English-Speaking Orthodontists in Tokyo: The Essential Guide

If you’re living in Japan (or planning to stay for a while) it's best to find a trustworthy clinic for your dental health needs sooner rather than later. 

That being said, finding English-speaking orthodontists can be challenging — especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local language. The last thing you want is to frantically search through reviews to find a reputable doctor when an emergency arises or when you need specialized orthodontic care.

Fortunately, Tokyo has many professionals who take care of English-speaking patients.

In this article, we’ll share a list of recommended English-speaking orthodontists in Tokyo. This list can serve as your go-to resource during emergencies or for planned treatments. We’ll also cover the costs of orthodontic treatments in Tokyo, how to find clinics covered by insurance, and tips before visiting the orthodontist.

How Much Will I Have To Pay: Orthodontic and Braces Cost in Japan

Orthodontic treatment in Tokyo can be quite expensive, especially since most procedures are not covered by Japanese health insurance unless your condition meets specific standards. 

Typically, the cost for braces can range from ¥600,000 to ¥1,200,000 (USD 4,000 to USD 8,000), while Invisalign treatments are usually around ¥800,000 to ¥1,500,000 (USD 5,500 to USD 10,500).

Orthodontics in Tokyo: What’s Covered?

If you have jaw deformity or other specific severe conditions, your treatment might qualify for insurance coverage, significantly reducing your financial burden. 

Here are the conditions and criteria that allow for insurance coverage:

• Specific medical conditions: Orthodontic treatments are fully covered for patients whose issues result from specific congenital anomalies or syndromes. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has designated 66 such conditions, including cleft lip and palate, Goldenhar syndrome, Down syndrome, Treacher-Collins syndrome, and Marfan syndrome. You can find the comprehensive list on the Japanese Orthodontic Society’s website.

• Impacted teeth: Malocclusions caused by impaction of three or more permanent incisors or premolars that require surgical exposure qualify for insurance coverage.

• Jaw deformities: Cases requiring orthognathic surgery due to jaw deformities also receive coverage, including both pre-surgical and post-surgical orthodontic treatments.

It’s important to note that beyond patient eligibility criteria, clinics must also meet specific requirements to provide insurance-covered treatment. 

Therefore, only medical institutions that meet specific facility standards set by the Ministry and have submitted the necessary notifications to the regional health bureau are authorized to provide insurance-covered orthodontic treatments.

How To Find an Insurance-Covered Orthodonist in Japan

If your condition qualifies for insurance-covered treatment, you will need to visit a designated medical institution. You can find a list of these institutions by visiting this website for the Kanto region. For other regions, please visit this website. The regions are listed in Japanese only. 

To check if an orthodontist is covered under their insurance, you will need to search by:

• 矯診 (Orthopedics Examination)

• 顎診 (Jaw Examination)

A friendly reminder: even if an orthodontist is listed as 矯診 or 顎診 in your search, it’s always best to contact them directly to confirm whether your insurance will cover your treatment before making appointments.

What To Do Before Going To The Orthodontist In Tokyo

Before visiting an orthodontist, it’s important to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth experience. 

Here are some steps you can take to be prepared:

• Make an appointment: Most clinics in Japan require appointments. Call or email the clinic to schedule a consultation and confirm if they provide services in English. Additionally, it’s a good idea to double-check their operating hours as some clinics have limited availability for English-speaking patients.

• Prepare necessary documentation: If you’ve had previous orthodontic treatments or have relevant medical records, make sure to bring those with you. Medical data such as X-rays, dental history, and referral letters can help the orthodontist assess your condition better.

• Get insurance confirmation: If you believe that your condition qualifies for insurance coverage, confirm with the clinic in advance. Even if the clinic is listed as a designated medical institution, verifying directly with them will ensure there won’t be unexpected costs.

• Prepare questions: Write down your concerns and questions before your appointment to ensure you don't overlook important details during your consultation. This will put you at ease before your appointment and ensure you receive the necessary care and information during your visit.

• Check payment methods: Ask the clinic about accepted payment methods. Some clinics may require cash payments, while others may accept credit cards or bank transfers. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best English-speaking orthodontists in Tokyo.

Best English-Speaking Orthodontist in Tokyo: Our Recommendations

The following clinics represent Tokyo's most respected English-speaking orthodontic practices. Each features either fully English-speaking staff or doctors with strong English communication skills, ensuring your concerns are clearly understood.

Celeste Orthodontics Myogadani

Celeste Orthodontics Myogadani delivers personalized orthodontic treatment tailored to individual requirements.

The clinic provides various orthodontic options, including traditional braces and Invisalign. According to their pricing page, consultation fees are around ¥5,000, and orthodontic treatment plans range from ¥600,000 to ¥1,200,000 for braces and ¥800,000 to ¥1,500,000 for Invisalign.

