Last fact-checked: 5 Jun 2025

Discover a world of low-cost, high-quality dental care in the bustling metropolis of Istanbul while saving up to 70% compared to prices back home. Formerly known as Constantinople and once the capital of Turkey, Istanbul has emerged as a premier destination for dental tourism, where patients from around the world are drawn by the combination of top-notch dental services, affordable prices, and the opportunity to enjoy a memorable holiday break.

Istanbul's reputation as a hub for dental tourism continues to grow, and Dental Departures has partnered with fully verified dental clinics offering an extensive array of treatments, from routine dental cleanings to complex procedures. The best clinics in Istanbul boast state-of-the-art facilities and employ highly skilled dentists who utilize the latest techniques and technologies.

Whether you're in need of a routine check-up, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or other specialized dental procedures, we’re here to help you find a dentist abroad in Istanbul at a price that fits your budget.

Istanbul has become one of the most sought-after destinations for dental care, drawing thousands of international patients each year. The city offers a winning combination of advanced technologies, affordable prices and the opportunity to explore a vibrant culture. 

For many dental tourists, Istanbul provides access to treatments that might be too expensive or involve long waiting times back home. Here are some of the top dental treatments that attract tourists to Istanbul:

1. Dental Implants 

Dental implants are among the most popular procedures among international patients. Used to permanently replace missing teeth, implants offer a long-lasting and natural-looking solution. Clinics in Istanbul utilize advanced implant systems and techniques, such as guided implant surgery and immediate loading, at a fraction of the cost compared to the UK, US and Europe.

2. All-on-4 Treatments

A popular option is the All-on-4 dental implant system, where a full arch of teeth, either upper or lower jaw, is supported by just four strategically placed implants. This treatment is suitable for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and want a fixed, long-term solution. 

>>Learn more about All-on-4 from our Ultimate Guide

3. Hollywood Smile Makeovers

A Hollywood Smile is one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments in Istanbul. These customized smile makeovers generally involve a combination of crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, and sometimes alignment correction to achieve a flawless, symmetrical smile. Top dentists in Turkey are renowned for their aesthetic expertise and use digital smile design technology to plan your makeover with precision and artistry.

4. Porcelain Veneers and Crowns

Porcelain veneers and crowns are widely used to enhance or restore teeth that are stained, chipped, cracked or misaligned. Top dentists use advanced CAD/CAM technology for same-day crown fabrication and offer high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting, natural-looking results. Veneers are particularly popular among tourists wanting a less invasive and dramatic smile improvement in a shorter time.

5. Root Canal Therapy

Root canals in Istanbul are performed using highly effective techniques and the latest equipment, ensuring minimal discomfort and excellent outcomes. Many dental tourists choose to have root canal treatment in Turkey due to shorter waiting times and at much lower costs.

6. Orthodontic Treatments (Including Invisalign)

Although orthodontic treatments like Invisalign or traditional braces generally require ongoing visits, some patients begin their treatment journey in Istanbul, where they benefit from expert orthodontists and affordable initial costs. Orthodontic treatments can then be continued back home under local supervision.

Despite promises from successive UK governments that the National Health Service is accessible, we still see plenty of headlines that suggest too many people are struggling to obtain NHS dental care. Private health care is an expensive luxury for many, which unfortunately means that preventive care—one of the cornerstones of good dental health—is sadly neglected, which only leads to bigger, more expensive problems down the line.

A great alternative for travellers is to book annual dental check-ups while on holiday. With potential savings of up to 70% in Istanbul, it’s a smart choice—whether you're looking to cut down on routine dental expenses or need a more complex procedure that may be too costly at home.

Istanbul has become a prominent destination for dental tourism, attracting patients worldwide in search of high-quality yet affordable dental care. The city is home to numerous modern dental clinics that match or exceed the standards of top facilities across Europe.

Our partner dentists in Istanbul are highly trained and experienced, while clinics are equipped with the latest technologies, including CAD/CAM systems, 3D/CBCT scanning and digital X-rays, ensuring precise and efficient treatment.

Istanbul is easily accessible from cities across the UK and Ireland, with multiple carriers offering reasonably priced nonstop flights.

The cost of dental care in Istanbul is considerably less than in the UK and Ireland:

Please note: The above prices are calculated using average estimates provided to Dental Departures at the time of writing.

Istanbul offers a wide range of accommodation options conveniently located near dental clinics and major tourist attractions. For easy access to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, staying in Sultanahmet is ideal. Alternatively, explore the city's many unique neighborhoods where you'll find plenty of charm and comfort.

Is it Safe?

In common with other major cities throughout the world, terrorism is sometimes a threat, although tourists are not generally a target in themselves. Anyone can be a victim of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly if they are not aware of their surroundings. Also, there are scams aimed at tourists that involve getting you to part with your money, so use your common sense and don’t let your guard down. 

