Orthodontics in Turkey: A Patient Guide

Who might need orthodontics in Turkey?

First, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment for a range of reasons. In particular, the most common are:

• Teeth that are crowded or overlap
• Teeth that stick out
• Large gaps between teeth
• A bite where the teeth don't meet well, such as an overbite or underbite
• Teeth that make chewing or cleaning harder

Age is not a barrier, so adults can have braces or aligners, although the choice of treatment may differ. However, some bite problems in adults can't be fixed with braces alone and may need jaw surgery as well.

Your options for orthodontics in Turkey

In practice, most adults choose between three types of appliance. Each one can move teeth, but they differ in how they look, how you care for them and which cases they suit.

There are other options too. For instance, lingual braces sit behind the teeth, so they are much less visible. However, they can rub the tongue and change your speech at first.

Aligners or braces for orthodontics in Turkey?

Many people like aligners because you can take them out and they are hard to see. Still, the choice should rest on what your teeth need, not only on looks.

As for results, the research is mixed. A 2020 review found that aligners gave worse bite results than fixed braces in adults, with more results judged unacceptable. Similarly, a 2019 review found aligners less effective at fine bite contacts and root control. On the other hand, a 2024 review of trials found no clear difference in bite outcome.

Comfort is also a factor. A 2026 review linked aligners with less pain early on, better gum scores and better quality of life. Even so, the authors urged caution, because many studies were small or observational.

How long does orthodontics in Turkey take?

In most cases, fixed braces stay on for one to two years. During that time, you normally see your orthodontist every six to eight weeks. With aligners, reviews are often every six to twelve weeks.

Adults don't seem to take much longer than teenagers overall, although the evidence is weak. That said, some movements, such as bringing a buried canine tooth into line, took longer in adults. In short, the length of orthodontics in Turkey depends on your teeth, not on the length of your trip.

Orthodontics in Turkey when you live in the UK or EU

For this reason, this is the most important part of the plan. After all, a crown or a filling can often fit a short trip. Orthodontics in Turkey is different, because teeth move over many months and need regular checks.

1. 1

   Remote first look

   First, you send photos and any records. Then a dentist gives you a provisional view of what might be possible.

2. 2

   In-person assessment

   Then an examination, X-rays and scans in the clinic confirm whether treatment suits you and which appliance fits.

3. 3

   Start of treatment

   If treatment suits you, your dentist fits braces or gives you your first aligners, and explains how to look after them.

4. 4

   Reviews during treatment

   Next, your plan must say who checks your progress, how often, and where. This may mean return trips, a local dentist or orthodontist, remote check-ins, or a mix.

5. 5

   Finish and retention

   Finally, you receive retainers and a plan for who checks them in the years ahead.

Before you go, the General Dental Council (GDC) suggests you talk to your own dentist. Also, ask who will treat you, what aftercare you get and who pays for extra travel if something needs fixing. The NHS adds that you should know how aftercare will work and plan for return trips.

Remote monitoring and at-home aligners

Some treatments now include remote check-ins, where you send photos or scans from your phone between visits. A 2024 review found that this cut in-clinic visits by about two to three. However, it did not shorten treatment or reduce emergency visits, and most studies were of low quality.

Remote tools can support care. Still, they don't replace an examination. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) says the treating dentist or orthodontist must make all diagnostic decisions. In addition, you must know their name, be able to contact them directly and arrange face-to-face visits when needed.

Meanwhile, direct-to-consumer or "DIY" aligners go further, because you may never see a dentist in person. UK bodies have warned about this:

• According to the GDC, nothing yet replaces a physical, clinical examination
• You must also know the full name of the professional responsible and be able to contact them
• In addition, the BOS advises anyone seeking treatment to speak to a dentist or orthodontist first
• Home kits can miss gum and bone problems, because no scanner takes X-rays, warns the Oral Health Foundation
• Some companies don't provide retainers, so teeth may move back

So whichever route you choose, including orthodontics in Turkey, check that a named clinician examines you in person first.

Retainers after orthodontics in Turkey

Without retainers, teeth tend to drift back towards where they started. For this reason, everyone needs a retainer after braces or aligners. Retainers can be removable, for example a clear tray, or fixed, like a thin wire glued behind the teeth.

Teeth can also shift with age, even if you never had treatment. So if you lose or break a retainer, book an appointment quickly, because your teeth may start to move. Meanwhile, keep up regular check-ups with your dentist at home.

A 2023 Cochrane review compared many types of retainer. It found the evidence too weak to say one type works better than another. Your orthodontist therefore chooses a retainer to suit your teeth and habits.

Risks and side effects

Orthodontic treatment is usually safe. However, it has known risks. Aligners and braces share most of them:

White marks on the teeth, which are early signs of decay, are common with fixed braces. In a 2015 analysis, almost half of patients developed new marks during treatment. So good brushing and fewer sugary snacks help prevent them.

In addition, root shortening is a recognised effect. It becomes more likely with heavy forces, longer treatment and extractions. Because of that, regular reviews matter, and your orthodontist may pause treatment if X-rays show a problem.

What affects the cost of orthodontics in Turkey

We don't quote a price before examining your teeth. Instead, your written plan lists the cost once your dentist knows what you need. In particular, these factors make the biggest difference:

In addition, return flights, hotels and time off work add to the total over a long treatment. So when you compare quotes, check what each one includes. For example, ask whether reviews, repairs and retainers are part of the price.

How to choose a clinic for orthodontics in Turkey

First, look for a plan that is honest about time and follow-up, rather than one that promises speed. In particular, a sound plan should give you:

• An in-person examination with X-rays before treatment starts
• The name of the dentist or orthodontist responsible for your care
• A clear review schedule and who carries out each review
• An emergency plan for broken brackets or lost aligners
• A retainer plan and advice on replacements

Next, think about the whole smile. If crowding is your main concern, straightening your teeth may be a more conservative option than veneers. Studies of veneers note that severe crowding or teeth that stick out may need orthodontics first. Moreover, moving teeth into place before veneers can mean less tooth needs removing.

Questions to ask before you start

Take this list to any consultation, because a good clinic will welcome every question.

Orthodontics in Turkey: frequently asked questions