Maltepe Dental Clinic in Istanbul reports that most UK patients prefer conservative dental treatments rather than dramatic smile transformations. An internal audit of cases from January 2020 to December 2025 found that 60 percent of UK patients received minimal-prep EMAX veneers, which require only slight tooth reduction, instead of full crown preparations.
The review also revealed that roughly 90 percent of patients selected natural tooth shades and anatomical forms over ultra-white “Hollywood” smiles when properly advised by the clinic’s team.
The findings challenge the popular image of “Turkey teeth” on social media, which often showcases extreme cosmetic makeovers. “Patients with naturally-looking teeth don’t stand out, so they remain largely unknown,” said Dr. Yusuf Ilhan, chief dentist at Maltepe Dental Clinic. “Our data shows that informed UK patients consistently prefer conservative preparation and natural aesthetics.”
A recent example is Amy, a UK patient who returned five years after her initial EMAX laminate veneers. Her veneers remained intact with no chipping or discoloration, and her gums were healthy. Amy returned for treatment on her lower teeth and also brought family members for procedures, as featured in the clinic’s video “5 Years Later – Still the Same Smile.”
Maltepe Dental Clinic holds international certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 10002:2018, and an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate (IHTAC). The clinic maintains an in-house laboratory for customized work and operates a London facility, making it the first Turkish dental clinic with a UK presence.
“The real difference lies not in the material itself, but in the dentist’s experience, conservative techniques, shade selection, and lab craftsmanship,” explained Dr. Alper Gurhan, a 20-year veteran of the clinic. “Material cost is only a small part of what patients pay; most of the value comes from clinical skill and planning.”
Maltepe’s data underscores the importance of understanding the distinction between advertised materials like EMAX and the actual clinical outcomes. While EMAX is often promoted as a premium material, the longevity and aesthetics of dental veneers rely heavily on precise planning, skilled dentistry, and quality laboratory work.