Can I get orthodontic treatment as a foreigner living in Ankara?
Yes. International residents living in Ankara for work, study, a diplomatic posting or family reasons can start orthodontic treatment here. The medical process for treatments such as clear aligners, fixed braces and retainers does not change with the patient's nationality: first an exam is done and records are taken, then a plan tailored to you is prepared. The real differences are practical: which language you will communicate in, how long you will stay in Türkiye and whether you have records from previous treatment.
Funda Sarıkaya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic is located in Park Oran Ofis in the Oran neighborhood of Çankaya. At the clinic, you can communicate in Turkish, English, German and Russian. If you speak a language other than these four, it is recommended that you come to the exam with someone close to you who knows one of them; it is important that you make treatment decisions with full understanding.
Which languages does the clinic offer care in?
The exam, explanation of treatment options, check-up appointments and daily wear instructions can be handled in four languages:
- Turkish
- English (English)
- German (Deutsch)
- Russian (Русский)
You can send your appointment request by phone or via WhatsApp in any of these languages. We recommend asking, when you book, which languages written information documents can be provided in. Some orthodontic concepts can seem confusing when you first hear them; do not hesitate to ask again about any term you do not understand. You can also take a look at our clear aligner glossary for the basic terms.
What should I bring to my first exam?
For the first appointment to be productive, simply bring whatever you have. Missing documents are not an obstacle to the exam; the necessary records can also be taken at the clinic.
- Identity document: Your passport or the ID card you use in Türkiye, to create your patient record.
- Previous orthodontic records: If you have had braces or clear aligners before, your X-rays, digital scan files, treatment summary and details of the retainer you use.
- A list of your medications: Chronic conditions and regular medications can affect tooth movement; copying the drug names from the original packaging avoids confusion.
- Dental reports: Notes on any recent fillings, root canal treatment, implants or gum treatment.
Records prepared in English, German or Russian can be assessed directly. If your reports are in another language, bringing a short translation will make things easier. You can find out in detail which records are taken at the first exam in our article on the first orthodontic exam.
How does the length of my stay in Türkiye affect the treatment plan?
This is the most important planning question for international patients. Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from a few months to two years depending on the case, and a retention period begins after treatment ends. If your posting, study program or contract has a set length, say so clearly at the first exam. Your orthodontist will go through the following questions with you:
- Can treatment be expected to be completed within the time you will stay in Türkiye?
- If there is not enough time, can a route be taken that another orthodontist could pick up when you move to another country?
- If you are staying only a short time, does limited treatment targeting a specific problem make sense, or is it better not to start?
The clinic uses the Invisalign system. Because Invisalign is used in many countries, it may be possible for another orthodontist to assess your progress if you move; however, a handover does not work the same way in every case, and the new orthodontist will need to do their own exam. That is why, before leaving, it is helpful to ask for copies of your records and to clarify the status of your remaining aligners. You can find information about digital scanning and planning tools on our our technology page.
How does the treatment process work for international patients?
The process consists of the same medical steps as for Turkish patients. The difference is that appointments are arranged in advance around your travel and vacation periods:
- Exam and records: Intraoral assessment, any necessary X-rays, photos and a digital intraoral scan with iTero.
- Planning: A three-dimensional plan of the tooth movements is prepared in the ClinCheck software and explained to you in the language you choose. Fee information is also given in writing at this stage.
- Getting started: If needed, small grip bumps (attachments) are bonded to the teeth, the first aligners are fitted and the rules of wear are explained.
- Check-ups: Usually every 6–10 weeks. If you have long home leave abroad, the number of aligners you take with you can be planned in advance by the orthodontist.
- Finishing and retention: Retainer wear begins to keep the teeth in their new position. Details are on our retainers after clear aligners page.
The aligners need to be worn 20–22 hours a day. Heavy business travel, different time zones and long flights can make this harder; for practical tips, see our clear aligners while traveling guide.
My child attends an international school; when should we seek orthodontic care?
One of the topics international families often ask about is orthodontic monitoring for their children. The general recommendation is to have the first orthodontic evaluation at around age 7; this does not mean every child will need treatment, it simply allows development to be monitored. School holidays and visits abroad can be built into the appointment plan. For details, take a look at our early orthodontic treatment and Invisalign First for children pages.
Should I keep using the retainer from my previous treatment?
You may have had orthodontic treatment in your home country and come to Türkiye with a retainer. In the rush of moving, it is common for the retainer to be forgotten or lost, and teeth shifting back is often noticed during this period. If your retainer still fits fully, keep wearing it as your orthodontist advised. If it feels tight when you put it in, is cracked or has been lost, it is recommended that you come in for a check-up without delay; small shifts caught early can sometimes be managed with just a new retainer, but this decision is made at the exam. If you have your previous orthodontist's records with you, bringing them makes the assessment easier.
How do I get in touch if I have a problem during treatment?
If an aligner breaks or is lost, an attachment comes off or an aligner does not seat on the teeth, you can write in any of the four languages via the clinic phone and WhatsApp line. Adding a clear photo showing the problem and the number of the aligner you are currently wearing to your message helps the clinic tell you quickly what to do. Do not move on to the next aligner on your own; depending on the situation, your orthodontist will tell you whether to go back to the previous aligner or switch to a new one. Our clear aligner problems page also offers guidance on common situations.
Can you give information on visas, residence permits and health regulations?
No. The clinic only provides information on oral and dental health and orthodontics. For legal and administrative matters such as visas, residence permits, work permits, health tourism regulations or access to public health coverage, you need to consult the relevant official authorities, your employer or your country's embassy or consulate. On these matters, go directly to official sources rather than relying on guidance from the clinic.
How do I get clarity on fees and insurance?
The treatment fee varies with the scope and length of the case and the method to be used; it is provided in writing after the exam and planning. You can see the factors involved on our clear aligner cost page. If you have private health insurance, whether international or taken out in Türkiye, you need to ask your insurer in advance whether orthodontics is covered; this topic is covered separately on our private health insurance and orthodontics page.
How do I get to the clinic?
The clinic is located in Park Oran Ofis, Dükkan No:70, on Kudüs Caddesi; it is next to Panora Mall and across from One Tower Mall. Simply enter 'Park Oran Ofis' into your navigation app. Opening hours are Monday–Saturday, 09:00–20:00; evening and Saturday hours make appointment planning easier for patients who work long weekdays. To book an appointment, call 0312 911 60 36 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number.