A “Hollywood smile” is a marketing term for a full set of veneers or crowns on the visible upper and lower teeth, usually 16–20 units, creating an even, bright smile. Turkey is famous for it, and so is the phrase “Turkey teeth”, used for results where healthy teeth were filed down to stumps for crowns that look too white and too bulky. The difference between a great result and a regretted one lies mostly in the treatment plan.
Veneers or crowns?
| Veneers | Crowns | |
|---|---|---|
| What they cover | Front surface of the tooth | The whole tooth |
| Tooth preparation | Usually minimal (around 0.3–0.7 mm), sometimes none | Significant reduction on all sides |
| Best for | Healthy teeth with cosmetic issues (colour, shape, small gaps) | Heavily filled, broken or root-canal-treated teeth |
| Reversibility | Not fully reversible | Irreversible |
The “Turkey teeth” problem often comes from crowns placed on healthy teeth because they are faster and easier to fit than veneers. Once a tooth is cut for a crown, it will need a crown for life, and some heavily reduced teeth later need root canal treatment.
Typical costs in Turkey
Hollywood smile packages are commonly quoted in the range of about €3,000–€8,000, depending on the number of units, material (zirconia, E-max, porcelain or composite) and the clinic. Composite bonding is cheaper but less durable. Ask for a per-unit price and the total for the number of teeth planned.
How to get a natural result
- Treat only what needs treating. Many people only need the teeth visible when they smile.
- Prefer veneers on healthy teeth, and ask whether whitening or orthodontics could solve part of the problem first.
- Choose a natural shade, not the brightest available.
- Ask for a mock-up (digital smile design or temporary trial teeth) before final work.
- Fix gum disease and decay first.
Time needed
Usually 5–7 days: examination and preparation, temporary teeth, then fitting the final veneers or crowns after the lab has made them. Rushing this into 2–3 days reduces the time for adjustments.
Questions to ask
- Will you place veneers or crowns, and why for each tooth?
- How much tooth structure will be removed?
- Which material and lab are used?
- Can I see a mock-up first?
- What is the guarantee and how is it honoured if I live abroad?
See also veneers in Turkey, E-max veneers and our dental clinics list.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Hollywood smile last?
Good-quality veneers and crowns often last 10–15 years or longer with good care, but may need replacing eventually.
Does it hurt?
Preparation is done under local anaesthesia. Some sensitivity afterwards is common.
Can veneers be removed?
They can be replaced, but the tooth underneath has usually been altered, so you will need some restoration for life.
This article is general information, not dental advice. See our medical disclaimer.
