Tooth be Told… The Pitfalls of Turkey Teeth
“I Wish I Would Have Known….”
This is a phrase we hear all too often and unfortunately it comes too late after dental work has been done. This typically applies in one of two ways.
1. The client could have saved thousands of dollars on their dental work abroad but were unaware of dental tourism abroad as an option
OR
2. The client was lured by the cheapest option and did little to no research and ended up with worse dental problems than they started with.
Being informed is key to not only saving money but saving your teeth by ensuring you find the best professional options available.
The reason Mimi and I are so passionate about our business is because we know first hand how excellent the dental care is in Portugal and have experienced it first hand. We wanted to bring that credibility and expertise of the dental profession in Portugal to the medical tourism sector providing a better option to those seeking affordable treatment abroad.
While popular countries such as Turkey and Mexico may offer enticing prices for dental procedures, it’s key to consider the safety aspects and potential risks associated with seeking treatment outside the European Union (EU).
Tourism aside, we selected Portugal for our business model as it pertains to high quality dental care. Here’s why:
Regulatory Standards: One of the primary reasons why it’s safer to have dental treatment within the EU is the stringent regulatory standards in place. EU countries adhere to strict guidelines and regulations concerning dental care, ensuring that patients receive a high level of treatment.
Qualifications and Training: Dentists and dental professionals within the EU are required to meet specific educational and training standards to practice. These standards ensure that practitioners possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe, effective dental care.
Legal Protections: Patients receiving dental treatment within the EU have access to legal protections in case something goes wrong during their procedure. EU countries have established processes for addressing complaints and seeking compensation for medical negligence.
We realize consumers are exploring a variety of options and countries to choose from but it is key you do your research.
A Concerning Trend to Watch out for - Turkey Teeth
While some may be familiar with the term "Turkey Teeth" due to its popularity on viral Tik Tok videos, many may not have heard of it. This is a term used in a sarcastic manner to highlight the artificiality of the teeth acquired through the use of crowns or veneers, which often require sacrificing healthy and natural teeth by shaving them up to 70% to achieve the desired smile.
A variety of Reality TV stars have helped make Turkey Teeth a trend, otherwise known as “The Hollywood Smile”. Sadly, this has taken a toll on the teeth of thousands, especially people from the United Kingdom who travel to nearby Turkey for cheap dental work. Dentists in the UK are seeing serious dental issues such as dead stumps, abscesses, and nerve damage after undergoing cosmetic dental procedures in Turkey.
According to the Irish Sun Times, Amanda Turner, 34, from Belfast, jetted to Istanbul earlier this month to get dental crowns (28) and root canal surgery, setting her back €3,628. What she received was a botched dental treatment. She is still in agony and has had to pay €20k to fix the problems. She is one of many bad outcomes from “Turkey Teeth”. To read Amanda’s full story, click link at bottom.
What is left of Amanda’s teeth after her visit to a clinic in Turkey
It's important to note that while veneers can be a great option for cosmetic dental work and a beautiful smile, they may not be appropriate for everyone. A highly qualified and trained dentist will be able to advise you on whether they are a good choice for your specific situation. Additionally, veneers require a certain amount of preparation and removal of natural tooth structure, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on this treatment. Veneers are not permanent and need to be replaced every 5-15 years depending on the material.
Whether you come to Portugal for your dental work or not we want you to be safe, get quality dental care and not get taken advantage of. Some people are simply making decisions solely based on the lowest price - we know is a factor but if you get bad dental work it may cost you thousands more with your dentist back home to repair the damage if that is even possible. To read more about Amanda’s story, click the link at the bottom.
Are you in need of dental work? Look no further than Dental Destinations Portugal! Our team has conducted thorough research to create a reliable network of top-notch dental clinics. Come experience the joy of a healthy, beautiful smile in the charming city of Lisbon. We are here, if you would like to talk to one of our dentists simply get in touch.
For further reading:
Amanda's Story. Botched Turkey Teeth
https://www.thesun.ie/fabulous/8713613/botched-dental-treatment-turkey-pictures-warning-agony/
Euro News - In Turkey, concerns grow over flaws in its booming dental tourism