NO matter where you turn these days, it seems you can’t help but be blinded by dazzlingly white ‘Turkey teeth’.
Lured by the promise of a perfect smile at a fraction of UK prices, flock to Turkey each year for – but there can be gross side effects.
The is worth a hefty £600million annually and plays a key role in the country's thriving medical tourism sector.
And it’s clear to see the appeal.
Here, patients can save up to 80 per cent compared to UK prices – a full set of typically costs between £3,000 and £6,000 in Turkey, compared to £8,000 to £16,000 for private treatment in the UK.
Even stars such as , ‘s and TOWIE's have flown overseas for the bargain dental work.
, former glamour model Katie, 46, hit back at trolls
She insisted: “The best thing is I'm happy and that's all that matters.”
Meanwhile, Jack previously shocked fans sharing pictures of what his teeth looked like after they were
“I absolutely love my pearly whites,”; he boasted in his Love Island VT.
However, while many fly home happy with their new gleaming pegs, a growing number of patients face from poorly-performed procedures.
This has placed a significant burden on the NHS, which reportedly spends around £5million a year correcting botched dental work done abroad.
It can cost around £9000-£15,000 to fix dodgy ‘Turkey ‘, but some clinicians won't take on the job as it can have a huge liability.
Issues range from infections and nerve damage to ill-fitting crowns and excessive tooth filing, often leaving patients in pain and
While involve sculpting and layering white filling material directly onto your natural teeth to improve shape and colour, ‘Turkey Teeth’, on the other hand, often means shaving down your teeth, sometimes quite dramatically, to fit lab-made ceramic crowns or veneers over the top.
Both procedures can offer amazing results, but it’s important to consider the potential side effects, especially when they’re rushed or done by someone without the right training.
According to Dr. Jad Elbenni, Specialist in Prosthodontics at The Tooth Club, seven gross issues you should be aware of include...
1. Food Trapping
Adding extra material to your teeth means creating new edges and surfaces, which means perfect hiding spots for food.
If the work isn’t polished properly (with composites) or if the crowns don’t sit perfectly (with Turkey Teeth), you can end up with food getting stuck around the edges.
Not only is that annoying, but it’s also a fast track to decay and gum issues.
2. Bad Breath
This is a big one! can sneak in and settle under the surface if veneers or crowns aren't sealed properly.
It’s not just the smell; this can also lead to decay or even infections beneath the restorations.
3. Gum Disease
Where food and bacteria go, gum inflammation usually follows.
Swollen, bleeding gums can become a long-term issue if the new smile isn’t designed to be gentle on your gumline.
Regular hygiene appointments can help, but they can’t fix poor fitting work.
4. Sensitivity
If you’ve had your teeth trimmed down for crowns (as is often the case with Turkey Teeth), you’re exposing the inner, more sensitive layer of the tooth.
This can lead to long-term or even permanent sensitivity.
With composite veneers, the sensitivity is usually temporary, caused by how the material shrinks slightly when cured.
5. Chips and Cracks
Despite how sturdy they may seem, both composite and porcelain can break under pressure, especially if you’re the type to crunch ice, bite your nails, or tear open packets with your teeth (please stop doing that).
The repairs or replacements can be costly.
6. Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Composite veneers are cheaper to start with, but they’re also more prone to staining and chipping, so you may find yourself replacing them more often.
Turkey Teeth may seem like a bargain abroad, but fixing or maintaining them back in the UK can cost a small fortune, and that’s if you can even find a dentist willing to take the job on.
7. Lifespan and Longevity
Nothing lasts forever. Composite veneers usually last around 5–7 years, while porcelain or crowns can stretch to 10–15 but only if they’re done well.
But trimming teeth for crowns can weaken them long-term, and in some cases, lead to nerve damage or root canals, shortening the lifespan of the tooth underneath.
