The ultimate guide to Whitening in Turkey

Last fact-checked: 12 April 2023

Get a dazzling smile on holiday with teeth whitening in Turkey–saving up to 70% at one of Dental Departures’ verified partner clinics.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to noticeably brighten your smile, this straightforward treatment usually only takes a couple of hours–allowing you to make the most of your time while exploring one of Turkey’s many popular holiday destinations, such as Istanbul, Antalya, Marmaris, and Izmir.

Find out more with Dental Departures, including comparative teeth whitening prices, treatment information, recommended clinics, and travel tips.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Turkey Compared to the UK and US?

On average, teeth whitening in Turkey costs approximately GBP £150 (EUR 170 / USD 180).

Prices will depend on the type of system used (eg. Zoom!® vs. laser teeth whitening), and also whether any additional treatments are requested, such as professional teeth cleaning.

See the below table for comparative Turkey teeth whitening prices vs the United Kingdom and the United States:

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

When arranging an appointment through Dental Departures, you will find no hidden costs or upfront charges. By communicating directly with our network of partner clinics, our team endeavors to be as transparent as possible when providing prospective patients with price quotes for whitening treatment in Turkey.

In addition, the top dentists in Turkey offer free consultations, meaning if you do not decide to proceed with treatment, you won’t be charged.

To avoid confusion, feel free to reach out to the Dental Departures Customer Care Team who will be able to confirm this–or any other question you may have–before you go.

Combined Teeth Cleaning Treatments in Turkey

It should be noted that price quotes do not include any additional treatments that may be recommended by your dentist in Turkey after your consultation.

For example, it is common for patients–especially those who have not seen a dentist in a while–to have their teeth professionally cleaned before whitening treatment. This may include:

• Regular (prophylaxis) dental cleaning

• Scaling

• Polishing

• Root planing

• Full mouth debridement

Typically, combined professional teeth cleaning treatments cost between £50 - £100, depending on what’s included.

However, in many cases, basic teeth polishing to remove surface stains, (and subsequently enhance the efficiency of the teeth whitening process), may be included for free or for a small extra charge.

Other clinics may offer combined teeth cleaning and whitening packages–allowing you to save even more on not only a brighter smile but also improve oral health.

 
Above: The state-of-the-art DENTALGLOBAL Clinic in Izmir, close to Turkey's Aegean Coast

What Types of Teeth Whitening Are Available in Turkey?

The main methods are:

Traditional laser teeth whitening: This method uses a laser to activate a whitening gel applied directly to the teeth. It usually takes about an hour and may require additional sessions, depending on your desired level of whiteness.

Zoom!®: Involves the application of a specialised UV light to activate whitening (or bleaching gel) that is applied directly to the teeth.

BriteSmile®: Following a similar method to laser teeth whitening, this system uses a blue LED light to activate the hydrogen peroxide-based gel, rather than a laser.

Take-home whitening kits: These custom-made trays are reasonably effective and can lighten your teeth to a certain degree over time. You will need to visit the dentist in Turkey to have impressions taken of your teeth that are sent to the lab so the trays containing the lightening gel can be fitted over your teeth.

Why Choose Turkey for Teeth Whitening?

While treatment prices compare favourably with those in the West, this is not the only reason medical and dental travellers choose Turkey.

Quality of Care:

Patients are also drawn to this historically-rich Eurasian country thanks to the overall high quality of care on offer. Our best partner dentists here have all undergone extensive training at prestigious schools in Turkey, the Middle East, Europe or even the US, and are often members of both domestic and international professional organisations, such as the European Society of Esthetic Dentistry.

The top facilities here are ultra-modern, kitted out with up-to-date technologies, including 3D/CT scanning and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture) to guarantee the provision of safe, efficient care as well as accurate treatment outcomes. This is a huge advantage for international visitors who may be pressed for time.

Well-Established Destination of Dental Tourism:

Turkey consistently ranks on “Top 10” lists of the best countries in the world for dental tourism thanks to its low prices coupled with high-quality care.

