First, be clear about what you are looking for
When people search for Invisalign, braces or orthodontics in Turkey, most of them wonder about the same two things. Will the work be done properly? And what happens when I go back home? The answer to both is not found in a clinic's shop window but in how the treatment is set up. You can use the headings below as a checklist.
1. Who is planning the treatment?
Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry. So the first question is simple: is the dentist who makes the plan an orthodontist? You can ask this openly on the clinic's website or at the first consultation. If you are wondering why the difference matters, we have explained the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist separately.
2. Are diagnostic records taken?
Clear aligners or braces require working out in advance where the teeth will go. For this, the following are usually requested:
- An intraoral examination and photographs of the teeth
- A panoramic X-ray and, if needed, a lateral cephalometric film
- A digital intraoral scan or impressions
A firm plan given without these records is close to a guess. If you come across an approach that states the treatment time and result clearly before any examination, stop and ask questions.
3. Is the plan shown to you?
In a good process, the plan is shared with you. The target position of the teeth, the estimated number of stages and, where needed, extra steps such as attachments or spacing between the teeth are explained. Treatment does not start until you give your approval. Seeing the plan on screen and asking about anything you do not understand is your right. You can find out how the software works on our technology page.
4. How will follow-up be arranged?
Orthodontics is not a one-time procedure. With clear aligners, most people have check-ups every few weeks. With braces, the interval is somewhat shorter. So ask the clinic this: how far apart are the check-ups, and what happens if I miss an appointment?
5. What happens when you return to your country?
This is where people coming from abroad get stuck the most. With clear aligners, the aligners can be prepared in advance and handed over in several sets. If a check-up is needed, it is coordinated with a local dentist. This may not be possible in every case. With braces, regular check-ups are needed, so the length of your stay in Turkey or a plan for coming back is often discussed. In other words, the answer varies from person to person. What matters is learning this before you start. For a wider overview, see our page on patients from out of town.
6. Language and documents
Do not give consent to a treatment you do not understand. Can you talk with the dentist in a shared language, and do you receive written information? At the end of treatment you should be able to take documents such as X-rays, a summary of the plan and usage instructions to your own dentist. For foreign patients living in or visiting Ankara, we have a page on orthodontics for foreigners.
7. What to watch for in attractive package language
There are some patterns often seen in health tourism advertising. They are not bad on their own, but they should be questioned:
- Promises about duration and results made without an examination
- The same plan and the same number of stages for everyone
- Silence about check-ups and what to do if a problem comes up
- Only a package title instead of the dentist's name and specialty
- Last-day pressure that speeds up your decision
A properly set up treatment asks you questions at the first consultation. It does not jump straight to a sales pitch.
Braces or clear aligners?
This question is also tied to choosing a clinic. Metal, ceramic or lingual brackets placed behind the teeth are more suitable in some cases. Clear aligners appeal to many people for aesthetics and comfort, but they do not suit every case. Choose a dentist who evaluates your teeth and jaws before steering you toward either option, and who explains clear aligners and braces side by side.
What should be discussed at the first consultation?
At the first appointment, the condition of your teeth, your complaint, any treatment you have had before and your expectations are discussed. The dentist should also tell you what can be done and what cannot. A consultation where the answer to everything is yes leaves question marks instead of building trust.
Checklist table
| What to ask | Why it matters | A positive sign |
|---|---|---|
| The dentist's specialty | Determines the quality of the plan | They state clearly that they are an orthodontist |
| Diagnostic records | The basis of the plan | X-rays, photographs and a scan are taken |
| Showing the plan | Clarifies expectations | The target position is explained on screen |
| Follow-up schedule | Manages the treatment process | The check-up interval is discussed from the start |
| Returning home | Keeps the remote process going | A plan B and a way to stay in contact are explained |
| Language and documents | Understandable consent | A written summary and copies of the records |
What can you do before you come?
Keep your photographs and, if you have them, your old X-rays ready. An online pre-assessment gives you an idea, but it does not replace an examination. Come with your questions written down. The orthodontic consultation question list was prepared for exactly this.
At our clinic in Oran, Ankara, Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.), carries out the examination and planning. Our service languages are Turkish, English, German and Russian. Our opening hours are Monday–Saturday 09:00–19:30, and we are closed on Sundays. This information is general; the treatment that suits you is decided after an examination.
If you would like to read about the Invisalign side from an Ankara perspective, take a look at the article we prepared for patients coming from abroad.