In recent years, cosmetic dental tourism has become increasingly popular, with thousands of people traveling abroad for cheaper dental procedures. Among the most sought-after destinations is Turkey, where affordable veneers and dental treatments attract tourists from countries like the UK, the US, and beyond. However, the rise of this trend has also led to horror stories of botched procedures and unbearable pain. This phenomenon has gained so much attention that it has been nicknamed “Turkey Teeth.” But what exactly is this dental trend, and why are so many regretting their decision to take the plunge?

What is “Turkey Teeth”?

“Turkey Teeth” refers to the dental procedures, primarily veneers, that people undergo in Turkey to achieve a perfect smile. The term was coined by those who traveled to Turkey for cosmetic dental work, often hoping to get a celebrity-like smile for a fraction of the cost they would pay in their home country. This trend exploded on social media platforms like TikTok, where people flaunt their “new smiles,” but as with many viral trends, it hides a darker side.

A BBC documentary titled “Turkey Teeth: Bargain Smiles or Big Mistake?” dives into this phenomenon and uncovers some of the dangers associated with this cost-cutting trend. The documentary tells the stories of individuals who experienced excruciating pain and long-term dental damage after getting their teeth done in Turkey. One couple, Jade and Kelly Tushingham, shared how their dream of having perfect teeth turned into a nightmare that has affected their lives in unimaginable ways.

The $4,800 Decision: Why People Are Traveling to Turkey

The primary reason many people travel to Turkey for dental procedures is affordability. In countries like the UK or the US, the cost of veneers can be exorbitant, reaching as high as $25,000. In contrast, Turkey offers the same procedure for a fraction of that cost. Jade and Kelly, for instance, spent $4,800 each on their new teeth during what was supposed to be a dream holiday that combined a dental procedure with a beach vacation.

However, what they thought would be a quick and easy process turned out to be far from it. The procedure required their teeth to be shaved down to fang-like shapes before the veneers were placed on top. Almost immediately after the procedure, Jade and Kelly experienced severe pain. They couldn’t enjoy their holiday and could barely eat, surviving on mashed potatoes and soup due to the sensitivity of their new teeth.

The Pain That Won’t Go Away

A week after their procedure, Jade and Kelly were still in agony. Concerned, they contacted their Turkish dentist through Instagram and were advised to take ibuprofen for the pain. Unfortunately, this advice didn’t help, and the pain continued for months. Despite their efforts to find help back in the UK, no dentist was willing to touch their teeth, leaving them with only one option: return to Turkey to fix the issue.

Despite their dazzling new smiles, the couple warned others not to follow in their footsteps. “It’s cost us so much money and it’s been hell,” they said, emphasizing how the procedure, though it looked great in photos, has ultimately been a traumatic experience.

More “Turkey Teeth” Horror Stories

Jade and Kelly’s story is not unique. Another victim of the Turkey Teeth trend, 49-year-old Lisa Martyn, traveled to Turkey in 2021 to get her teeth done in preparation for her son’s wedding. Lisa originally thought she was getting veneers, which typically involve shaving down only about 20% of the natural tooth to attach the veneers. However, when she woke up after the procedure, she discovered that her teeth had been filed down by nearly 70%, a technique more commonly associated with crowns than veneers.

Like Jade and Kelly, Lisa was in unbearable pain following her procedure. Twenty days after the operation, she realized that something was seriously wrong. The pain didn’t subside, and she developed a severe abscess, making it impossible for her to eat properly. Lisa has since resigned herself to the fact that she may need dentures, as her natural teeth have been shaved down to an irreparable state. “I thought once they put them in, you’re never going to have any problems,” she said, but the reality turned out to be much different.

Why Turkey Teeth Procedures Go Wrong

The rising number of Turkey Teeth horror stories begs the question: why do these procedures go so wrong? One key reason is the language barrier. Many patients report being misinformed about the procedures they would be undergoing or not fully understanding the risks involved. In Lisa’s case, she wasn’t even aware she would be receiving crowns instead of veneers, a procedure that’s much more invasive and irreversible.

Moreover, the aggressive shaving down of teeth is far more harmful than patients are led to believe. Filing teeth down to small stubs increases the risk of long-term damage, infections, and complications that require further treatment, often costing more than the initial procedure.

The Financial and Emotional Toll

Despite the lower price tag, these dental trips to Turkey can end up costing far more in the long run, both financially and emotionally. Patients who experience complications may need to travel back to Turkey for repairs or pay high fees to get their teeth fixed in their home country—if they can even find a dentist willing to help.

Jade and Kelly’s experience highlights this issue, as they now face the possibility of another trip to Turkey to resolve their lingering dental pain. The couple gave themselves six months to see if the pain would subside but are now preparing for the likelihood that they’ll need additional procedures.

Think Twice Before Getting Turkey Teeth

While the allure of a perfect smile at a lower cost is tempting, the stories of Jade, Kelly, and Lisa serve as a cautionary tale. The short-term savings can quickly turn into a long-term nightmare if things go wrong. The idea of saving money while getting a cosmetic procedure done in a foreign country might seem appealing, but the risks are often underestimated.

Jade and Kelly, despite their flawless-looking teeth, strongly discourage others from making the same mistake. “We would never recommend them to anyone,” they said, emphasizing that the pain and complications they’ve experienced have far outweighed any benefits.

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Risk?

Cosmetic dental procedures like veneers are meant to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. However, when done incorrectly or under less-than-ideal conditions, they can cause pain, suffering, and long-term damage. While Turkey offers affordable dental procedures, the potential risks of “Turkey Teeth” should not be ignored.

If you’re considering traveling abroad for cosmetic dental work, do your research, consult with qualified professionals, and be fully aware of the potential risks. Sometimes, the old saying rings true: you get what you pay for.