But this is nothing particularly new: Turkey (especially Istanbul) has a long history of providing medical and dental care to international patients, and many of the larger dental clinics have extensive experience working with patients from around the world. In addition, dentists speak English (among several other languages) and often offer extra services (such as hotel pick-ups) for those visiting from abroad.

The wide variety of treatments available in Turkey has also helped expand the sector, with Istanbul now dubbed the “ hair transplant capital of the world ”, while other popular treatments encompass the areas of aesthetic plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, bariatric surgery, fertility, dermatology, and more.

Combine Teeth Whitening with a Holiday

Even if you never imagined yourself as a “dental tourist,” getting laser teeth whitening while on holiday in Turkey can make sense for many people as it’s a quick procedure with no downtime and few after-effects (although some people report sensitive teeth for a day or two after the treatment). Of course, you are advised to take any holiday time prior to our procedure, allowing time post-treatment to recover.

Many dental patients who travel abroad find that they can save thousands–if not tens of thousands–compared to prices back home, especially considering the costs of a full mouth restoration with implants can exceed $40,000-$60,000 in the West.

Of course, when it comes to teeth whitening in Turkey–you won’t save quite so much, but if you were already thinking about bleaching your teeth, it’s certainly a financially-smart move to get it done in a place where prices are up to 70% less! The money you do save can be put back into enjoying your time in numerous exciting destinations in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Izmir or Antalya.

Above: The iconic Blue Mosque, a short walk from many world-class dentists in Istanbul

Why Is Dentistry Cheaper in Turkey?

• The cost of living in Turkey is lower than in many developed countries, which equates to lower costs for all kinds of medical, health and dental services.

• Overhead costs such as rent, salaries, and insurance are also lower in Turkey, contributing to the lower costs of dental procedures.

• The Turkish government actively supports the country’s rapidly expanding medical travel sector (which includes a wide range of health, wellness, plastic surgery, regenerative procedures, and dental care) by offering subsidies and tax breaks to hospitals and clinics that welcome international patients.

• With the influx of medical tourism over the last two decades, including dental tourism, Turkey has created a competitive market that drives down the cost of services–while at the same time ensuring standards remain high, catalyzing repeated business.

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Top Dentists for Teeth Whitening in Turkey, Recommended by DD

Take a look at a selection of the best dentists in three of our top places in Turkey for teeth whitening:

Best Teeth Whitening Dentists in Antalya:

• Beyaz Ada Clinic

• Markasya Dental Clinic

• Perla Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic

Best Teeth Whitening Dentists in Istanbul:

• BergeDent Clinic

• All on Dental Clinic Istanbul Turkey

• Uzmanlar Oral and Dental Health Clinic Istanbul Turkey

Best Teeth Whitening Dentists in Izmir:

• DENTAGLOBAL Dental Clinic

• West Dental Clinic

• DentaPoint Dental Clinics

Best Teeth Whitening Dentists in Marmaris:

• Yigit Dental Clinic

• Dentist Basak Balanli Turkoglu

For more options, head to our full list of verified clinics for teeth bleaching in Turkey here , or browse by location below:

• Dentists in Istanbul

• Dentists in Antalya

• Dentists in Izmir

• Dentists in Marmaris

Above: Inside the swanky BergeDent Clinic Istanbul, which offers a number of dental veneer options.

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Why Use Dental Departures to Book with a Global Dentist?

While the overall standard of dentistry in Turkey is high, we cannot vouch for every clinic–and therefore it’s important to do your homework before you go.

Carrying out due diligence at home armed only with a laptop or smartphone is easier said than done–especially considering the minefield of false information, fake reviews, outdated websites or exaggerated claims made by certain clinics that should be avoided altogether.

As the world’s leading dental travel agency with more than 130,000 bookings to date, Dental Departures has simplified the process by bringing together dozens of trustworthy, fully verified clinics in Turkey located in popular tourist spots.

