Dental Tourism: The Truth Behind Turkey Teeth

The growing trend of dental tourism has brought attention to the phenomenon of "Turkey teeth," a term used to describe the patients travelling to abroad to receive cosmetic dental procedures at lower cost. Many individuals travel to Turkey and get an a package that includes a smile makeover, flights and accommodation. The high demand for bright, white smiles, fuelled by social media, has led to an increase in the number of people seeking out veneers, often with disastrous results.

Potential patients are often sold a package of 20 veneers without even been assessed by a dentist. Veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells usually made from ceramic that are placed over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. While veneers can be a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile, overuse of these procedures can lead to a variety of problems.

One of the main dangers of overpreparing teeth for veneers is the risk of irreversible damage. The process of preparing the teeth for veneers involves removing a significant amount of tooth enamel, which can never be replaced. This can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth decay. Many patients are not fully aware of these risks prior to having treatment. Some do not even realise until after the procedure that their teeth have been irreversibly filed. Patients are often told they're having veneers but are horrified to find their teeth have been filed to little pegs for crowns. The risk of damage to the tooth is higher with crowns since more tooth is prepared.

Another danger of dental tourism is the lack of proper assessment and aftercare. It is important for a qualified, experienced dentist to assess the health of your teeth before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedure. In addition, proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best possible results and to avoid complications.

When it comes to dental tourism, it is essential to thoroughly research the potential risks and carefully consider the potential consequences before undergoing any procedure. While the cost savings may be appealing, the dangers of overpreparing teeth and the risk of irreversible damage make it important to choose a qualified, experienced dentist for all cosmetic dental procedures. There are almost always a multitude of alternative, safer options than a full mouth of crowns that will give you beautiful, predictable and long-lasting results!

At Your Smile Clinic, we are committed to providing high-end dentistry with patient care at the fore. If you are looking for a smile makeover, give our friendly team a call on 0161 327 2878 or book on our website to see how we can help.