Do Istanbul Dentists Speak English?

English is spoken widely throughout the city and at all of our listed dental clinics.

Payment Methods

The individual clinic listings on our site show details of the specific payment methods accepted at each clinic. You’ll see that Mastercard and Visa debit and credit cards are mostly accepted (although there may be a small surcharge for credit card transactions). Other payment methods include traveller cheques, bank transfers and cash.

Best Time to Visit a Dentist in Istanbul?

It is best to schedule your dental appointment in Istanbul during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant—perfect for sightseeing and walking tours. You'll also avoid the intense summer heat and large tourist crowds that peak from July to August. 

Additionally, these shoulder seasons often come with cheaper flights and accommodation deals, making it ideal for combining your dental treatment with a more relaxed travel experience. If you don't mind the cold, winter is the best time for bargains on lodging; clinics catering to international travellers often offer discounts during this period.

Visa Information

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Turkey. In the past, British nationals could get their visa at the airport, but in order to shorten the queues, an e-visa system has been introduced, and you can now get it online for around $20 (£15). You must have six months left on your passport.

What Is There to Do in Istanbul?

Istanbul is blessed with a rich array of architecture from the great empires of its illustrious past. Many of these attractions can be found in the Sultanahmet district, including the big four— the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. However, there are fantastic sights across the city so there’s no need to stay in one place. 

The Yedikule Fortress is a train ride away but worth the effort. Built in the 5th century, it made up the southern section of Constantinople’s defensive walls. A huge arch, known as Porta Aurea (Golden Gate), had doors plated in gold and the battlements there offer terrific views across the Sea of Marmara.

Art lovers will appreciate the Istanbul Modern and the Pera Museum. The former houses an extensive collection of Turkish modern art and its location, on the Bosphorus, is reason enough to spend some time here. The Pera Museum has one of the finest collections of Ottoman-era paintings, as well as other period objects.

Notwithstanding the Grand Bazaar, shoppers will find plenty to spend their money on, including Independence Street (Istiklal Caddesi), a pedestrianized, modern shopping street where you’ll also find some ornate buildings and Orhan Pamuk’s Museum of Innocence. 

Pamuk is a Literary Nobel Prize winner and Turkey’s most famous author, and the museum is an offbeat experience based on his novel, The Museum of Innocence.

Across the Bosphorus on the Asian side of the city, Bagdat Avenue is wide and tree-lined and offers everything from high-end boutiques to high-street staples, including Mango, H&M and Zara, while Kadikoy should be on your list for silver jewelry, accessories, bookshops and antiques.

But the East is not just for shopping. Uskudar is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city: with over 180 mosques as well as churches, synagogues, dervish houses and historical sites—including the Maiden’s Tower— it isn’t short on culture.

While Istanbul has more than enough to see and do if you want to see any of Turkey’s other famous sites there are plenty of tour operators in town where you can arrange an organised excursion. 

Trips usually take a full day, or even two if you prefer to add in an overnight stay. One of the most popular is Ephesus—the UNESCO-listed Roman city dating back to around 4BC that contains what’s left of the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World.

Also high on many people’s must-sees are Pamukkale and Hierapolis, near enough to each other to see in one trip. The latter is an ancient Roman spa with one of its pools said to be a gift from Mark Anthony to Cleopatra. The pools are open to all, so bring your swimwear. 

Meanwhile, Pammukale is one of Turkey’s most surreal natural wonders, with its travertine terraces formed by the flow of thermal waters, creating an astounding sight, particularly as the sun sets. Part of the tour involves a shoeless half-mile walk over the travertine, so pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. 

Another one of Turkey’s astounding landscapes is the rock formations at Cappadocia, which can best be enjoyed from above in the relative comfort of a hot air balloon ride.

Turkey is an endlessly interesting country to visit with Istanbul just one of several highlights. If you haven’t got time to go further afield no trip to this incredible city is complete without a cruise on the Bosphorus—and no visit to Turkey is complete without a trip to a Turkish Hammam (Turkish Baths) where getting washed, scrubbed with salt and massaged is an invigorating experience. 

You’ll find Hammams all over the city, and plenty of opportunities to sample Turkey’s other delights—all a welcome treat after any dental work.

Getting Around Istanbul

Many districts are best explored on foot, but for getting around between neighbourhoods, you can use a variety of transport services, including the ferry, metro, tram, funicular and buses. If you plan to travel around a lot, purchase an Istanbulkar to save around 50% on the standard ticket prices.

The yellow dolmus (shared taxis) run on set routes around the city (rather like buses), or you can hail conventional taxis.