To make a reservation, you can contact the clinic via phone or its website’s appointment request form. Information regarding insurance acceptance isn’t specified online, so it’s best to inquire directly with the clinic.

Drs. Kaku’s Office

Drs. Kaku’s Office specializes in orthodontic treatment, pediatric dentistry, and preventive care. The clinic has been operating since 1994, so their extensive experience speaks for itself.

Drs. Kaku’s Office offers services such as braces and Invisalign for corrective treatments. In fact, they have the state-of-the-art iTero Element Optical 3D scanner, which can accurately map and create a model of your teeth in minutes. Specific fees are not provided on their website.

Appointments for a visit can be scheduled by phone or through the request form you’ll find on Drs. Kaku’s Office Website. Insurance acceptance details are not specified, so contact the office directly for confirmation.

MY Dental Office Kojimachi

Located in Chıyoda-ku, Tokyo, MY Dental Office Kojimachi provides various dental services, including orthodontic treatments.

The clinic is led by Dr. Yukiko Minami, who has international training in the United States, and ensures the same high-quality treatment standards.

They offer braces and clear aligners, but the exact prices are not listed. Keep in mind that in addition to cash, the office also accepts various credit cards, so you have options in terms of payment.

Reservations at MY Dental Office Kojimachi can be made by phone or via the online appointment form on their website. Insurance acceptance is not explicitly mentioned, so patients are encouraged to confirm details directly with the clinic.

The English Speaking Dentist in Tokyo (F.K.A. RYO DENTAL CLINIC)

The English Speaking Dentist in Tokyo, formerly known as RYO DENTAL CLINIC, maintains the same exceptional service quality despite its name change. 

This clinic offers a wide range of dental services, including orthodontic treatments, general dentistry, preventive care, teeth whitening, and dental implants. However, this clinic is best known for their clear aligner treatments. More specifically, they offer ClearCorrect, a popular Invisalign alternative that promises better results.

With English-speaking staff ready to assist at all times, this clinic is a convenient choice for foreigners living in Tokyo. Booking an appointment is simple—just give them a call or use their online form. 

As for insurance and the pricing, it’s best to double-check with the clinic directly to confirm what’s covered and how much treatments cost before making any commitments.

Tokyo Clinic Dental Office

Tokyo Clinic Dental Office has served Tokyo's international community since 1952, providing comprehensive dental care, including orthodontics, for over seven decades.

Foreign patients feel particularly comfortable here with their English-speaking staff and US-trained dentists offering treatments like braces, Invisalign, and general dental care.

Tokyo Clinic Dental Office focuses on providing minimally invasive treatments and high-quality care to meet the needs of its patients. While their prices are not listed, it’s important to note that the clinic does not accept Japanese national/social health insurance, so confirm payment details before your visit.

To make an appointment at Tokyo Clinic Dental Office, simply reach out via phone.

Hitomi Dental Office

Hitomi Dental Office offers a broad range of dental services, including orthodontic treatments, preventive care, and general dentistry.

The clinic's services include preventive and cosmetic dentistry, implantology and oral surgery, periodontal treatments, endodontics, and even pediatric dentistry. In addition to these, the clinic also provides orthodontic services that include traditional braces and clear aligners that cater to various age groups.

The clinic emphasizes preventive care, promoting early treatment for better results. For reference, a dental check-up starts from ¥5000, teeth cleaning starts from ¥6000, and orthodontic corrections start from ¥50,000.

To book an appointment, you can call the clinic or use their online contact form. The best thing about the Hitomi Dental Office is that they offer a variety of insurance-covered treatments, but make sure to check with the clinic for details.

Nakayama Orthodontics

Nakayama Orthodontics, located in Yokohama, provides specialized orthodontic care for both children and adults. The clinic is led by Dr. Hiroo Oda, who has extensive experience working with international patients, making communication in English smooth and efficient.

The clinic offers treatments such as traditional metal braces and clear braces. According to their website, the total cost of an adult orthodontic treatment costs somewhere between ¥800,000 and ¥1,000,000. However, patients will be glad to know that Nakayama Orthodontics offers interest-free installment payment plans extending up to 18 months.

You can make a reservation for your appointment by phone. Insurance acceptance details are not specified, so it’s best to contact the clinic directly to confirm their policies.

Conclusion on English-Speaking Orthodontist in Tokyo

Finding an English-speaking orthodontist in Japan can feel challenging when you’re experiencing acute symptoms, but with our guide, you can access quality care without having to speak a word of Japanese.

Whether you’re considering traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatments, the clinics we recommend offer high-quality care with English-speaking staff ready to assist you at every step.

Just remember to make an appointment in advance and verify insurance coverage before making any decisions.

While the clinics we’ve introduced offer excellent dental services beyond orthodontics, if you're specifically seeking general dental care, check out our article on English-speaking dentists in Japan for a better resource.