Dental treatments are extremely costly in most Western countries. To put it into context; in the US, a single new dental crown can cost between $3,000 to $6,000. Now, if you decide to go with a full-mouth implant, then your costs could be anywhere from $20,000 – $50,000 for each arch!

For the majority of people, these figures are just unaffordable and thus they begin looking into alternative destinations. Out of all the alternative options, one country that stands out as particularly viable is Turkey. Over the last few years, this country has become a very popular destination for “dental tourists” due to its affordability when compared to many Western clinics.

However, prior to booking an appointment in Turkey, you should first make sure you know about the country and the types of dental care that are offered by Turkish dentists. Therefore, in this guide we will explain why Turkey has become such a popular place for people to seek dental care. Additionally, we will outline the various types of dental care offered in Turkey, the dental candidate checklist, and a number of additional things.

Why Turkey is the world’s dental tourism leader

Turkey didn’t accidentally become the world’s dental tourism capital. Several factors combined to make the country a perfect destination for exceptional and affordable dental care.

Turkish Lira to dollar/pounds exchange rate

International patients, especially those from the UK and the USA often favor Turkey because of its favorable exchange rate. You can imagine a procedure that, ideally, would cost $30,000 (or more) in the US costing just a fraction of that in Turkey after exchanging—that is surely a no-brainer.

Strategic location and infrastructure

Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This means easy flight connections from pretty much anywhere. Istanbul alone has two major international airports with hundreds of daily flights.

The Turkish government also actively supports medical tourism in the country. This means that their clinics are up to standard in terms of infrastructure and personnel. They are properly regulated, and they follow policies that make it easier for clinics to serve global clientele.

Competition among the clinics

Istanbul is home to HUNDREDS of dental clinics competing for international patients. This competition is particularly healthy because it drives clinics to up their quality, lower their treatment prices, and give attractive incentives.

If you are an international patient, this competitive environment benefits you greatly because you are spoilt for choice. All that is left for you is to pick the one that gives you better value for your treatment.

Turkish hospitality

Turkish culture is famous for its hospitality culture, and impressively, that mindset also extends to their healthcare system. Trust us, this is not one of those marketing gimmicks; it’s genuinely how Turkish people approach guests – They believe they are a gift from God and should be treated with respect.

Many past international patients have even confirmed this. In their reviews, one thing they always highlight is the humane, personalised care they received before, during, and after their procedures, which made the whole experience far less intimidating

Premium materials and implant brands

While “cheap = poor product” is a valid skepticism, it doesn’t apply in the Turkish dental treatment industry. The reason is simple: since their clinics are regulated, they are bound to use the exact same premium brands used in Western dental practices. Some implant brands used in Turkey’s best clinics include, but are not limited to:

  • Nobel Biocare (Swedish)
  • Straumann (Swiss)
  • Astra Tech (Swedish)
  • Zimmer Biomet (American)

For their veneers and crowns, they source the porcelain and zirconia they use from established manufacturers

Advanced technology

Some clinics in Turkey have technology that can rival, and sometimes surpass, the ones in Western dental offices. For example, there are 3D CBCT scanners for precise imaging, CAD/CAM systems for same-day crown fabrication, and digital smile design software. Most clinics also have laser dentistry equipment, computer-guided implant placement systems, intraoral scanners, and many others.

Below are some of the most popular dental procedures that often bring patients to Turkey.

Esthetic dentistry

Also known as cosmetic dentistry, this procedure is mainly for people who want to improve the aesthetic appeal of their teeth and gums. That could mean enhancing the color, shape, and even the size of teeth. This branch of dentistry includes procedures like

  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Tooth and gum contouring
  • Dental bonding
  • Veneers and crown placement.

Hollywood smile turkey

Want a smile that shines bright like that of Hillary Duff? Hollywood smile turkey can help you get there. This procedure is one of the most in-demand procedures in Turkey because it can transform your teeth into that camera-ready, celebrity-style smile people rave about. Examples of procedures under this branch of dentistry include:

  • Teeth whitening
  • Veneers to improve the teeth’s appearance, shape, and color.
  • Crowns to replace missing tooth
  • Dental bonding
  • Dental implants
  • Orthodontics  treatments

Dental implant treatments

If you have lost a tooth (or even a full arch) due to accident, gum disease, etc., this multi-stage procedure can restore your smile.

