Korean Job Discussion Forums

siri lakshmi · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Tongyeong

I have this built-in retainer wire behind my lower front teeth (called a Lingual retainer) and it's caused me no problems for the past 14 years... until tonight. I was just eating a hard piece of fruit when one end of the wire came un-cemented from the metal bracket on my tooth. I live in a very small city, Tongyeong, 2 hours outside of Busan (next to Geoje Island). Does anyone know of an orthodontist in this area? I am desperate to get this fixed ASAP because the wire is poking my tongue.

Thanks in advance!!
-Siri

Rteacher · Joined: 23 May 2005 Location: Western MA, USA

You might be able to find a nearby dentist who also does orthodontic work and can communicate in English, but you'd probably need help from an English-speaking Korean who can call around...

You may have to go into Busan - here are a couple listings for dentists there who can speak English well:

Dr. Lee You Shik
Namcheon Dong, across from the KBS building.
623-7676
Recommendation: This dentist went to Michigan State University and Seoul National . His English is excellent. He has a brand new office with state-of-the-American-art equipment. He is easy to find: take the subway to Namcheon Station (number 211), leave the subway using exit number 1. Walk towards where the road splits in two, there is a pedestrian walkway spanning the roads. Dr. Lee's clinic is 40 feet beyond the base of the stairs on the right-side road, in front of you. The clinic has signs over the door on the building and is located on the second floor.

Saint Loius Dental Clinic MAP
Beomil dong - across from Hyundai Dept Store
645-2895

World Dental Clinic MAP
Seomyeon - across from Daewha Dept. Store
804-2875
Recommendation (anonymous) New York University of dental med. GRAD and former professor at NYU, speaks PERFECT english, completely hygentic....crowns, implants, etc...well, same as goin to a dentist in the states. good prices (insur.) (051) 804-2875

http://www.pusanweb.com/guides/medical/medlistings.htm

siri lakshmi · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Tongyeong

Thank you! I was able to find (thanks to my boss's wife) and visit the one dentist in Tongyeong who deals at all with orthodontics. He spoke no English, of course, and removed the retainer entirely rather than repair it. I guess I will just have to accept this and hope my teeth do not get too crooked in the next 10 months...