For thousands of Britons, Turkey teeth—a dental craze where patients travel abroad for significantly lower costs—is causing agonizing complications.
The newest cosmetic craze involves filing teeth down to pegs and then replacing them with veneers or crowns. Stars like Katie Price and Love Islands Jack Fincham have popularized this technique.
The procedure, which leaves patients with a Hollywood smile, is being fuelled on social media under the hashtag #Turkeyteeth which has been viewed more than 100million times.
But a recent BBC documentary looked at the effects and questioned if getting less expensive treatment really comes with more risks than benefits. Dentists in the UK warned that patients may have to pay large amounts of money for repairs to poor work as a result of the complications.
According to several dentists polled by the BBC, the NHS handled some of the restorative work.
Meanwhile, a private clinic has advised patients to make sure they understand what they are getting after receiving contact from clients who were offered veneers but were instead given the far more aggressive option of crowns.
The young people suffering from severe, persistent pain, infected gums, or decaying teeth had overtaken the Harley Street Smile Clinic in London following the procedure.
British patients are suffering from excruciating complications as a result of Turkey teeth, a dental fad that involves traveling abroad for incredibly cheap treatment. Pictured: Irishwoman Lisa Martyn, who suffered agony after receiving cheap dental work done while on vacation in Turkey.
One Tiktok user, Lisa Martyn, described how her trip to Turkey for cosmetic surgery turned into a nightmare. She paid 3,500 Euros (£2,960) for what she thought were veneers, but were actually a set of crowns.
“I was misled about what I was having done; they were sold to me as veneers, not as a full set of crowns,” the woman told the BBC. ” I was tricked into believing that I would always have a flawless set of teeth.
No one sat down and told me the risks or if there were any other options. I believed that after they inserted the new teeth into my mouth, there would be no more issues.
But not only did it cost me thousands of dollars, but ever since then, I’ve been in unbearable pain every single day. Its the biggest mistake of my life.
Lisa thought she would get 26 veneers fitted when she traveled to Turkey last year in an attempt to get the Hollywood smile for her son’s wedding. However, what she received was a crown, which is a far more invasive procedure.
But months after starting treatment, the 48-year-old developed an abscess that nearly paralyzed half of her face, leaving her in excruciating pain and sensitive to nerves.
This graphic shows how a tooth is shaved down slightly to make room for a thin veneer
Photo: Lisa Martyn revealed that her experience with a painful infection and an abscess that nearly paralyzed half of her face (left) became a nightmare.
Before his 2018 appearance on the ITV reality show, Love Islands’ Jack Fincham was one of the first to share his experience with Turkey Teeth after undergoing treatment. Pictured: Before and after.
She said of the work on her social media channel, “I never in my life experienced anything like it.” ” .
They were drilling then, banging and hammering. I was jumping out of that chair for two hours.
What are Turkey Teeth?
“Turkey Teeth” is a slang term used to describe the trend of young people traveling to Turkey for affordable, but often poorly done, dental work. This typically involves getting full sets of crowns or veneers, which are filed down to achieve a “Hollywood smile.” While the initial cost may seem appealing, the long-term consequences can be disastrous for your oral health and wallet.
Why are Turkey Teeth a Problem?
- Aggressive Filing: In Turkey, teeth are often filed down excessively to accommodate large crowns or veneers. This can weaken your natural teeth, making them more susceptible to damage and decay.
- Poor Materials and Techniques: Clinics in Turkey may use cheaper materials and less skilled techniques, leading to crowns or veneers that don’t fit properly, fall out easily, or cause infections.
- Complications and Reversibility: “Turkey Teeth” can result in various complications like severe infections, tooth pain, exposed nerves, and even tooth loss. These issues can be difficult and expensive to fix, and in some cases, the damage may be irreversible.
The Real Cost of Turkey Teeth
“Turkey Teeth” may seem less expensive at first, but the long-term expenses may end up being significantly more. In the worst case, you might have to pay for additional procedures to address complications, and you might end up losing your natural teeth. Furthermore, there can be a great deal of emotional distress brought on by infections, pain, and compromised teeth.
Alternatives to Turkey Teeth
Instead of putting your dental health at danger with “Turkey Teeth,” think about these more dependable and secure alternatives:
- Veneers in the UK: Opt for veneers from a reputable dentist in the UK. They will use high-quality materials and techniques, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Composite Bonding: This is a less invasive and more affordable option than veneers. It involves applying a composite resin to your teeth to reshape and improve their appearance.
- Orthodontics: If you’re looking for a straighter smile, consider orthodontic treatment like Invisalign. It can gradually move your teeth into the desired position without the need for extensive filing.
Choosing a Reputable Dentist
When choosing a dentist, prioritize experience, qualifications, and positive reviews. Look for a dentist who is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and has a proven track record of providing high-quality dental care.
