Braces in Turkey: metal, ceramic and lingual options

Can you get braces in Turkey?

Yes. Metal, ceramic and lingual braces are all available in Istanbul, and getting braces in Turkey is common among locals, expat families and international students. What is less common, and harder to do well, is fitting braces on a short trip and flying home. Fixed braces are adjusted regularly throughout treatment, and those adjustments cannot be done by video call.

That is why this page is written mainly for people who will be in Istanbul for the length of treatment, or who come here often enough to keep to an adjustment schedule. If you are visiting once for a week, our orthodontics overview explains the alternatives, including cases where clear aligners can be monitored with planned visits.

Metal vs ceramic vs lingual braces compared

All three types move teeth with the same principle: a bracket on each tooth and a wire that is gradually changed and adjusted. The differences lie in looks, comfort and how easy they are to keep clean.

The dentist will recommend a type after looking at your bite, how much movement is needed and the shape of the backs of your teeth, which affects whether lingual braces are practical.

Your braces treatment, step by step

1. Examination and records: Free check-up with X-rays, photographs and a scan or impressions; any decay or gum problems are treated first.
2. Choosing the type of brace: The dentist explains which of metal, ceramic or lingual braces suits your bite and gives you a written plan with the full cost.
3. Fitting: Teeth are cleaned and dried, brackets are bonded and the first wire is placed. The visit usually takes one to two hours.
4. Adjustments: Visits typically every 4 to 8 weeks to change wires, replace ties and check progress.
5. Removal: Brackets are removed, teeth polished and the final result checked.
6. Retainers: Fixed and/or removable retainers are fitted to keep teeth in their new positions.

Metal braces: the dependable workhorse

Metal braces in Turkey are the same stainless steel brackets used around the world, and they remain the most versatile option for difficult movements. They tolerate knocks, they are quick to adjust and loose brackets are easy to re-bond. Coloured elastic ties around each bracket are a choice many teenagers enjoy; adults can opt for clear or grey ones.

Some brackets are self-ligating, meaning they hold the wire with a small built-in clip rather than elastic ties. Damon is one well-known brand of this design. Self-ligating brackets can be easier to clean around, but research has not shown that they consistently shorten overall treatment time, so we would not choose them on that promise alone.

Ceramic braces: less visible, a little more delicate

Ceramic braces work exactly like metal ones but the brackets are made of a tooth-coloured or translucent ceramic, so from conversational distance they blend in. Many adults who need fixed treatment for a complex case, but do not want a metallic smile at work, choose them.

There are trade-offs. Ceramic is harder than enamel, so brackets on the lower teeth can wear the upper teeth if the bite is deep, and the dentist may advise metal on the lower arch for that reason. The brackets are more brittle, can chip, and take a little more care to remove at the end. Clear elastic ties can pick up stains from coffee, tea, curry and red wine between appointments.

Lingual braces in Turkey: hidden, but demanding

Lingual braces are bonded to the inside surfaces of the teeth, so they are effectively invisible. Because the inner surfaces vary so much from person to person, the brackets and wires are usually custom made from a scan or impressions, which adds time before they can be fitted.

They are not for everyone. The tongue rubs against them constantly, speech is often affected for the first few weeks, and cleaning behind the teeth takes patience. Adjustments are more technical and often take longer. Very short teeth or a very deep bite may rule them out. They work well for motivated adults who will be in Istanbul for the duration, but they are the least suitable type of brace for anyone trying to manage treatment from abroad.

How often will I need adjustment appointments?

Typically every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the stage of treatment and the type of wire. At each visit the dentist checks how the teeth have moved, may change or bend the wire, replaces the elastic ties and deals with any loose brackets. Most adjustment visits are fairly short, though lingual braces and wire changes take longer.

Missing appointments does not simply pause treatment. A wire can keep pushing in a direction that is no longer wanted, brackets that come loose stop working, and small problems turn into longer treatment. This is the core reason braces in Turkey suit residents and frequent visitors: over 18 months that can mean a dozen or more visits. If you are unsure whether your schedule allows it, ask us before committing.

Living with fixed braces: cleaning, food and comfort

Good care with fixed braces protects your teeth while they move. The essentials are:

• Brush thoroughly after meals, angling the brush above and below the brackets, with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth with interdental brushes or floss threaders, since normal floss cannot pass the wire.
• Avoid hard and sticky foods such as nuts, hard sweets, toffee and crusty bread bitten with the front teeth. Cut apples and raw carrots into small pieces.
• Cut down on sugary and acidic drinks, which cause white marks around brackets that can be permanent.
• Use orthodontic wax on any bracket or wire end that rubs; pharmacies in Istanbul sell it and we can give you some at fitting.

If a bracket comes loose or a wire starts poking your cheek, cover it with wax and message us on WhatsApp. It is rarely an emergency, but it should be seen at your next visit or sooner. Regular professional cleaning during treatment helps keep gums healthy.

When braces come off

Removing braces takes about an hour. The brackets are gently levered off, leftover adhesive is polished away and the teeth are cleaned. Retainers are then fitted, either a thin bonded wire behind the front teeth, a clear removable retainer or both, and worn for the long term. Some patients follow with whitening once the enamel has settled, which can even out any slight shade difference where brackets sat.

Frequently asked questions

This page gives general information and is not a substitute for an examination. Whether a treatment is suitable for you, and how long it takes, is decided after your dentist has examined you and reviewed your X-rays.