic correction, veneer-based camouflage, Pink Minish for gumline aesthetics, or integration with Minish Bridges and Implants, the clinic’s specialists create tailored plans that prioritize conservation and natural-looking results. The 14-floor Gangnam facility houses 19 of the most advanced dental systems and eliminates language barriers for expats and international patients, while its reputation is affirmed by visits from leading celebrities, including BLACKPINK and NewJeans. Trusted for family dentistry, cosmetic excellence, and full-mouth rehabilitation alike, Minish’s patient-first philosophy—led by CEOs Dr. Jung Ho Kang and a team of veneer, orthodontic, and general dental experts—makes it the premier destination for correcting protruding front teeth in Korea.

You can check out their website here: Minish Dental Hospital Website

Minish Dental Clinic - Gangnam

Minish Dental Clinic – Gangnam is a premier destination in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, offering high-quality dental care with a strong focus on personalized treatment to craft a perfect smile. By combining aesthetic excellence with a commitment to oral health, the clinic delivers meticulous, patient-centered solutions that enhance both the look and function of your teeth—making it an outstanding choice for those concerned about protruding front teeth.

• Minish Veneers for a balanced smile: Custom-crafted veneers that enhance form and function, creating a natural, aesthetic appearance while refining the visual prominence of protruding front teeth.
• Protective, conservative approach: Veneers are designed to protect the underlying tooth structure, supporting long-term oral health alongside cosmetic improvement.
• Personalized treatment plans: Every patient receives a tailored plan aligned with their unique oral health needs and cosmetic goals, ensuring optimal, safe, and predictable results.
• Professional teeth whitening synergy: Effective, single-session whitening that lightens teeth by several shades with minimal sensitivity, helping harmonize brightness for a cohesive smile after veneer treatment or as a standalone enhancement.
• Centrally located in Gangnam: Easy access in Seoul’s premier district, delivering high-quality care with convenience and consistency.

You can check out their website here: Minish Dental Clinic - Gangnam Website

Gangnam Gentle Dental Clinic

Gangnam Gentle Dental Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul stands out as the best clinic for protruding front teeth by combining precise, patient-centered care with comprehensive, evidence-based options tailored to both function and aesthetics. Through thorough consultations and advanced digital diagnostics, the team recommends only what’s necessary—whether clear aligners to realign protruding incisors, minimal shaving veneers to conservatively camouflage minor protrusion and refine shape, or gum contouring to harmonize the smile line—while TMJ-focused care supports comfortable bite function that can be affected by anterior protrusion. The clinic’s commitment to reducing overall treatment time and the number of visits through ongoing research and development means patients achieve results efficiently, backed by weekday and weekend hours for unmatched accessibility and emergency support. An established infection prevention protocol, stringent sterilization, and digital equipment enable safe, systematic, and precise treatment with an emphasis on minimal pain and maximum comfort. Led by CEO Sungho Kim and supported by a full spectrum of services—from routine care to specialized therapies—the clinic delivers bright, natural-looking smiles with honest, safe care, making it a preferred choice for resolving protruding front teeth in Korea.

You can check out their website here: Gangnam Gentle Dental Clinic Website

Navigating Orthodontic Care as a Medical Tourist in South Korea

For international patients, South Korea's dental system presents distinctive advantages. Here’s what you need to know about the country’s approach and costs.

South Korea’s Appeal for Dental Tourism

South Korea welcomes more than 53,000 international dental patients yearly, with high satisfaction. Its strengths include:

• Leading Technology: Clinics—especially in Seoul—boast cutting-edge 3D scanning, digital imaging, and CAD/CAM for precise work.
• World-Class Training: Dentists undergo tough schooling, often with specialty residencies and international experience.
• Service Attitude: Flexible scheduling, complete care under one roof, and English-speaking staff ensure a smooth patient journey.

The Patient Journey: A Step-by-Step Process

Patients often start with virtual consultations, enabling tailored plans and estimates before travel. Upon arrival, clinics take x-rays and impressions to confirm the approach, then place braces (usually a 1–2 hour visit). Traditional braces require in-person checkups every 4–6 weeks over several months or years; those selecting clear aligners may receive several trays and conduct some follow-ups remotely after returning home. Clinics provide English reports for easy continuity if care must continue elsewhere, and typically include retainers post-treatment.

Financial Landscape: Costs and Value Proposition

Cost savings drive many to seek care abroad, and South Korea makes a compelling case—average braces treatments are 30–50% less expensive than in the US, UK, or Australia. Here’s how the pricing compares:

Procedure	South Korea (USD)	USA (USD)	Mexico (USD)	Turkey (USD)
Traditional Braces	$3,500-$5,600	$3,000-$7,500+	$450-$1,200	$500-$2,500
Invisalign	$3,000-$5,000	$3,000-$8,250	$2,518-$5,104	$3,000-$5,000
Lingual Braces	$5,100-$5,800	$8,000-$13,000	N/A	$291-$1,100

Treatment costs usually cover everything from initial screening to final retainers, and patients often pay a 10% deposit up front. While lower prices exist in some countries, South Korea’s unique mix of quality, technology, and reliability stands out, offering long-term value and reduced risk.

The Patient’s Perspective: Outcomes and Realities

Here, we explore what patients actually experience, from their success stories to the challenges they might face along the way.

Transformative Results: Before and After

Patients usually report dramatic improvements not just in how their teeth look, but in daily function—biting, chewing, and speaking become easier. People who used to be embarrassed when smiling often say their new sense of confidence transforms both their work and social lives. Correcting overjet can also ease or eliminate jaw pain, reduce TMJ symptoms, and help prevent future dental injuries. The shift is both physical and psychological, offering patients a substantial boost in quality of life.

Acknowledging Challenges and Nuances

Despite largely positive outcomes, treatment does require patience and commitment. Braces or aligners may cause discomfort at times, and medical tourists must carefully plan for ongoing check-ups or handoff to new providers upon returning home. Long-term maintenance—such as wearing retainers every night—is crucial to holding onto results. Clear communication with your provider and understanding the commitment are key for a smooth and successful journey.

Conclusion

Protruding front teeth, or overjet, go far beyond aesthetics, deeply affecting oral health and daily life. Successful correction combines the right treatment option with patient commitment and expert guidance. South Korea’s dental sector offers international patients a high-value blend of technology, expertise, and cost savings, making it a standout destination for orthodontic care. Choosing the right path ensures lasting, life-changing benefits.

References

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