Are clear aligners available at state hospitals?
State oral and dental health hospitals and university faculties of dentistry have orthodontic departments. These departments mainly provide fixed braces (bracket) treatment. Clear aligner treatment is not common in public institutions; it may be offered at some university hospitals as part of research or limited use, but it is not provided as a general service. In terms of reimbursement by SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu, the Turkish Social Security Institution), clear aligners are generally not covered.
On this page we explain impartially how public orthodontic services work, under what conditions SGK covers orthodontics, the characteristics of faculty hospitals and how they differ from private clinics. Because practices can change over time, consulting the relevant institution and SGK for current information is always the most reliable approach.
Under what conditions does SGK cover orthodontic treatment?
SGK's Health Implementation Communiqué (the regulation that sets reimbursement rules) ties reimbursement for orthodontic treatment to certain conditions. The general framework is as follows:
- Age limit: Reimbursement for orthodontic treatment generally applies to patients under 18. For adults, reimbursement is limited to exceptional cases.
- Indication requirement: Not every case of crowding is covered. The need for treatment is documented by an orthodontist according to specific criteria; requests for aesthetic purposes are generally not covered.
- Institution requirement: Reimbursement applies to treatment provided at public institutions contracted with SGK (state dental hospitals, university hospitals). Orthodontic treatment at private clinics is not covered by SGK.
- Type of treatment: Orthodontic treatment covered by reimbursement is generally limited to fixed braces and removable appliances. Clear aligner systems are generally not covered.
These points are general information and the regulations may be updated. Before applying for your child or yourself, find out the current conditions from your institution and SGK.
How does orthodontics work at university faculties of dentistry?
Faculties of dentistry are institutions that provide specialty training in orthodontics. Treatment there is carried out by specialty trainees (resident dentists) under the supervision of faculty members. Characteristics of faculty hospitals include:
- Academic supervision: Plans are overseen by faculty members; multidisciplinary evaluation is available for complex cases.
- Waiting time: Because demand is high, there may be waiting lists that take months for an examination and the start of treatment.
- Appointment schedule: Checkups are planned according to the faculty's academic calendar; appointment times may not be flexible.
- Change of doctor: Because specialty training lasts a limited time, the treating doctor may change during long treatments.
- Clear aligners: Some faculties may provide clear aligners as part of research projects or for a limited number of cases; this is not a general service and the fee policy varies by institution.
A faculty hospital is a strong option, especially for patients under 18 and cases covered by SGK. Adults can also apply, but you need to get information from the institution about fees and the type of treatment.
Do state oral and dental health hospitals offer orthodontics?
In many provinces, orthodontists work at state oral and dental health hospitals. These hospitals can provide fixed braces treatment for patients covered by SGK. However, because the number of orthodontists is limited, waiting times can be long and not every hospital has an orthodontic department. You can find out the situation in your province by searching for an orthodontic appointment through the central physician appointment system (MHRS).
Clear aligner treatment is not widely offered at state hospitals. Because aligner production requires an external laboratory or a brand portal and there is no SGK reimbursement, this treatment is largely provided at private clinics and some university hospitals.
What are the differences between a private clinic and a public institution?
When making a decision, it helps to consider the following differences:
- Treatment options: At private clinics you can choose among clear aligner brands; in the public sector the option is generally limited to braces.
- Waiting time: At a private clinic, the examination and the start of treatment are usually scheduled quickly; in the public sector there may be a waiting list.
- Continuity of care: At a private clinic, the same doctor manages treatment from start to finish; at faculties the doctor may change.
- Appointment flexibility: Private clinics may offer evening and weekend appointments.
- Fees: In the public sector, treatment may be reimbursed in cases covered by SGK; at a private clinic, the fee is paid by the patient and is given in writing after the examination. We explain the factors that affect the fee on the clear aligner pricing page.
Does private health insurance cover clear aligners?
Most private health insurance and supplementary health insurance policies either exclude dental treatment or cover it with a limited dental package. Orthodontic treatment and clear aligners are usually listed as exclusions in these packages. If your policy includes dental coverage, ask your insurance company in writing whether orthodontics is covered and whether clear aligners fall within that coverage. Some corporate health plans may offer a partial contribution toward orthodontics.
When is a public institution more suitable, and when is a private clinic?
A general roadmap:
- If the patient is under 18 and has a significant orthodontic problem: It makes sense to apply first to a university or state dental hospital and ask about SGK coverage. Treatment with braces may be covered.
- If clear aligners are specifically wanted: This treatment is largely provided at private clinics. Evaluation by an orthodontist is important.
- If you are an adult: Because SGK reimbursement is generally not available, a private clinic is often a practical route in terms of waiting time and treatment options; however, you can also apply to faculty hospitals as a paying patient.
- If the case is complex and requires surgery: The multidisciplinary structure of university hospitals can be an advantage; private clinics can also work in collaboration with jaw surgery teams.
You can find which option suits which age on the clear aligners by age page, and whether clear aligners are right for you on the who are clear aligners suitable for page. For the differences between braces and clear aligners, take a look at our comparison page. In every case, the need for treatment and the options are evaluated at an orthodontic examination.