Don’t Risk Your Smile for Cheap Teeth
“Turkey Teeth” might appear like a simple and cost-effective fix, but the risks involved are just too great. Make an investment in your oral health by selecting a trustworthy UK dentist for dependable and secure dental care.
Additional Resources:
- The Gentle Dental: https://thegentledental.co.uk/turkey-teeth-a-big-problem/
- Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11012571/Turkey-teeth-trend-leaves-Brits-DEAD-teeth-abscesses-dental-issues.html
FAQs
Q: Are Turkey Teeth safe?
A: No, Turkey Teeth are not safe. The aggressive filing and use of poor materials can lead to various complications and irreversible damage.
Q: How much do Turkey Teeth cost?
A: The cost of Turkey Teeth varies depending on the clinic and the type of treatment. However, it can be significantly cheaper than getting veneers in the UK.
Q: What are the alternatives to Turkey Teeth?
A: Alternatives to Turkey Teeth include veneers from a reputable dentist in the UK, composite bonding, and orthodontic treatment.
Q: How do I choose a reputable dentist?
A: When choosing a dentist, look for one who is registered with the GDC, has positive reviews, and uses high-quality materials and techniques.
Crowns and veneers: What’s the difference?
Veneers and crowns are both dental treatments that can improve the look and function of your teeth.
A crown covers the entire tooth, whereas a veneer only covers a portion of it. This is the main distinction between the two.
Although it can be made of other materials as well, a veneer is basically a very thin layer of porcelain. It is typically selected primarily for aesthetic reasons.
They are bonded to the front of existing teeth with colouring to existing teeth matched by the dentist.
Since most of the tooth must be removed to make room for a crown, which is about twice as thick as veneers, covering the entire tooth requires a much more invasive procedure.
It can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to a metal alloy or an all-metal alloy.
Crowns provide people with broken, decaying, or misaligned teeth a solution, even though they are also chosen for aesthetic reasons.
No one asked how I was or even offered me a drink of water. My mouth was so swollen it was like a horror movie.
Even though my entire neck and upper nose were numb, I could still feel the sensation. I still didnt know that all my natural teeth were filed down and these were crowns, not veneers. It was only after I returned home, that I was told by a UK dentist.
Since I’m in pain right now, I’ve accepted that I will require dentures and that I will always be in pain. Despite my desire to look well for my son’s wedding, I would give anything to know that day I won’t be in pain.
She can’t eat right, and she’s lost over two stone since the treatment, the BBC reports.
Lisa says that the cost of getting her teeth fixed will bankrupt her, and she posted about her experience on Tiktok to caution others about the dangers of going abroad for cheap medical care.
When Alicia Watts, an assistant video editor, went to Turkey five years ago for dental work, she thought at the time that it was the best decision she had ever made.
However, the 27-year-old began experiencing persistent pain and numerous infections this year. Her regular dentist in the UK informed her that the Turkish dentist had done poor quality work and that the damage would need to be repaired for £650.
“I went to Antalya, Turkey in 2017 and received a full set of crowns, with the exception of a few back teeth,” she told MailOnline. ” .
I paid between £3,000-£3,500 – it was a bit more because I got a stronger material called zirconia.
Actually, I was pretty happy with them, and when I saw my UK dentist shortly after, he confirmed that they looked fine.
I told everyone it was the best decision I had ever made at the time because they looked so perfect.
While Alicia was happy with the course of treatment, she also mentioned that it was the worst pain she had ever felt.
Pictured: Alicia Watts thought that her decision to travel to Turkey for work five years ago was the best one she had ever made. However, she is now in constant pain.
After paying a Turkish dentist up to £3,500 for a full set of crowns, Alicia received poor quality care, according to a private specialist in the UK, who estimated that repair work would cost £650.
“I cried in my hotel room for two days after they shaved my teeth because they were so sensitive and I couldn’t stop bleeding,” she continued. “But when I went back to the UK, they were fine and they have been fine for years.” ” .
However, 5 years later and Im starting to be in constant pain due to tooth ache. About five months ago, I had an infection that was treated with antibiotics, but I’m experiencing pain again.
I went to see a private dentist, who told me that the crown installer had done a horrible job and that I had another infection that had more deeply penetrated my gums and tooth, necessitating an emergency root canal.
Alicia refused to have the necessary remedial work completed because it would have cost £650 and was not covered by the NHS.
The woman said, “He told me that if I keep doing this, eventually an infection and plague buildup will cause my teeth to fall out.”
My usual NHS dentist told me that they could not do a root canal on me due to my crowns and the makeup of my teeth, and that I would have to see a private specialist instead.
Laugh! During a procedure, the 42-year-old former glamour model claimed she no longer needed her old teeth in the dentist chair. New veneers were placed on her teeth in August 2020.