Distance from Istanbul to Other Major Tourist Locations

• Izmir, 292 miles (471 km)

• Ephesus, 333 miles (536 km)

• Pamukkale, 411 miles (663 km)

• Cappadocia, 469 miles (756 km)

You will find the standards of dental care in Istanbul to be generally high, particularly if you search and book through Dental Departures. Due to increased competition, clinics treating international patients go the extra mile to ensure their services are of the highest quality. However, it is always wise to make sure you book an appointment with dentists who have verifiable credentials.

This is where Dental Departures can help: we do our own background checks on all the facilities we partner with. We list dentist qualifications and professional memberships, as well as publish real patient reviews.

Best Dentists in Turkey

Take a look at some of the top-rated clinics in Turkey below:

 - Istanbul clinics

 - Antalya clinics

 - All top clinics in Turkey

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong? Is My Dental Care Guaranteed?

The clinics we have listed on our website provide warranties on the dental work they carry out, as well as any work done in the laboratory, for instance on dentures, crowns and veneers.

However, no medical or dental procedure can ever be guaranteed completely. We are all unique, and our bodies react differently. If you are having major dental work or an expensive procedure, then it might be worthwhile considering medical complications insurance. 

This will cover your costs for accommodation and travel costs should you need to return to Istanbul for any remedial work and is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul was founded around 1000 BC by the Byzantines. Since then, across the centuries great empires have conquered the city, with the Romans, Greeks, Persians and Ottomans all coveting its strategic location.

Today, Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest metropolises—cosmopolitan, eclectic and timeless. Old wooden houses, restaurants, shops and bars line winding, narrow, cobbled streets where the city’s appetising aromas of coffee, shisha, kebabs and spices hang in the air These are the trademarks of the old part of the city, on the Western side of the Bosphorus Straits. 

Meanwhile, on the Eastern side, fast-growing districts like Kadikoy provide waterside promenades, yacht clubs and trendy shopping, as well as fine dining and a vibrant nightlife.

From the waterside restaurants, cafes and boutiques of Karakoy to the colourful buildings in Balat housing galleries and vintage shops, the city has plenty of hidden treasures to discover. 

As well as its centuries-old architectural wonders and the stunning views across the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmaris it is Istanbul’s interesting neighbourhoods—all with their own unique identities—that make a trip here such a worthwhile experience.

For global dental tourists and traditional tourists alike, the city offers a welcoming experience, and more than enough to keep anybody occupied in between dental appointments.

1. Why is Istanbul a popular destination for dental treatment?
Istanbul offers high-quality dental care with modern clinics, experienced dentists, at affordable prices—often 50–70% less than in the US or UK—combined with the chance to explore a vibrant city.

2. What types of dental procedures are available in Istanbul?
Popular treatments include dental implants, All-on-4, veneers, crowns, full smile makeovers, and teeth whitening, all performed using advanced technology.

3. Are Istanbul dental clinics safe and internationally accredited?
Yes, our partner clinics in Istanbul are internationally accredited and follow strict hygiene protocols. Dental Departures lists only verified clinics with certified dentists and genuine patient reviews.

4. How much can I save on dental work in Istanbul compared to my home country?
Dental tourists can typically save 50% to 70% on most dental procedures, including complex treatments like implants or cosmetic dentistry.

5. Can I combine a dental visit with a vacation in Istanbul?
Absolutely. Istanbul is a top dental tourism destination where you can enjoy rich culture, historic landmarks, and world-class cuisine while receiving affordable, expert dental care.

Our website has dozens of quality-checked dentists in Istanbul. Compare prices, facilities and check out the maps to see where they’re located to help you choose.

Our Customer Care Team can help you with any questions, arrange a free quote or book an appointment. Get your dental health back on track while enjoying all the sites of this marvellous city!

Sources

“35 Best Things to Do in Istanbul.” Time Out, 1 Feb. 2023, https://www.timeout.com/istanbul/things-to-do-in-istanbul.

Unesco World Heritage Convention. Website accessed: 5 Jun 2025. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1018

Campbell, Denis. “Pliers, Abscesses and Agonising Pain: Britain’s Dental Crisis – as Seen from A&E.” The Guardian, 30 Jan. 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/30/pliers-abscesses-and-agonising-pain-britains-dental-crisis-as-seen-from-ae.

Cherney, Kristeen. “Dental Veneers: Benefits, Procedure, Costs, and More.” Healthline, 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers.

Colgate Oral Care Center. “CAD/CAM Dentistry: What Is It?” Colgate, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/cad-cam-dentistry-what-is-it. Accessed 5 June 2025.

Visa for the Republic of Turkey. Website accessed: 5 Jun 2025. www.visa.org.tr/main/utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20410773503&utm_term=turkey%