smile makeover in turkey
A smile makeover includes the remediation of all dental issues to provide a patient with the ideal, beautiful smile. What this includes for a patient may be extensive full mouth reconstruction or as simple as one or two porcelain veneers.
You may find a client with chipped front teeth who otherwise has a strong, healthy dentition who requires little restorative work. In contrast, a client with advanced periodontal (gum) disease along with extensive restorations and missing teeth may require extensive dental treatment.
This is something important to consider when performing smile makeovers in Turkey. Two individuals who come in for treatment wanting a ‘new smile’ may very well receive completely different smile makeovers. Reasons may include: the health and individual needs of their teeth and gums, the position of their bite, and the ultimate smile aesthetics they want to achieve.
Before you look at prices, packages or finance options available, it is important to have an idea of what you think should be constituted in a smile makeover and the reasoning behind this.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A dental smile makeover, or cosmetic smile makeover, consists of cosmetic or restorative dental treatments which are geared toward correcting the appearance of the smile.
Issues that may be addressed include:
- Tooth discoloration and tooth colour
- Chipped, eroded, or uneven teeth
- Missing teeth
- Old restorations
- The proportion of the smile
- Shape and size of the teeth
This may or may not involve the placing of a crown on each and every visible tooth.
The starting condition of the teeth matters as much as the desired result. The aim is not simply to produce a perfect smile, but to choose treatment that fits the condition of the natural teeth.
Which Treatments Can Be Included?
A smile makeover in Turkey can include several procedures. The procedures needed are determined by a clinical exam and what needs to be addressed.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are a thin restoration that is placed on the front surface of the teeth.
They are used to change the color and shape of teeth, close small gaps, and address minor misalignment issues.
There are different materials to choose from, such as porcelain, laminate veneers and E-max veneers. The preparation of the tooth depends on the position of the tooth and what other procedures will be done.
Dental veneers should not be used just because a patient wants a certain number of “new teeth.”
Composite Bonding
Composite Bonding is used to change the appearance of teeth by using a tooth colored composite.
This is a good choice for small cosmetic changes of the teeth, such as minor chips or altering tooth shape. Composite veneers may also be discussed when patients compare resin-based cosmetic options.
This procedure usually has a different level of patient participation, compared to composite bonding, and has some issues with staining and retaining its original shape.
For some patients, this is the best choice. For other patients, other options may be more appropriate.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is larger than a veneer and covers more of the tooth.
This is a good option when a teeth already has large restorations, previous root canal treatment or is damaged. This should not be used to remove healthy tooth structure to create a cosmetic result.
Different options may include porcelain crowns, zirconia crowns or zirconium crowns depending on the treatment plan.
Understanding how veneers, dental crowns and ‘Turkey teeth’ differ helps patients with comparisons.
Other Treatments
Other treatments may include teeth whitening, procedures for gum re-shaping and gum contouring, as well as a smile makeover. Gum contouring may sometimes be considered when a gummy smile or an uneven gum line affects the appearance of the smile.
With regard to missing teeth, a treatment involving dental bridges or dental implants may be necessary and a veneer would not be a viable option.
In more extensive cases, dental implants in Turkey may also form part of All-on-4 or All-on-6 treatment. If an implant system such as Straumann is proposed, patients can ask for the implant brand to be identified in the treatment plan. Some cases may also require bone grafts before implant treatment.
Because of the myriad of treatment options required to complete a smile makeover, the planning should be done before the selection of the proper materials to be used.
How Many Teeth Are Included in a Smile Makeover?
There are no set numbers.
Some patients show six or eight teeth when they smile, while others show ten or more teeth across the upper teeth.
Other factors including the:
- the width of the smile;
- smile line;
- position of the lips;
- the size of the teeth relative to one another;
- facial features and proportions of the face;
- the appearance of the upper and lower teeth;
- position of the teeth relative to one another;
Treating more teeth may not necessarily create a better smile.
The aim should be to treat the teeth in the most balanced way possible to create a good aesthetic while keeping as much of the natural teeth and healthy teeth as possible.
A treatment plan offering 16 or 20 restorations should explain why that number is appropriate for that particular patient.
