A new smile is one of the most common reasons people travel to Istanbul, and “Turkey teeth” has become a phrase with mixed associations. The difference between a good and a poor result lies in planning and in how much healthy tooth is preserved. In this guide New City Clinic explains veneers, crowns and what to ask.
Veneers and crowns are not the same
A veneer is a thin ceramic shell bonded to the front of a tooth; only a small amount of enamel is prepared, and sometimes none. A crown covers the whole tooth and requires it to be reduced all the way round. Crowns are appropriate for teeth that are heavily filled, broken or root-treated. For healthy teeth, veneers or even whitening and alignment are usually the more conservative choice. Ask which is being proposed for each tooth and why.
How is a smile design planned?
Planning starts with an examination, X-rays and photographs. The shape, length and shade of the teeth are designed digitally in proportion to your face and lips, and a trial version is placed on your teeth so you can see and adjust it before anything permanent is made. Gum health is treated first. Materials such as lithium disilicate (E-max) or zirconia are chosen according to the tooth and the bite.
How many days in Istanbul?
A veneer or crown treatment typically takes 5–7 days across two or three appointments: preparation and impressions, a trial, then fitting. Implants are different and need a second visit after several months of healing. Preparing a tooth is irreversible, so a restoration will always be needed on it. With good cleaning and regular check-ups restorations last many years, but they are not lifelong.
A smile design: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
A smile design with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a smile design, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Examination, X-rays, digital design; preparation and impressions; temporaries fitted.
Days 2–4
The laboratory makes the restorations; a trial fitting checks shape and shade.
Days 5–7
Final bonding and bite adjustment; you can fly the same or next day.
Afterwards
Sensitivity settles in days to weeks; brushing, interdental cleaning and six-monthly check-ups.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Do my teeth have to be filed down?
For veneers only a thin layer of enamel is prepared, and sometimes none; crowns need more. A conservative plan keeps as much healthy tooth as possible.
How long do veneers last?
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups they can last many years. Grinding the teeth shortens their life, so a night guard may be advised.
E-max or zirconia?
E-max is highly translucent and often chosen for front teeth; zirconia is stronger and suits back teeth and bridges. Your dentist recommends per tooth.
Deciding on a smile design is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
