In recent years, traveling abroad for cosmetic and dental surgeries has become a booming trend. With countries like Thailand, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey offering procedures at a fraction of the cost, it’s no wonder people are choosing to travel for their dream makeover. Among these trends, “Turkey teeth” has emerged as a popular yet controversial option. Many people are flocking to Turkey to get cosmetic dental work, specifically veneers, at much lower prices. But is it worth the risk? For some, the answer is a resounding no.
In this article, we will dive into the reality behind the Turkey teeth phenomenon and explore the experiences of those who have undergone this procedure.
What Exactly Are “Turkey Teeth”?
Image credit: TikTok
The term “Turkey teeth” has been coined by cosmetic dental tourists who venture to Turkey for affordable veneers or crowns. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth, designed to improve the appearance of your smile. In Turkey, these procedures are offered at significantly lower prices than in the US or the UK, which is why many people opt for them. However, the low cost comes with potential risks.
BBC even released a documentary titled “Turkey Teeth: Bargain Smiles or Big Mistake?” that highlights this growing trend and the associated risks. One couple, Jade and Kelly Tushingham, shared their nightmare experience with Turkey teeth, hoping to raise awareness about the pain and long-term damage that followed their cosmetic adventure.
$4,800 for Turkey Teeth: An Affordable Dream?
The appeal of Turkey teeth lies in its affordability. In the UK, a full set of veneers can cost up to $25,000, while in Turkey, patients like Jade and Kelly paid $4,800 for their procedures. This price difference makes dental tourism tempting for many.
Jade and Kelly planned to combine their dental work with a relaxing beach vacation, but things quickly went wrong. The couple underwent a procedure where their natural teeth were shaved down into fang-like shapes before the veneers were placed. The result? Excruciating pain that overshadowed their entire holiday.
“We couldn’t eat anything,” they recalled. “We survived on mashed potatoes and soup. Even drinking was difficult because our teeth were so sensitive.” While their new teeth looked great in pictures, the reality was a painful nightmare.
The Dark Side of the Procedure
After returning home, Jade and Kelly’s agony continued. One week post-procedure, they reached out to their Turkish doctor via Instagram, only to be advised to take ibuprofen. Unfortunately, this did little to alleviate their pain. As the weeks turned into months, their pain persisted, and no dentist in the UK was willing to help fix their teeth.
Image credit: TikTok
“We’re still in constant pain. They look lovely, but it’s been hell,” the couple said. Now, they face the prospect of returning to Turkey to fix the damage. They’ve decided to wait six months in the hope that the pain might subside. Sadly, it seems they may have to make another trip to the country that left them with this unbearable situation.
Would They Recommend Turkey Teeth?
For Jade and Kelly, the answer is a definitive no. Despite the aesthetic success of their new smiles, they would never recommend the procedure to anyone. “People ask us all the time where we got our teeth done, and we always say absolutely do not do it,” they stressed. Their story, like many others, serves as a cautionary tale for those tempted by the low costs of Turkey teeth.
More Painful Turkey Teeth Experiences
Unfortunately, Jade and Kelly aren’t alone in their experience. Another patient, 49-year-old Lisa Martyn, traveled to Turkey in 2021 to get her teeth done for her son’s wedding. She initially expected to receive veneers, which only require a small portion of the tooth to be shaved down. However, to her horror, her teeth were shaved by 70%, a procedure typically done for crowns.
Lisa soon realized something was very wrong. After 20 days, she was still unable to eat properly due to the severe pain and had developed a painful abscess. Lisa now faces the devastating reality that she will likely need dentures. “I thought once the veneers were in, everything would be perfect, but now I’m looking at dentures,” she lamented.
Understanding the Risks of Turkey Teeth
The reason many people travel to Turkey for veneers is the cost savings. However, what many don’t realize is that there are significant risks involved with this procedure. In some cases, language barriers prevent patients from fully understanding the process or the extent of tooth removal required. In other cases, the quality of the dental work may not match the standards found in their home country.
One of the most common complaints is that teeth are shaved down far more than expected, leaving patients with irreversible damage. Veneers typically require minimal shaving, but many Turkish clinics perform crown-like procedures where up to 70% of the tooth is removed. This exposes patients to the risk of long-term dental issues, including sensitivity, infection, and tooth loss.
Is It Worth the Price?
While the allure of saving thousands of dollars on dental work is strong, the painful experiences shared by patients like Jade, Kelly, and Lisa highlight the potential dangers. For some, the procedure may go smoothly, but for many others, the cost of a cheap smile can result in permanent damage, pain, and the need for further corrective procedures.
Before making any decision to travel for dental work, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the clinic, understand the exact procedure, and weigh the long-term risks. Patients should also consider the difficulty of receiving follow-up care in their home country, as many local dentists are hesitant to fix complications arising from overseas procedures.
Conclusion: Think Twice Before Getting Turkey Teeth
The story of Turkey teeth is a cautionary one. While the prospect of an affordable, picture-perfect smile is tempting, the reality can be painful and life-altering. Cosmetic dental tourism comes with risks, and patients need to be fully aware of the possible complications. For Jade, Kelly, Lisa, and countless others, the low price tag came with high costs—both physically and emotionally.
If you’re considering dental work abroad, take the time to research and consult with professionals who can give you the full picture. In the end, it’s not just about how your teeth look; it’s about how they feel and function in the long run. A beautiful smile is valuable, but your dental health is priceless.
