What are “Turkey Teeth”?
A dental trend known as ‘Turkey teeth’ has been hitting the headline as thousands of people are going abroad to get dental work done cheaply, and Turkey is a top destination.
“Turkey Teeth” are teeth which have received cosmetic treatment in Turkey.
The term was popularized by Jack Fincham, who sported a shiny white set of teeth following cosmetic dental work in Turkey when he won Love Island in 2018.
On TikTok alone, the “Turkey teeth” hashtag has received over one hundred million views.
People choose to go to Turkey for cosmetic dental treatment because the cost is much cheaper than in the UK.
But many people who have dental work done abroad have realised that the cash savings were not worth it in the long run.
Crowns vs Veneers: What is the difference?
The procedure carried out by many dental clinics abroad involves replacing healthy (if cosmetically imperfect) teeth with crowns.
This highly invasive procedure removes 60-70% of healthy teeth tissue, leaving just a tiny peg to attach the crown.
Dental practices in the UK – governed by the General Dentist Council (GDC), do not replace healthy teeth with crowns for cosmetic purposes.
Our dentists only recommend crowns in cases where the original tooth is cracked, damaged or broken.
Many dental tourists did not realise they were receiving crowns fitted abroad. Instead, believing they had the less invasive procedure of getting veneers fitted.
Veneers are thin laminates which stick to the front teeth. And, unlike crowns, they do not require the removal of healthy tooth tissue.
Love Island’s Jack Fincham said that if he had known more about the procedure, he would have had veneers fitted instead.
Is the dentistry work carried out even necessary?
As well as being more invasive, the dental procedures prescribed by some cosmetic dental clinics in Turkey are also wholly unnecessary.
The recent BBC documentary, “Turkey Teeth: Bargain Smiles or Big Mistake“, looked in detail at Turkey’s dental tourism.
The presenter Trishala Lakhani – an NHS dentist and Miss Universe Great Britain finalist – sent pictures of her (almost perfect) teeth to 150 cosmetic dental clinics in Turkey and 50 in the UK.
Over half of the Turkey clinics who responded recommended veneers or crowns to Lakhani. Not one of the UK clinics recommended these procedures.
Thousands of unnecessary procedures are being carried out abroad on healthy teeth. And sometimes result in devasting consequences.
UK cosmetic dentists have to follow the standards the GDC sets, which would not permit them to do this.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer in cosmetic dentistry. So getting a consultation with a qualified and registered dental professional in the UK is essential.
The Perfect Smile Studios offer various treatment options, including teeth whitening systems, braces and veneers.
We discuss your unique requirements and find the right treatments to give you a winning smile you’ll love forever.
All the reasons why you shouldn’t go to Turkey for dental cosmetic work
- Turkey practices carry often carry out consultations via social media.
- Many cosmetic dental practices in Turkey will recommend dental procedures based on a few messages on Instagram or other social media without even seeing the patient. A reputable dentist would never agree to undertake work until an in-person examination occurs.
- Patients are not always fully informed of the procedure before it takes place.
- Many people have reported that they believed they were having veneers fitted, only discovering they had crowns after a UK dentist looked at their teeth. At The Perfect Smile, we will ensure that you fully understand every procedure you are undergoing and know all possible implications.
- Procedures take place within only a few days.
Even more reasons!
- In the UK, a set of procedures might take several weeks, whereas practices in Turkey only take a couple of days. While this might seem like an advantage, the reality is that it often results in poorer quality work. In addition, there are no follow-up visits, and patients often face unmonitored issues and complications.
- Veneers are the better, more expensive option, and crowns abroad have become their cheap replacement.
- Dentists should only apply dental crowns when teeth are damaged or broken. Replacing a complete set of healthy teeth with crowns is a procedure that would never be carried out at The Perfect Smile or by any dentist in the UK.
- You may need to have your teeth removed at a later date.
- Crowns don’t last forever. After 15 years, removing a quarter of teeth might be required, meaning that you may need dentures early. Even if your teeth do not require a tooth extraction, what remains of your teeth are just tiny pegs. They will never return to their original state before you had the procedure. So instead, patients must commit to replacing crowns regularly for the rest of their life.
- Veneers are thin shells that sit on top of teeth. As crowns file down teeth, there is no solid underlying structure for porcelain veneers to bond to.
Risks of complications with crowns
Having a crown means a higher risk of nerves in the teeth dying and needing a root canal. This is why crowns are only applied to teeth beyond repair and are unhealthy in the UK.
- You have no comeback if something goes wrong.
- The law in Turkey means that you cannot take legal action if you are unhappy with the work or if something goes wrong because dental clinics in Turkey are not regulated the same way as in the UK.
- You could face life-threatening complications.
- Dental implants, if not surgically applied correctly, could cause the patient life-threatening complications.
Dental conclusion
Many people are unaware of the risks of going to Turkey for dental cosmetic work.
Having cosmetic dentistry is a significant decision, and you must ensure you have all the facts.
A registered dentist in the UK will offer a consultation. Additionally, they will advise you on the best course of treatment and carry out the work to the highest standards.
At The Perfect Smile, we pride ourselves on our quality of care and commitment to patient safety.
