Over 600 Koreans join clear teeth aligner lawsuit

By Kang Aa-young

Six hundred people who received orthodontic treatment with clear teeth aligners are suing a Gangnam, Seoul, dental clinic.

And over 250 patients, including foreigners, have filed a complaint with police, according to the Seoul Metropolitan police agency, Wednesday.

The law firm, the Oh Kims, received applications to join the class action until midnight Wednesday

Clear aligners are seen as an alternative to wearing braces. They involve clear plastic trays that are custom made for each patient.

Patients are lined up in front of the clinic, Tuesday. / Courtesy of the clear aligner lawsuit group

One patient who went to the dentist allegedly had trouble biting after the treatment caused misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, according to a news report from JTBC, a Korean news outlet.

One patient's X-ray shows empty space between teeth. / Courtesy of the clear aligner lawsuit group

The clinic has been in Apgujeong-dong since 2013. It is famous for its patent on the clear aligner treatment and has attracted many patients by advertising the treatment as fast and cost-effective.

The clinic has now put an apology on its website.

The clinic held a meeting with patients to explain their side. / Courtesy of the clear aligner lawsuit group

According to the Korea Consumer Agency, complaints about clear aligners have been rising, with 332 cases between January 2016 and March 20, 2018.

According to the agency, clear aligners are not suitable for everyone.

Many foreigners come to Korea for dental treatment. Last year there were about 13,307 who visited Korea for that purpose.