For patients in South Africa

Clear Aligners in Turkey from South Africa: one trip to start, careful follow-up after

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent trays that move teeth gradually into position. Each set is worn for a period and then replaced by the next. They can correct crooked teeth, crowding, gaps and some bite problems, and because they are removable and discreet they suit many adults. For patients in South Africa they have one practical advantage over fixed braces: there is no wire to adjust, so much of the treatment can carry on at home.

How aligners work

The orthodontist scans your teeth and plans each small movement digitally. The aligners are made to that plan, and you move through the series over the course of treatment. They come out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush and floss, but they only work if they are worn for the recommended number of hours every day. New trays can bring mild pressure or temporary discomfort for a day or two, which is normal.

Who aligners suit

Aligners may suit you if you have crowded, crooked or spaced teeth, or a mild to moderate overbite, underbite or crossbite, and you want a removable option. They need discipline: trays left in a drawer do not move teeth. Suitability is confirmed after a full orthodontic assessment, including your dental history, an examination, and scans or X-rays where needed. If aligners are not right for you, the orthodontist may recommend braces or another approach; our orthodontics guide for South African patients compares the options. The treatment is described on the clear aligners page, and our dentists are listed on clinic facts.

The trip from South Africa

Most patients only need to be in Turkey for the initial stages: consultation, digital scans, treatment planning and fitting of the first aligners. Your orthodontist confirms how many days that takes in your case. For planning:

• Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, then a short domestic flight to İzmir.
• South African passport holders apply for a Turkish e-Visa before travelling.
• Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa, so jet lag is not a factor.
• Travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad, so check your policy wording.

Follow-up once you are home

Orthodontic monitoring matters, because teeth do not always move exactly as planned. The orthodontist sets a follow-up schedule, which may include remote check-ins or planned visits depending on your treatment plan. Before you start, ask:

• How progress will be checked, and how often?
• What happens if an aligner does not fit or a tooth falls behind the plan?
• Will you need a retainer at the end, and is it included?
• Can a dentist in South Africa see you if something goes wrong between check-ins?

Take home your scans and the written treatment plan, and tell your dentist in South Africa before you travel. Most people need a retainer after aligner treatment to keep the teeth in their new position.

What our treatment guarantee covers, and what it does not, is set out on that page. How complaints are handled is published on our complaints page.

What we will not do

We will not offer aligners for a case that needs braces, we will not start without a digital plan you have seen, and we will not quote a total before an assessment.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for clear aligners?

Usually just long enough for the consultation, digital scans, treatment planning and fitting of your first aligners. Your orthodontist confirms the number of days after assessing you.

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Many cases take between 6 and 18 months, depending on how much the teeth need to move. Some are shorter and some longer.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Both move teeth gradually. Aligners are discreet and removable; braces can be more suitable for some complex cases. The orthodontist recommends one after assessing your teeth and bite.

What decides the cost of clear aligners?

The complexity of your case and the length of treatment, how follow-up is handled, retainers at the end, and what the package includes. A firm figure is only possible after an assessment.

Will my medical aid cover clear aligners in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover treatment abroad. Ask your scheme before you travel; we cannot promise any cover.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.