What Are Turkey Teeth?
Turkey teeth refers to a full row of crowns or veneers installed in dental clinics in Turkey. The country of Turkey is one of the leading spots for foreign dental care, making it a hot area for what is called dental tourism. Most choose Turkey or other countries like Thailand, Hungary, Costa Rica, or Mexico because they offer tremendously lower costs for cosmetic dental procedures like veneers. Budapest, Hungary, is known as the dental capital of Europe.
The problem with dental tourism is the standards of other countries aren’t the same as in Canada or the U.S. Sometimes, natural teeth are shaved down or ruined to create a uniform smile, hence the term Turkey teeth has also been synonymous with improperly installed veneers or crowns.
What Dental Tourism Countries Promote
Those who search online for cosmetic dentistry abroad will see a lot of claims made from foreign dentists and their countries. Bangkok promotes its advanced cosmetic dentistry clinics that specialize in implants. Turkey and Hungary promote advanced technology and Costa Rica promotes it as a spa-like experience. Mexico touts a 70% cost savings with proximity to the U.S. and English-speaking dentists.
I have found the dangers of overseas dental tourism far outweigh any proclaimed luxury experience or cost savings.
Dental Tourism Procedures Are Dangerous
Dental tourism is a risky and dangerous undertaking. The first concern comes with a lack of standard dental standards in other countries, particularly poorer countries. Canadian dentists follow the Royal College of Dentists of Canada standards and those set by the American Dental Association (ADA). U.S. dentists also offer standardized care as they are ADA members.
Other countries don’t always have organizations setting and overseeing dental procedure standards. Those that do may not have the same rigorous standards as those in Canada and the U.S. That increases risks, complications, and negative outcomes.
Other Risks
When you pay a significantly cheaper price for cosmetic dentistry, the provider must cut money from some part of the procedure. It could be in trained staff, cleanliness of the facility, the materials, or the equipment.
Any of those poses significant risk. One of the most prevalent complaints from those who sought dental tourism is subpar materials. A lack of quality products for cosmetic procedures leads to a breakdown quickly after returning home.
One of the biggest concerns I have about those seeking dental care in foreign countries is infection. There is no guarantee the equipment and room is properly sterilized, especially since you don’t know how healthy the water is.
Water filtration is different in every country and some have unhealthy, unfiltered water. Some have incredibly lax water standards. This can lead to a lack of sterilization and infections.
As a dentist, I believe many of these dental tourism businesses exploit people who want cheaper cosmetic dentistry. Many will tell people what they want to hear, take their money, and leave them with a mouthful of problems.
Patients who return with infections and dental problems don’t have much recourse because procedures happened in a foreign country under their laws. Foreign courts don’t hold a lot of promise for those in the West and the travel to address court claims would cost much more than correcting the problems with proper treatment back home.
Get Treatment at Home
It may be challenging to get expensive treatments like implants because insurance may not cover the costs. However, more insurance carriers are considering procedures like dental implants in a new light because they are a part of mouth restoration. They may pay for at least part of the procedure. Some procedures, if medically necessary, may fall under government programs guidelines.
Our dental office has a range of financial options to consider for cosmetic or other types of dental procedures. Talk to us. We’re closer. We care. We will be here in the future for you.
Turkey Teeth FAQs
Originally, the term Turkey teeth was a positive expression and was used in Turkey to refer to a gleaming, perfect smile. Now, it’s a negative reference to poor quality dental services.
Dental tourism comes with many problems with the biggest being a low quality of care. There is also a problem with consistent care. You need the same dentist to do the service and continue with follow-up care.
You can check online to see if what your dentist at home is charging is comparable with others.
