Maltepe Dental Clinic Clarifies Difference Between Veneers and Zirconia Crowns for Patients

ISTANBUL, TR – September 29, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Maltepe Dental Clinic, an Istanbul-based Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry clinic serving international patients, has placed on record a plain explanation of the difference between two commonly confused cosmetic treatments, following recent United Kingdom research that documented widespread patient uncertainty about the procedures they had undergone.

A February 2025 review published in the British Dental Journal examined how dental tourism is reported in the UK news media. The review found that some patients felt misinformed about the implications of cosmetic treatment and were confused about the procedures they had received. Its authors recommended national guidance to explain the difference between cosmetic options, naming crowns and veneers. The paper reproduced a newspaper quote from an NHS dentist, who observed that patients often describe having veneers when in reality they have received crowns, which involves considerably more tooth reduction.

The distinction is straightforward. A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth. A crown covers the whole tooth and removes more of the natural structure in the process. Because that reduction is permanent, understanding which treatment is planned is part of giving informed consent.

The consent point is reflected in the General Dental Council’s current Standards for the Dental Team, which apply to UK-registered professionals. Principle 3 requires valid consent before treatment begins, including an explanation of the relevant options, their risks and benefits, and the likely costs. The standards also direct professionals to check and document that patients have understood what is proposed.

Dr. Yusuf Ilhan, co-founder of Maltepe Dental Clinic and a GDC registrant, said the clinic applies a simple test at consultation to prevent any mix-up. According to Dr. Ilhan, the question the clinic asks is whether the tooth will be covered only at the front or all the way around, and the answer determines which treatment is discussed and recorded.

“Neither treatment is wrong. The clinical situation decides which one is appropriate, and the patient should know which one is planned before any tooth is prepared,” said Dr. Ilhan.

Maltepe Dental Clinic separates a request for porcelain veneers from a request for full-coverage restorations early in the consultation, so that patients travelling from abroad within limited timeframes can make an informed choice before treatment starts.

Dr. Alper Gurhan, also a co-founder of the clinic, said the confusion documented in the UK research aligns with concerns raised by dental professionals internationally.

“Patients deserve to understand the trade-offs. When a case genuinely calls for zirconia crowns, the reasons for full coverage should be explained, and when a veneer will serve the same aim with less reduction, that option should be on the table,” said Dr. Gurhan.

Maltepe Dental Clinic provides Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry to patients from more than 85 countries. Established 22 years ago, the practice has completed over 14,000 treatments and became the first Turkish dental clinic to open its own facility in London. The clinic operates an in-house dental laboratory and holds an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate along with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 10002:2018 certifications.

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For more information about Maltepe Dental Clinic, contact the company here:

Maltepe Dental Clinic
Dr. Alper Gurhan and Dr. Yusuf Ilhan
+905452315329
smile@maltepedentalclinic.com
Kosuyolu Cad. No:51 Kadikoy/Istanbul 34718