Over the past few years, dental tourism in countries like Turkey has surged in popularity. Many patients are drawn in by the promise of affordable veneers and a perfect smile, but the risk of ‘turkey teeth gone wrong’ is a growing concern.
While some patients may achieve their dream smiles by travelling abroad for treatment, others face complications such as poorly fitted and painful veneers, the risk of dental infections and permanent damage to their natural teeth. Because you have had the work done overseas your chances of bringing a successful dental negligence claim are low, as we cannot open a case for negligence that has occurred outside of England and Wales.
In this blog, we’ll explore the potential risks of having veneer treatment carried out in Turkey, hopefully helping you make an informed decision about your dental health.
If you’ve experienced dental negligence within England and Wales, you may be eligible to start a dental negligence claim – please get in touch with our expert team or start your claim here.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry, consisting of thin, custom-made shells that are specifically designed to cover the front surface of your teeth and improve their appearance. However dental veneers are not like false finger nails as in order to have most types of veneers fitted you need to have the surface of the tooth underneath drilled away.
Veneers are most commonly used to address issues like discolouration, chips or gaps in your teeth – whilst they’re usually considered to be a cosmetic treatment, they can also be used to treat minor oral health issues, such as enamel erosion.
In most situations, dental veneers are made from either porcelain or composite resin, with porcelain veneers usually being more expensive than their composite alternatives. As well as changing the appearance of your smile, veneers also provide strength and resilience against bacteria and plaque, having a small effect on your oral health.
If you’ve undergone a veneer procedure that has gone wrong in the UK, – in these circumstances, you may be eligible to open a dental negligence claim with The Dental Law Partnership.
Why Are Veneers So Popular in Turkey?
In recent years, Turkey has become a popular destination for veneer procedures. The main reason for this is that dental treatments in Turkey carry significantly lower costs compared to countries like the UK or the USA.
Dental clinics in Turkey often package dental treatments with luxury accommodations and flights, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious patients seeking cheap veneers. However, whilst veneer procedures in Turkey are often cheaper than in the UK, not all clinics maintain the same standards of care, which can be dangerous.
Are Cheap Veneers Worth the Risk?
The low cost of veneers in Turkey is undeniably appealing, particularly if you’re able to get your flights and accommodation included in the price. Patients may also find it easier to get an appointment booked, as there is currently a shortage of NHS dentists in the UK, with up to 97% of new patients unable to access NHS dental care.
However, the adage ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true in dental tourism, and going to Turkey to have your veneers fitted can pose a dangerous risk. Some dental clinics abroad cut corners by using lower-quality materials or rushing procedures to get through more patients in a set time period. Not only can this process lead to subpar results (such as ill-fitting veneers or unnatural-looking veneers), but it can also have life-threatening results.
According to one of our legal experts, “The incentives of significantly cheaper treatment costs and shorter waiting times for veneer procedures abroad make the lure of a quick fix overseas an intriguing offer. But the risks of poor-quality treatment including ill-fitting veneers, infections, rotting teeth, intense long-term pain and follow-up care outweigh the pros.”
“If you do choose to go abroad for your treatment and receive negligent care, and then want to claim compensation through a solicitor in the UK like The Dental Law Partnership, it’s important to understand that your legal options would be very limited, and generally would involve instructing a solicitor in the overseas country where the treatment was provided. If, by contrast, you have been the victim of dental negligence in England and Wales, then you can make a claim for compensation without difficulty. You can contact us to discuss your case and find out what your options are.”
The Common Risks and Complications of Turkey Teeth Gone Wrong
Going abroad for dental work may seem like the right option for your budget, but there are several risks and complications you should be aware of before attempting it:
- Poorly fitted veneers: It’s not uncommon for veneers fitted in Turkey to be poorly installed, which can cause discomfort, pain after dental work, difficulty chewing and damage to the underlying tooth structure.
- Overfiling your natural teeth: When placing veneers, a small amount of enamel is usually removed from your teeth. Some Turkish clinics have been accused of over drilling, removing too much enamel, which can severely weaken your teeth and also may lead to infections and veneers failing.
- Poor hygiene standards: Some Turkish clinics fail to follow the strict hygiene protocols associated with dentistry, which can lead to patients developing severe dental infections.
- Unnatural aesthetics: The term ‘Turkey teeth’ has become associated with overly white and bulky teeth, which can often look less realistic than your normal teeth. Not every dental clinic in Turkey will follow this stereotype, but it’s still something worth considering.