This allows you to safely and effectively get your teeth whitened on holiday without putting your dental health at risk.

The dentists we work with are just as well-trained as those in the UK or USA, adhering to world-recognized protocols on hygiene and safety. The instrumentation and materials used at our best dental clinics in Turkey are exactly the same as your dentist uses at home, as well as the same world-renowned brands, like ZOOM! And BriteSmile.

Dental Departures Verification Process

Our background checks include:

• Publishing verified patient reviews

• Checking and confirming up-to-date, transparent price information

• Collecting and publishing representative clinic photos

• Verifying dentist qualifications and professional memberships

• Carrying out legal and criminal background checks

This should make the process easy for you, safe in the knowledge that you will be seen at a clinic that is up to the mark, as well as safeguarding you against previously blacklisted dentists or clinics operating under a different name.

More About Teeth Whitening Treatment

The main methods of teeth whitening offered by our partner dentists in Turkey are summarised below.

Note: For more in-depth information about what the treatment entails, please refer to our global teeth whitening guide here .

In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening

For traditional laser teeth whitening in Turkey, you will only need one trip to the dentist, which generally takes about two hours. The main steps are outlined below:

1. Depending on the condition of your teeth, the treatment generally begins with either a brief or more thorough cleaning of your teeth to remove tartar and any obvious stains.

2. As the bleaching gel should only be applied to the teeth , a rubber dam will be placed around your teeth to protect the gums and tongue. Protective goggles are also placed over your eyes to shield them from the bright light of the laser.

3. The bleaching gel is then applied and the laser beam is directed at your teeth to activate the whitening agents in the gel.

4. The gel is removed and the process may be carried out several more times, depending on the system your dentist uses. (Some systems, for example, require just one application of gel, which is left on the teeth for 45 minutes).

5. Once all the gel is removed, the dentist cleans your teeth again to remove all the traces of the gel, and will hold the shade chart to your teeth to gauge how many shades different they are (up to 14).

At-Home Whitening Kits

Two trips are required to the dentist for custom-made at-home whitening kits:

1. During your first visit, impressions are made and sent to the laboratory where trays are made to fit over your teeth.

2. On the second visit, you will pick up the trays and the bleaching gel.

Your dentist will demonstrate how to use them. In brief, a little gel is squeezed along the length of both trays and you fit them over your teeth. Most people get a two-week supply and apply the gel every night for two weeks, or until happy with the whitening effect. You can pick up more gel from your hometown dentist.

What About ZOOM! And BriteSmile in Turkey?

These popular branded systems follow a similar technique to traditional laser teeth whitening; the main difference is the type of light used to activate the bleaching gel, as explained below:

• ZOOM!:  This method uses a UV light to activate the bleaching gel and can typically be completed in a single visit to the dentist's office.

While both laser teeth whitening and UV light systems can achieve similar results, Zoom! Is often preferred by dentists as the intensity is more easily adjustable and the technique is less likely to cause prolonged sensitivity afterward.

• BriteSmile: A less intense method that follows a similar application process to that of Zoom!, BriteSmile systems use a blue LED light to activate the hydrogen peroxide-based gel, rather than UV light.

While known to cause the least sensitivity, BriteSmile or similar systems may require multiple visits to the dental clinic to achieve your desired level of brightness.

Am I Suitable for Teeth Whitening?

While laser teeth whitening is a highly effective procedure, it is not suitable for everyone . For example, teeth whitening is only suitable for extrinsic stains (stains on the outside of the tooth) rather than intrinsic stains, like tetracycline staining, caused by exposure to this antibiotic while in the womb.

Don’t be fooled by the many do-it-yourself kits on the market. True teeth whitening can only be carried out at a dental clinic and is not recommended if you have other dental health problems, such as gum disease (as it may make the gums or teeth more sensitive).

