Have you heard of “Turkey teeth”? The popular cosmetic procedure, which involves filing down the teeth to pegs and replacing them with crowns or veneers for a Hollywood-worthy smile, has gone viral on social media under the hashtag #Turkeyteeth. (View with caution, you have been warned.) With millions of mentions across social platforms, this trend has been actively promoted by reality TV stars such as Britain’s Katie Price and Jack Fincham, leading to thousands of people going abroad for drastic cut-price dental work without considering the painful and costly complications associated with it.
Regrettably, many individuals are now suffering from severe dental problems, like pulp necrosis under the crowns, abscesses and other excruciating issues, as a consequence of the low-cost care they received on their quest for the perfect smile.
In order to protect people from potential risks associated with seeking cheaper treatments abroad, the UK’s National Health Service is taking steps to help those who have been left with dental issues after receiving treatments overseas. But not all repair procedures are covered by dentists on the NHS, meaning individuals must finance the expensive repairs themselves.
What Is Dental Tourism?
Dental tourism, which sees people travel abroad to receive dental treatments at a much lower cost than they would pay at home, is becoming increasingly popular. It can be an attractive option for those who cannot afford expensive treatments or who want to incorporate a holiday with some dental work. However, there are risks associated with this type of tourism since many countries do not have the same level of dental care found in the United Kingdom and United States.
Dental tourism is also common for U.S. residents, with many people traveling to Mexico or other countries for cheaper treatments.
Dental tourism should be viewed with caution. Many people pursue cheaper treatments abroad without being aware of the associated risks and the possibility that complications could go unaddressed. And patients should consider that a beautiful smile is more than just perfectly straight teeth; caring for oral hygiene is essential. Something “Turkey teeth” rarely take into consideration.
It’s not always advisable to go for the cheapest option because you may end up paying more in the long term.
The Safety of ‘Turkey Teeth’
As mentioned before, the procedure known as “Turkey teeth” involves filing teeth to small points and replacing them with veneers or crowns for a Hollywood-style smile.
Is it necessary to take a dramatic approach to achieve a beautiful smile?
No.
Losing a substantial portion of your natural teeth is not ideal and will likely lead to medical issues such as jaw misalignment, pain and even tooth loss.
An experienced and well-trained dentist skilled in the application of porcelain veneers typically only removes 1mm of tooth enamel in order to improve your smile, rather than filing your teeth down to almost nothing.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure that bonds thin ceramic shells to the front surface of your teeth. This can correct many common aesthetic issues, like discoloration, chips, gaps and misalignment. Veneers offer more durability than crowns and provide natural-looking results.
At the veneering appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and craft a custom-made veneer. To get the veneer in place, some enamel is be removed from your tooth. Finally, the veneer is attached to the front of your teeth, giving you an attractive and natural appearance.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
For a longer-lasting result than you might get from “Turkey teeth,” it’s better to get veneers from a highly trained professional and maintain them with proper care.
In the end, while dental tourism may have some advantages, the risks should not be overlooked. Individuals should make sure to get advice from an expert prior to making any dental decisions. Porcelain veneers, which often provide more natural and longer-lasting results than trendy low-cost treatments, can offer a worthwhile option if deemed suitable.