Smile Makeover vs Hollywood Smile
While the terms are often used together, they are not exactly the same.
A smile makeover describes the treatment planning process. It may incorporate several different treatments to correct numerous cosmetic and/or dental issues.
Hollywood Smiles describe a bright and even aligned smile constructed by a series of long, adjacent teeth. While veneers and crowns may be used to achieve such a smile, other treatments may be used instead.
A smile makeover is not exclusive to patients who want a Hollywood Smile in Turkey.
Separating these two ideas makes it easier to weigh the options for the different treatments and choose the right treatment, rather than selecting the one with the most attractive name.
What is a Mini Smile Makeover?
The extent of the work is another factor. In the case of a mini smile makeover, a smaller number of changes may be implemented to alter a specific portion of the smile.
This may include:
- Chipping repair
- Bonding a gap
- Cosmetic tooth reshaping
- Cosmetic restoration
This treatment option is best suited to smile makeovers where the teeth are structurally and functionally sound, with a specific, simple esthetic goal in mind.
A full smile makeover generally entails a more inclusive and extensive approach.
How is a Smile Makeover Done?
A lot of the groundwork is done before any teeth are modified.
The dentist or cosmetic dentists involved must identify what the patient dislikes about their smile and the outcome the patient is expecting.
This is then followed by a clinical examination of the teeth, gums, existing restorations, and the bite.
Prior to the implementation of any treatment, the planning may also require X-rays, photos, models, 3D imaging, digital smile design, or other clinical aids.
For patients researching smile design Turkey options, digital smile design may also be used to discuss proportions and the planned appearance before treatment begins.
The focus then shifts to what teeth will actually require treatment.
These questions will help you determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
- What is the best possible outcome; what can I expect?
- How much of your healthy teeth would you be sacrificing?
- Will the treatment allow for the preservation of some healthy teeth?
- What is the expected outcome?
- What would happen if the patient doesn’t like the recommended shape after the treatment?
- What is the maintenance required after the treatment?
- What is the healing period expected after the treatment?
Potential patients traveling abroad for these treatments will want to know the answers to these questions before making the trip for a smile makeover abroad.
A dental practice should also be able to explain why each proposed treatment is necessary before permanent work begins.
How Long is a Smile Makeover in Turkiye?
The length of the entire treatment depends on the complexity of your case.
For a simple veneer, crown or bonding treatment, you are probably looking at multiple appointments that span several days.
More complex treatment requires several tours and longer healing periods.
A treatment plan that combines dental implants with cosmetic veneers would be considered more complex and require restorative treatments.
Orthodontic treatment also follows a different timeline. You cannot expect to close the gap with braces or Invisalign in a week like many people are led to believe.
Each treatment plan should outline how long it will take and be based on what actually needs to be done to achieve the desired results.
The plan should not be based on the price.
How Much Would a Smile Makeover in Turkiye Cost?
The smile makeover cost is dependent on the treatment, not on the package. The final smile makeover Turkey cost can therefore differ considerably from one patient to another.
The final cost is impacted by:
| Factors | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Number of removed teeth | The greater the number of teeth that require restoration, the more expensive the treatment. | More teeth => more restorations |
| Type of treatment | Specific treatment methods have different costs. | Crowns cost more than bonding |
| Material | Varying materials require different clinical and lab techniques. | Less expensive materials have less complex techniques. |
| Complexity | More extensive treatment depends on the patient’s dental situation. | Present dental problems require additional treatment. |
| Diagnostic work | Some cases have more extensive imaging and planning. | More complex restorations require additional imaging. |
| Laboratory work | Custom restorations require a dental lab to design. | Restoration design is lab dependent. |
| Additional work | Gum treatment, implants and other work change the total. | Additional work increase the total cost. |
Comparing two clinics based on the price of the headline package may result in a misleading estimate of the makeover costs.
One clinic may offer service for eight veneers. The other may offer service for twenty porcelain crowns. The third clinic may add a treatment that is not necessary.
The appropriate comparison is not:
“Which package is cheaper?”
The appropriate comparison is:
“What treatment is being offered? What materials are being used? What is the reasoning behind the treatment?”