Brands, such as the popular BriteSmile® and Zoom!® are available in Turkey, among many other reputable systems.

About Traveling to Turkey for Dental Care

Aside from the cost-savings, Turkey’s glorious coastlines–particularly in the south–have made it a popular holiday destination for Brits seeking some Mediterranean sunshine.

The country’s robust history and remnants of bygone eras are also fascinating for those who want to see a little more on their holidays, particularly in the iconic city of Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Ephesus or Ankara, Turkey’s often-overlooked capital.

Istanbul

One of the world’s most visited cities, Istanbul is always a favourite for city-breakers . Its setting on the glittering Bosphorus is a stunning location, and as much as you can admire the views from on land across this waterway separating the East and West, there are plenty of boat tours where you can have lunch and take in the gorgeous scenery as you sail by.

Other things not to be missed are the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the Blue Mosque) and the Hagia Sophia, once a Greek Orthodox church, then a mosque and now a museum. The Topkapi Palace is also a must-see, its opulent interior giving you a peek into the unbelievable wealth the Ottoman Sultans had accrued—its surrounding, lush gardens offer a tranquil antidote to the bustling city streets.

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Istanbul

Antalya

Located on Turkey’s Mediterranean, Antalya city is the provincial capital of the wider province of the same name, which includes numerous quieter coastal resorts, such as Side and Alanya.

Also known as the "Turkish Riviera," Antalya offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty with ancient ruins, idyllic beaches, and cosmopolitan wining and dining opportunities. Heading out of the urban areas, hiking, rafting, sailing and swimming are all popular activities for those seeking a taste of adventure.

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Antalya

Aegean Coastline

For beachgoers, Turkey’s Aegean coastline offers endless resort opportunities, with quality dental clinics to be found in the region's largest city of Izmir, as well as the rather more tranquil Bodrum further south along the coast.

Whatever type of holiday you desire, Turkey is a place that can offer quality dental treatment along with some relaxation and recuperation.

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Izmir

FAQs

Q. How much does teeth whitening cost in Turkey?
A. Prices range from approximately GBP 100 - 200 in Turkey, depending on the type of system used.

Q. What are some great dental clinics good for teeth whitening in Turkey?
A. Some of the best clinics in Turkey for teeth whitening are Tower Dental Clinic (Istanbul), Dental Center International (DCI) (Fethiye), and Yigit Dental Clinic (Marmaris).

Q. Do whitening systems work on dentures or veneers?
A. Bleaching is not usually recommended for those with dentures or veneers, but this depends on the material and type of dental prosthesis.

Q. Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
A. When done correctly and under professional supervision, teeth whitening in Turkey is safe for your teeth–although some patients might experience some sensitivity after the procedure.

Q. How many shades whiter can I expect my teeth to get?
A. On average, you can expect to see a difference of 4-8 shades, although this can be up to 14.

How to Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

Yellowing teeth make us look older so this simple and effective cosmetic dentistry treatment is one way to keep you looking youthful with minimal effort.

Make the most of the lower prices and get your teeth whitened in Turkey at one of our verified partner dentists .

Book an appointment with one of our dentists online, or speak to our Customer Care Team if you’d like to know more.

Sources:

Zoom Whitening: Is it Right For You? Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Website accessed: 25 March 2023. https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/zoom-whitening/

Teeth Whitening Safety Tips. WebMD. Website accessed: 25 March 2023. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-safety

Frisbee, E, DMD. Teeth Whitening and Bleaching. WebMD. 17 November 2020. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-and-bleaching

Nadworny, Katie. Istanbul Travel Guide. National Geographic. Website accessed: 25 March 2023.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/turkey/istanbul/

Hierapolis-Pamukkale. UNESCO World Heritage. Website accessed: 25 March 2023. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/485

Scaling and root planing. American Dental Association. Website accessed: 25 March 2023. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/scaling-and-root-planing

European Society of Esthetic Dentistry. Website accessed: 25 March 2023. http://www.escdonline.eu/