- Fewer options for dental negligence claims: If you have a dental procedure carried out abroad, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to hire an expert dental negligence solicitor like the team at the Dental Law Partnership.
However, if you have your dental work carried out in the UK, you have a much greater chance of being able to successfully sue your dentist. British dentists may also refuse to fix veneers that have gone wrong due to substandard work abroad (as they may be liable if something else goes wrong).
What Other Issues Should I Be Aware Of?
We’ve just been through the main risks and complications associated with Turkey teeth gone wrong. There are several other issues you should be aware of if you’re still considering going abroad for dental treatment.
A Lack of Regulation
For one, Turkey’s dental industry operates with less oversight than the UK and many of the countries associated with the EU. Turkey does not have a national regulation body for dentistry like the UK (the British Dental Association).
This lack of regulation can lead to inconsistent standards of care, with profit often prioritised over safety. It also means that clinics in Turkey can market themselves as experts in their field and claim to have a dental degree when they don’t, which would be illegal in the UK.
Many patients who go abroad for dental treatment are unaware of the qualifications of their dentists or the quality of the materials being used, which can increase the risk of something going wrong.
Communication Barriers and Misaligned Expectations
Another factor that can complicate dental work abroad is the language barrier, making the consultation process difficult for both the patient and the dentist. This can lead to misunderstandings about the desired outcome of your dental work, and may also mean your dentist is unable to effectively gain patient consent from you.
You may find that you struggle to communicate your preferences or fully understand the risks involved with your treatment, as well as the aftercare advice given. It’s also not uncommon for some clinics to display heavily edited before-and-after photos to market their services, which can create unrealistic expectations that are difficult to meet.
The Hidden Costs of Corrective Treatments
Having your veneer procedure carried out in Turkey may seem like a bargain when booking your appointment but, the hidden costs of corrective treatments can quickly add up.
You may not necessarily need to have corrective treatment after your surgery, but if you do, it could be harder for a British dentist to do the work. This is because Turkish dentists may use different procedures, materials and techniques, which may not be available to your normal dentist. Your dentist may also be liable if something goes wrong with their corrective treatment, so they may refuse to do the work.
Patients who experience these sorts of complications often need to seek out additional care from local dentists back in the UK, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. In cases of severely damaged teeth, you may require crowns, root canals or dental implants, which would negate any initial cost savings.
How to Minimise the Risk of Turkey Teeth Gone Wrong
Because of these risks and complications, we would highly advise having your new veneers fitted within the UK. Whilst dental negligence can still occur here, you will have more legal backing if something does go wrong.
However, if you’re still considering having veneers fitted in Turkey, there are some steps you can take to minimise the risks:
- Research potential clinics thoroughly: Instead of going for the cheapest option, you should search for accredited clinics with verified patient reviews and qualified dentists.
- Determine which materials will be used: Your chosen clinic should be able to tell you which materials they use for veneers (they should be high-quality and durable). If they refuse to provide this information, it’s a major red flag.
- Request before-and-after photos: Any decent clinic should be able to provide unedited before-and-after photos of previous patients so you can gauge what your veneers might look like.
- Consult a local dentist: We would also recommend discussing your plans with a trusted dentist in the UK, as they may be able to help you further understand the potential risks and aftercare requirements.
We would still highly recommend you use a British dental surgery for your veneer procedure, although we understand that we won’t be able to convince everyone. Please see the NHS’ treatment abroad checklist to find out more about the recommended guidance.
It’s worth pointing out again that we can only take on dental negligence claims for negligence committed in England and Wales, so we cannot open a case for veneers gone wrong in Turkey.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Veneers Gone Wrong
What seems like affordable veneers in Turkey may have an irresistible allure, but the risks of ‘Turkey teeth gone wrong’ show that cutting corners on dental care can have serious consequences on your oral health.
These complications can include poorly fitted veneers, bacterial infections and unnatural results, with the potential risks far outweighing the initial cost savings.
You may be able to make a more informed decision by thoroughly researching Turkish dental clinics and consulting with a trusted dentist, but going abroad for dental work is not something we recommend. You should also remember that your smile is an investment – choosing wisely can help you avoid long-term regrets and complications from occurring.
Whilst we cannot pursue the dental negligence claims process abroad, we can open claims for patients who have suffered from dental negligence in England and Wales. To get started with your claim, please contact us on 0800 152 2039 or request a callback here.