‘Mislead millennials are signing up for a lifetime of unnecessary and painful treatments’
Experts at the Harley Street Smile Clinic in London claim that a rise in young people seeking corrective work there is a direct result of dental tourism.
In an alarming blog post, the clinic says mislead millennials are committing to a lifetime of unnecessary, expensive and painful treatments.
It goes on to say that in the last few years, our clinic has been inundated with young people who were tricked by low-cost cosmetic dentistry clinics in Turkey.
The harsh reality of a lifetime of dental work that would cost far more than having veneers done in the UK often leaves our clients unaware of what work they’ve actually had done or what’s involved in fixing the problem.
Principal dentist at Harley Street Smile Clinic, Dr. Maurice Johannes continued, saying, “It is imperative that individuals have complete clarity regarding the terms and conditions of any agreement they make when traveling overseas for cosmetic dental procedures. ” .
Patients often think they are having veneers placed when, in reality, they are receiving crowns, which require much more extensive tooth reduction.
Source: The Harley Street Smile Clinic
The pain is being treated with antibiotics once more, but I’m worried that it won’t go away and that I won’t be able to pay for dental work.
The treatment has proven popular with social media influencers and TV stars including model Katie price.
In August 2020, she shared a video on social media, stating that she had severely shaved her natural teeth to the point of looking like a James Bond villain before having new veneers fitted while she was in Turkey.
The treatment was carried out after her original veneers fell out. However, some of her new veneers fell out in October of that year, forcing her to travel back to Turkey.
At the time, a representative for the star told the Sun that she needed to return to Turkey to have the work fixed.
Love Island star Jack Fincham also received treatment in Turkey before appearing on the ITV reality show.
After the Love Island winner discussed his Turkey Teeth in 2018, Google searches for the term sky-rocketed.
Five years ago, Mr. When Fincham went to Antalya, Turkey, he said in a Love Island promo video that he “absolutely loves” his white teeth.
I went all the way to Turkey to get these. I come back with a winning smile and a nice little holiday.
In the recently broadcast BBC Three documentary Turkey Teeth: Bargain Smiles or Big Mistake, he did, however, admit, do it differently. He also proudly showed off how his teeth had been filed down in order to get veneers.
He told the BBC that in response to the many messages he receives asking about the work he has done, he now shares his personal experience with others.
To the host of the documentary, Dr., he said, “I flew out there in the winter time, not the holiday season, and pretty much everyone on the flight was going to get some sort of procedure done.” Trishala Lakhani, a dentist and Miss Universe GB.
Despite knowing that veneers carried risks, such as the potential for requiring a root canal or having his teeth extracted, he went ahead and had the work done.
They mentioned all this stuff and it didnt put me off. It was for cosmetic purposes, so I was probably being a bit vain, he admitted.
On the procedure itself, he said it can be quite uncomfortable. You have loads of injections to numb your mouth. Its not an easy procedure. You have to do your research. Sincerely, I think my teeth look great, but years ago, if someone had asked me if I would rather have crowns alone or composites, I would have said yes.
A BBC survey claims that hundreds of UK dentists have dealt with patients who had issues after receiving dental work done abroad.
Director of a Liverpool dental clinic Dr. “I would have my license revoked and be struck off if I did 20 crowns on a 21-year-old to improve the color,” MJ Rowland-Warmann said to the broadcaster. ” .
She said that one to three times a day, patients with dental issues who have traveled abroad contact her clinic, but she is unable to treat them.
Some cant floss because their crowns are stuck together or theyre in pain because they have bleeding gums.
But its easier for us not to take that patient. When you take over that patient’s care, that’s when the real issues start, and that’s when the UK dentist is held responsible. A risk we cannot take.
White teeth: Model Katie Price traveled to Turkey in the summer of 2020 to have her and his veneers placed. She is pictured here just before her vacation.
As a result, patients are left in extremely dangerous situations where they must fend for themselves and pay expensive repair costs.
The principal dentist at Harley Street Smile Clinic, Dr. Maurice Johanne, advised patients to exercise caution when selecting a treatment.
When traveling abroad for cosmetic dental procedures, “it is imperative that individuals have complete clarity about the terms and conditions they are agreeing to,” the speaker said.
Patients often think they are having veneers placed when, in reality, they are receiving crowns, which require much more extensive tooth reduction.
A dental clinic in London has reported that a large number of young people have flooded the clinic asking for their poorly completed surveys to be corrected.
Not everyone who receives treatment abroad suffers complications. Manchester-based Tilly Entwhistle told the BBC she was thrilled with her work and that it reminded her of Bugs Bunny when she was a child.
Nonetheless, she did assert that following her consultation with a dentist in the UK, she was told that the dentist would not treat her teeth since they would not take responsibility for any issues resulting from the work done in Turkey.