For patients in South Africa

Teeth whitening in Turkey from South Africa: when the trip makes sense

Professional teeth whitening lightens the natural shade of your teeth with clinically approved whitening agents, reducing stains from food, drink, smoking and age. It does not change crowns, veneers or fillings. Because whitening is usually done in a single appointment, it is rarely a reason on its own to fly from South Africa to İzmir, but it can be added to other dental treatment. This page explains who it suits and what to expect.

Who whitening suits

Whitening suits most adults with healthy teeth and gums whose teeth are stained or discoloured. Every treatment starts with a dental assessment to check that you are a suitable candidate. If you have decay or gum problems, those need treating first.

Whitening will not help if:

• the teeth you want lighter are crowns, veneers, bridges or fillings, which do not change colour
• you want to change the shape or size of your teeth rather than their shade

In those cases, ask about veneers or a wider smile plan. The veneers guide and the Hollywood smile guide for South Africans explain the options, and the treatment itself is described on the UK teeth whitening page.

Whitening as part of a wider plan

If you are having crowns or veneers on some teeth, the order matters. New restorations are made to match the shade of your natural teeth, and they will not lighten later, so whitening is normally done first. Ask your dentist how whitening fits into your overall plan before you travel.

How the trip from South Africa works

Whitening on its own is usually one appointment, and you can leave the clinic the same day. Some patients benefit from an extra session, depending on the staining and the shade they want.

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, with a short domestic flight on to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa, and İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. If whitening is the only thing you want, a trip of that length is hard to justify; it makes more sense alongside other treatment.

Keeping your teeth white at home

Brush and floss regularly, keep up routine check-ups with your dentist in South Africa, and cut down on smoking and on staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and dark sauces. Regular professional cleaning also helps.

• Ask for a note of the whitening system used and your starting and final shade
• Tell your dentist at home what was done, especially before any future crowns or veneers
• Ask what to do if sensitivity lasts longer than a few days

What our treatment guarantee covers is set out on that page, and how complaints are handled is published on our complaints page. Our dentists are listed on clinic facts.

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic treatment such as whitening, at home or abroad. Standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment overseas.

What decides the cost

Whether whitening is a standalone treatment or part of a wider plan, the number of sessions you need, and what any package includes, such as accommodation and transfers.

What we will not do

We will not whiten teeth with untreated decay or gum disease, we will not promise a shade your teeth cannot safely reach, and we will not suggest crowns or veneers when whitening alone would meet your goal.

Frequently asked questions

Who is suitable for teeth whitening?

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums who want to improve stained or discoloured teeth. Your dentist will check your oral health first to confirm whitening is right for you.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

Typically six months to three years, depending on oral hygiene, diet, smoking and lifestyle. Avoiding staining foods and drinks helps the results last longer.

Will teeth whitening damage my teeth?

No. When it is done by a qualified dental professional with approved products, whitening is safe and does not damage tooth enamel. Some temporary sensitivity is common and usually settles within a few days.

Does whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?

No. Whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, bridges and fillings do not change colour, so your dentist will discuss options if you have restorations in visible areas.

Is it worth travelling from South Africa just for teeth whitening?

Usually not on its own, because whitening is normally done in a single appointment. It makes more sense combined with other dental treatment you are planning in Turkey.

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