ISTANBUL, TR, February 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ISTANBUL, TR – February 03, 2026 – –
Maltepe Dental Clinic has released internal data showing that 60 percent of UK patients at its Istanbul facility receive minimal preparation EMAX veneers instead of aggressive crown preparations, according to an internal clinical audit conducted between January 2020 and December 2025.
Based on treatment records reviewed by the clinical team, approximately 90 percent of UK patients choose natural tooth shades and anatomical forms over super-white Hollywood smiles when properly advised. This finding comes during a period of increased scrutiny around dental tourism, particularly regarding the years 2020-2025, when the “Turkey teeth” trend gained prominence on social media platforms.
The clinic’s findings highlight an important gap in understanding Aesthetic Dentistry in Turkey. While social media platforms showcase extreme smile makeovers, the majority of real patients opt for subtle enhancements that preserve tooth structure. Minimal preparation veneers involve a very small reduction of the tooth surface, unlike full crown veneers which require extensive tooth removal.
“Patients with natural teeth don’t stand out, so they remain largely unknown,” said Dr. Yusuf Ilhan, head dentist at Maltepe Dental Clinic. “The data shows that informed UK patients, when given the right advice, consistently prefer conservative tooth preparation and natural aesthetics to dramatic makeovers.”
A recent case documented by the clinic concerns Amy from the UK, who returned to Maltepe Dental Clinic five years after receiving EMAX veneers. Her treatment worked Natural-looking dental veneers which showed no cracking or discoloration, maintaining healthy gums and the same appearance as when originally placed. She returned to complete treatment on her lower teeth and brought family members in for their own procedures, as documented in the clinic’s video “5 Years Later – Still the Same Smile.”
Maltepe Dental Clinic operates with international certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 10002:2018, alongside an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate (IHTAC). The facility maintains an in-house laboratory for improved fitting and operates its own facility in London, becoming the first Turkish dental clinic to establish such a presence in the UK.
“The real difference is not in the material itself, but in the dentist’s experience, conservative preparation techniques, shade selection and laboratory work,” explained Dr. Alper Gurhan, who has been practicing at the clinic for over 20 years. “Hardware costs represent only a small fraction of what patients pay; most of the value comes from clinical skills and detailed planning.”