This procedure begins with a surgical placement of titanium post(s) into the jawbone to act as the tooth root. Once the osseointegration process has been completed, dental crowns will then be attached to these posts to create strong, permanent replacement teeth. Some available options include:

  • Single tooth replacement
  • Full-mouth implant solutions that include all-on-4, all-on-6, and all-on-8.

Celebrity smile

This branch of dentistry comprises customized solutions that are customized to address issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment. Some common celebrity smile treatments available in turkey include

  • Dental veneers and crowns
  • Lip fillers
  • Digital smile design
  • Laser dentistry for teeth whitening and sensitivity treatments.
  • Dental bonding

Dental crowns

You could use crowns for teeth if they are damaged, cracked, or otherwise weakened. The crown essentially covers the affected tooth as a protective covering. This protects the tooth from additional damage and restores its original form and function.

To create a crown on a tooth, first, the dentist will prepare the tooth; then take impressions of the tooth (or digital scans); and then attach the crown to the tooth by way of cement. Some examples of the types of crowns used in Turkey include:

  • Porcelain crowns
  • Zirconia crowns

Candidacy checklist for dental implant in Turkey

Below is a checklist to help determine whether you qualify for a dental implant in Turkey:

  • Your gums must be free from active periodontal (gum) disease and other types of infections
  • Your jawbone must also have adequate bone density and volume to support the implant
  • You are also a good candidate if your dental needs are significant. If only minor procedures are needed, it might not make sense to travel abroad. But for more extensive work, combining treatments in one trip can be worthwhile.
  • If your general health is very good, you are also a good fit for any dental treatments.
  • You must also show that you can commit to maintaining good oral hygiene and attending all necessary consultations before and after your procedure.
  • Although there is no age limit for the procedure, patients must, however, have a fully developed jawbone before they can be considered fit for the treatment.

Kindly note that none of these factors automatically disqualify you. Discuss your situation with your dentist first—they will tell you what your options are.

Ready to transform your smile? Contact DentSpa today!

While it is true that saving money on dental treatment can be achieved when traveling abroad (Turkey). For many patients it is the ability to access high-quality dental care at a price that would otherwise be unaffordable in their home country that drives them to seek treatment in Turkey.

At DentSpa, our goal has been to create an environment that combines world class dental care with first-rate hospitality. Our team has used advanced technology along with years of experience in specialized dentistry to provide each patient with a unique and exceptional experience in both comfort and clinical outcome.

Whether your dental needs include dental implants, a Hollywood smile transformation, or a complete smile makeover and any other form of dental treatment, our team has the knowledge, the equipment and the approach to provide you with superior results.

Book a session with us today to get started on your dental treatment and receive a customized treatment plan, clear pricing, and answers to all your questions

Frequently asked questions

How much can I really save with dental treatment in Turkey?

Savings vary, but typically they are between 60% and 70% compared to prices in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. For example, the price of a complete Hollywood Smile would be $3000-$5000 in Turkey, while it could cost you up to $20,000 to $40,000 in the U.S. In this case, even when you add $1500-$2500 for travel and accommodations, you still have about $15,000-$35,000 left.

What if something goes wrong after I return back home?

While complications are extremely rare, there is always the possibility that you may need to return to the clinic where you had your work done. Fortunately, many of the clinics offering quality care also offer warranties on their implant procedures and have the ability to consult with you remotely.

How do I know if a Turkish dental clinic is reliable?

It is actually very simple. First of all, you should check via an internet search whether your Turkish dental clinic has received certification or accreditation from JCI (Joint Commission International) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

Will my dentist back home provide follow up care?

Some of them will. Some do not. It would be best to check with your local dentist prior to travel. Most quality clinics in Turkey will have full documentation of their patient’s treatment. This makes it easy for any dentist to review or continue the care that has been provided.

Are the standards of care as high as those in the West?

Yes they are. If you go to an accredited clinic with experienced dentists, the care should be top-notch. Turkish clinics can offer the same quality materials and techniques used by many (if not most) western clinics, and sometimes even the latest technology; all while being cheaper. The important thing here is to get the best clinic for you, rather than just looking for the lowest price.