Why Do People Choose Turkey for a Smile Makeover?
The cost is not the only reason.
There are many reasons why people choose to go to Turkey and specifically Istanbul and Antalya. The dental tourism in Turkey and health tourism market in these areas has expanded in Turkey because there are many dental clinics that can plan treatment for international patients.
Because of this, many dental clinics and clinics in Istanbul or Antalya have staff that provides treatment for patients before they travel to Turkey.
The short distance from the UK combined with dental treatment and dental travel has also fueled demand in Turkey.
The lower price also doesn’t mean patients should compare all clinics, dentists and treatment plans.
A low price should never replace a diagnosis and treatment plan.
How Should You Evaluate Dental Makeover Treatment Plans?
When you compare treatment plans from a dental clinic in Turkey, do not focus only on the total cost.
You should also ask for the treatment to be explained, tooth by tooth.
A good personalised plan should outline at least:
- teeth being treated,
- type of treatment (veneers, crowns or bonding),
- type of material to be used,
- need for tooth preparation,
- number of visits (estimated),
- temporary restoration,
- what happens if additional treatment is found to be needed,
- what happens if additional treatment is found to be needed,
- what happens after I return home,
- who will perform the treatment,
- a description of the experience of the treating dentist.
Clinic selection is a much more complex issue, but the treatment plan must at least be this clear.
Different dental clinics may present the same case differently, so the explanation behind the treatment is as important as the total quote.
Is a Smile Makeover Permanent?
That depends on the treatment.
Some smile makeover treatments involve very little long term change for the tooth. Other treatments, including extensive preparatory treatments, are not reversible.
There are limits to any restoration.
Dental veneers, crowns, or bonding all have different expected lifespans and levels of maintenance as well as the risk of new restoration in the future.
Patients should consider the lifelong commitment to treatment, dental health, dental care and oral hygiene as well as the cosmetic result.
Is a Smile Makeover Worth It?
There is no right or wrong answer.
For someone with several cosmetic or restorative concerns, combining treatment into a smile makeover may be a good solution.
For someone with healthy teeth and only one small cosmetic concern, a large makeover may be too much.
The most crucial aspect is how well the treatment fits the condition of the teeth.
The best result accounts for the balance of appearance and function, as well as preserving healthy tissue and natural teeth.
Which Age is Best for a Smile Makeover?
There is no one spot on age that works best for everyone.
Several factors beyond age affect the answer. They include the state of the person’s oral cavity, what restorations exist, and the treatment that is being considered.
There is no reason that people of different age groups cannot have cosmetic dentistry done. However, it should be noted that the younger the person, the more thoughtful the planning should be before permanent work is completed.
When Considering a Smile Makeover in Turkey
Prior to making any decisions, you need to get a treatment plan from the dentists in writing.
You must know:
- what each of the recommended procedures accomplish
- what may be accomplished by safer or less invasive methods
- how invasive the procedures will be
- how long the treatment will take
- the total cost
- what may be necessary in the future
Smile makeovers in Turkey can include anything from small improvements and smile transformation to extensive dental work.
For this reason, it is more important to have a treatment plan that presents the work that will be done, than to rename a package.
Ultimately, one should not begin thinking about how many restorations may be needed. One should think about what they do not like about their smile, examine the teeth to see what is restorable, and then choose the least invasive procedure that restores what is aesthetically appropriate.
Medical Sources & Further Reading
General Dental Council — Going Abroad for Dental Treatment
UK guidance on assessment, qualifications, risks, aftercare and questions to ask before having dental treatment abroad. (General Dental Council)
GDC — Going Abroad for Dental Treatment
NHS — Dental Treatments
Information on dental crowns, veneers, bridges, root canal treatment and teeth whitening. (nhs.uk)
NHS — Dental Treatments
American Dental Association — Veneers
Information about veneer treatment, composite veneers and long-term dental care. (MouthHealthy)
ADA MouthHealthy — Veneers
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust — Dental Implants
Information about implant assessment, bone grafting, implant placement and restorative treatment. (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust)
Guy’s and St Thomas’ — Dental Implants