“Turkey Teeth” is becoming an increasingly popular search term on Google for many people chasing the allusive “Perfect smile.” In recent years, health tourism has become more sought-after by people wanting cheaper ways to get aesthetic treatments that can not only improve appearance but also their wellbeing.
Dental cosmetic treatment is fast becoming a front runner in this surge to seek cheaper treatment abroad with Turkey being the main destination people are visiting for it. We all like a good deal however the short-term savings people are making could be putting their oral health at significant risk. It’s crucial that you ask the right questions when weighing up the costs and benefits of going abroad for dental treatment. In many cases, you’re likely far better off getting your treatment performed in the UK by a reputable dentist.
Will I get the same standard of care I would expect in the UK?
While Turkey and other popular health tourism destinations have many reputable dental clinics, there is always a risk of encountering providers who do not work to the same medical and ethical standards expected in the UK. The quality of care provided abroad can differ between dentists with inconsistencies in treatment and hygiene standards, qualifications, and expertise.
Different countries have varying legal and ethical standards when it comes to dental treatments. The UK has rigorous regulatory standards and guidelines which clinicians must work with to ensure patient safety and quality of care. While Turkey and other countries will have their own regulations, they do differ from the UK which means that you may not be getting the same standard of care you expect, although the clinician is legitimately working to the standards set within the country they work.
Turkey teeth risks
Here are some of the main risks of getting cheap dental treatment in Turkey:
- Botched cosmetic treatment.
- Long-term pain.
- Exposed nerves, requiring additional invasive treatments to correct.
- Poor fitting veneers that are too big or too small.
- Incorrect bonding of veneers which can fall off or break.
- Gum infections which could spread to the sinuses and bone if left untreated.
- Damage to healthy teeth which could cause them to rot.
- Excessive swelling and discomfort.
- Sensitive teeth which can make eating uncomfortable.
Getting dental treatment with a language barrier
Communication is key to getting a great outcome whether your perfect smile is a full set of pearly whites or a treatment which compliments your natural features. Not knowing the language raises the risk of consenting to an unsuitable treatment which could put your oral health at risk. Understanding the details of the treatment and being able to communicate any concerns is essential when having any form of medical treatment. Language barriers can hinder communication, leading to misunderstandings about the treatment plan which can result in less-than-desirable results. If your goal is a perfect smile, then your ability to communicate your vision with someone you can understand is vital to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
What happens after treatment? Turkey teeth aftercare
Dental procedures should always include a review or follow-up as well as aftercare, especially for more complex treatments. If you do take the plunge and go for treatment abroad, it may be challenging to receive adequate follow-up or aftercare services.
In most cases dentists both abroad and in the UK will refer you back to your original treating dentist if you have any complications relating to treatment. This can pose a risk, as any complications or unexpected issues may not receive prompt attention leading to inferior outcomes in the treatment.
Although your initial treatment fees may have seemed like a bargain at the time, additional expenses can occur afterwards if there are any issues. Without a follow-up, issues could go unseen which could develop into an expensive fix down the line. Emergency dental treatment could be needed if problems develop from your Turkey teeth treatment. Your local dentist may even refer you back to your Turkish dental clinic to resolve any problems that have occurred, meaning you’ll need to take more time off work and pay for new flights and accommodation. Any issues with your Turkey teeth treatment can see your total costs rise dramatically.
What other factors should I consider for Turkey teeth?
Travelling abroad for dental treatment can put additional pressure on you, leading to a more stressful experience overall.
Factors to consider include:
- Additional stress can impact your overall health and success of your treatment.
- You need to book flights and consider the possibility of delays or cancellations which could cause you to miss your dental appointment.
- Accommodation and flight prices need to be considered in your total treatment costs as they could result in your treatment costing more or less the same it would in the UK.
- If you are in pain after your treatment, you’ll be in a foreign country and have to catch a flight back when you don’t feel well.
- Getting transportation to and from your dental clinic can cause added stress, especially if you don’t speak the language for the country you’re in.
- In some cases, you may need to apply for a Visa.
- If there are compilations following treatment, most cases will need to be resolved by the dental clinic abroad that performed it. You may need to stay in the country longer or pay for additional flights if you’ve already returned to the UK.
You should consider the possibility of expenses rising if the unexpected happens. To ensure you’re getting an accurate comparison of UK prices vs going abroad, you need to factor in all your travel and accommodation expenses.
Speak to a UK dentist before going abroad for dental treatment
Before travelling, we would recommend seeing a dentist in the UK first. They’ll help you get a clear picture of what treatment would be suited for you so you make the best decision for your oral health. They’ll let you know if your treatment would require any follow-ups to ensure you get the best results. At Duthie Dental in Liverpool, we offer a Cosmetic Consultation for just £65. As part of this consultation, we will create a personalised treatment plan just for you.
Cheap dental treatment is not worth the risk, however, if you are convinced this is the route you want to go down, be sure to have a clear idea of the treatment you need. Make sure you’ve considered all the pros and cons of travelling abroad for dental treatment and carefully research each clinic. Look for legitimate patient reviews and word of mouth recommendations from friends and family. Be careful of fake reviews which are trying to create a positive rating for a clinic. Shop around and make sure you have a treatment plan that you understand and covers all the expected costs. You should also get a second opinion from a qualified professional in the UK before consenting to treatment to make sure this is a suitable treatment for yourself. Ensure you have set aside some additional funds to cover any unexpected costs if there are complications with your dental treatment.
If you’ve already had a botched dental treatment from abroad, contact us today, where you’ll receive non-judgmental advice from our friendly team of experts. We’ll see what we can do to help you restore your oral health and get that beautiful smile you’re dreaming of.