For patients in South Africa

Dentures in Turkey from South Africa: what to expect and how to plan

Dentures are removable, custom-made appliances that replace several missing teeth, or all of them, along with some of the surrounding gum. They restore your smile, your chewing and your speech without surgery. This page is for South African patients weighing up dentures in İzmir: who they suit, how they compare with implant options, how long the trip takes, and what happens once you are home.

Full or partial dentures

Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth and attach around the natural teeth you still have. Each denture is designed with digital technology so that it fits closely, looks natural and is comfortable to wear.

Dentures can suit people who:

• have lost several teeth or all their teeth
• want a non-surgical way to replace them
• are not ready for, or not suited to, implant surgery

Unlike dental implants, dentures need no surgery, which also makes the trip simpler. If you would prefer fixed teeth, read the dental implants guide and the All-on-4 guide for South Africans before deciding. The treatment is also described on the UK dentures page.

Questions to ask before you travel

• Will you have a full or partial denture, and why?
• Will any remaining teeth be removed, and how long must the gums heal before the final denture is made?
• How many fittings and adjustments are planned during your stay?
• What happens if the denture rubs or feels loose after you get home?
• Who is the treating dentist, by name?

Our dentists are listed on clinic facts.

How the trip from South Africa works

Most patients complete denture treatment within five to seven days. Allow for more than one appointment, because a new denture often needs small adjustments for comfort and bite.

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir. You will need an e-Visa, and the one-hour time difference with İzmir makes it easy to stay in touch with home. Book a return flight you can change, in case a final adjustment is needed.

Getting used to new dentures

A short settling-in period is normal. Mild soreness, more saliva and small changes in speech usually improve within a few weeks. Start with softer foods and move back to a normal diet as you grow more comfortable.

Aftercare in South Africa

Clean your dentures every day with a denture brush and a suitable cleaner, and keep up regular dental check-ups. With proper care dentures can last many years, but they may need adjusting, relining or replacing over time as your gums and jawbone change. That work will usually be done by a dentist at home, so:

• take home a written record of the treatment and your X-rays
• book a check-up with a dentist in South Africa soon after you return
• ask how to clean and store your dentures overnight

What our treatment guarantee covers is set out on that page, and how complaints are handled is published on our complaints page.

South African medical schemes generally do not cover dental treatment carried out abroad, so check with your scheme first. Standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment overseas.

What decides the cost

Whether you need a full or partial denture, one jaw or both, whether any extractions are needed first, and what the package includes, such as accommodation and transfers. A firm figure follows a dental assessment.

What we will not do

We will not remove healthy teeth that can be kept, we will not send you home before the denture fits comfortably, and we will not start before you have agreed the plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long will I need to stay in Turkey for dentures?

Most patients complete denture treatment within five to seven days, depending on the type of denture and whether adjustments are needed.

What is the difference between full and partial dentures?

Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth and attach around your remaining natural teeth.

Will dentures feel uncomfortable at first?

A short adjustment period is normal. Minor soreness, extra saliva or slight changes in speech usually improve within a few weeks.

Can I eat normally with dentures?

Yes. Start with softer foods and gradually return to a normal diet as you get used to wearing them.

Can a dentist in South Africa adjust dentures made in Turkey?

Yes. Dentures may need adjusting, relining or replacing over time as your gums change, and a dentist at home can do this. Bring your treatment records and X-rays with you.

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