Turkey Teeth: Everything You Need To Know About

The trend of Turkey teeth is growing remarkably fast as a result of the transformations shown on social media; especially on TikTok. Nowadays, you are extremely likely to see a social media icon shining brightly with its equally bright teeth in Turkey. Initially fueled by lower prices, the trend is now rising in several ways. People love the way their smiles can be changed in a very short time. They have regained self-confidence after many years of struggling with bad teeth. However, things were not that bright for everyone. Unfortunately, some dental treatments and smile makeovers have ended in disappointment and regret. 

The failures in cosmetic dentistry have led people to question Turkey teeth. However, the mainstream complaints targeted Turkey teeth prices, which could hardly be attributed to improper dental care in Turkey. In fact, malpractice is possible everywhere, regardless of the country and the price. According to the Global Survey Report 2024 by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Turkey is among the top countries worldwide for cosmetic procedures. What matters most is the qualifications of the dentist, technology, and tools. If it is a dental clinic, looking into institutional reliability and liabilities is a good place to start. 

In this post, you will learn everything needed to understand the trend of Turkey teeth and gain a broader understanding of the essential factors to consider before undergoing dental treatment.

What Is Turkey Teeth?

Turkey teeth is a term with multiple connotations in the realm of cosmetic dentistry. Primarily, it refers to the trend of individuals traveling to Turkey for dental procedures such as veneers or implants. Factors such as cost-effectiveness, the high quality of dental care in Turkey, the aesthetic appeal of the treatments, and the added benefit of tourism drive this trend.

The process typically involves filing down someone’s natural tooth and placing crowns or veneers on top. The result is often teeth that are super white and perfectly square in shape, a look that has gained popularity through social media. Despite the allure, the term ‘Turkey teeth’ is also used sarcastically to imply that patients are sacrificing their natural and healthy teeth for artificial, albeit aesthetically pleasing ones.

Moreover, “Turkey Teeth” can sometimes refer to the outcomes of failed dental treatments in Turkey, especially involving veneers or dental crowns. These failures are often attributed to excessive tooth filing, overzealous tooth reduction, aggressive dental procedures, or complications that arise after treatment. While Turkey is known for its cost-effectiveness and popularity of dental tourism, the phrase ‘Turkey teeth’ underscores the importance of careful consideration and research before undergoing such transformative dental procedures.

“Turkey Teeth” Gone Wrong

The allure of a perfect, affordable smile has led thousands to seek dental treatment in Turkey. Social media is filled with dazzling before-and-after pictures, showcasing dramatic transformations. But behind the glossy images, a darker reality has emerged for a significant number of patients. The “Turkey teeth” dream can quickly turn into a painful, costly, and long-lasting nightmare when the wrong provider is chosen.

This section is dedicated to understanding the risks. We believe in transparency and patient education. While many clinics in Turkey provide excellent care, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential consequences of choosing an inexperienced or unethical provider.

What Does “Gone Wrong” Look Like?

The problems that arise from poorly executed dental work are more than just cosmetic. They can have a severe impact on your health, confidence, and finances. Common issues include:

• Aggressive and Irreversible Tooth Damage: Patients seeking minimally invasive veneers are often given crowns instead, which require their natural teeth to be shaved down to “pegs.” This is irreversible damage to healthy teeth that can lead to a lifetime of dental problems.
• Severe Pain and Discomfort: Chronic pain can result from nerve damage, ill-fitting crowns that affect the bite, or infections.
• Infections and Abscesses: Poor hygiene standards and rushed procedures can lead to serious infections in the gums and jaw.
• Aesthetic Failures: Instead of a natural look, patients can be left with a “too-white,” blocky, or “piano key” smile that is obviously artificial.
• Failing Restorations: It’s not uncommon for crowns and veneers to fall off shortly after the patient returns home due to poor bonding or an improper fit.

From Dental Disaster to Dream Smile: A Patient’s Journey

The risks are real, but they are not inevitable. Choosing a reputable, patient-focused clinic is the key to avoiding a “gone wrong” experience and achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.

Don’t just take our word for it. Watch the stories of real patients from around the world who came to Maltepe Dental Clinic to fix unsatisfactory dental work and achieve the smiles they’d always dreamed of.

Video 1: From a Smile She Disliked to One She Loves

In this video, Merbe shares her experience of being dissatisfied with a previous year-long treatment. After careful research, she traveled to her hometown of Istanbul to entrust her smile to us. In just two days, our team was able to correct the issues and give her the stunning, natural-looking result she had always wanted using high-quality Emax and porcelain veneers. Her story is a testament to the fact that while “Turkey Teeth” can go wrong, choosing the right clinic ensures they go wonderfully right.

Video 2: The Right Choice for Corrective Dental Work

This video features several international patients—from the UK, USA, and Germany—who had negative dental experiences elsewhere. Hear from Glenys, who was quoted over £27,000 to fix failing implant work in the UK, and Joseph, who had a bad experience at another clinic in Turkey. They share how they discovered Maltepe Dental Clinic and how our team helped restore their smiles and confidence.

Why We Are Different: Our Commitment to Ethical Care

We believe that a beautiful smile should never come at the cost of your health. At Maltepe Dental Clinic, we are committed to:

• Preserving Healthy Tooth Structure: We practice minimally invasive dentistry and will always recommend the most conservative treatment option that will achieve your desired results.
• Transparent Communication: We take the time to explain every aspect of your treatment plan in clear, understandable language, ensuring you are a fully informed and active participant in your dental care.
• Personalized Treatment: We understand that every patient is unique. We create customized treatment plans that are tailored to your specific needs, goals, and oral health.
• Comprehensive Aftercare: Our commitment to you doesn’t end when you leave our clinic. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are always available to answer your questions and address any concerns.

Before making a decision that could impact your health for a lifetime, we urge you to conduct thorough research, ask questions, and prioritize quality and safety above all else. Your smile is too important to leave to chance.

Is It Safe to Have Dental Work Done in Turkey?

The realm of dental cosmetic treatments has seen a global increase in popularity, with Turkey emerging as a key destination for these procedures. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute reveals a significant increase in the number of patients receiving health services in Turkey under health tourism and tourist health programs. In 2020, the number was 407,423, which rose to 670,730 in 2021, and further increased to 1,258,382 in 2022 and 1,538,643 in 2023. Notably, in the first two quarters of 2024 alone, a total of 801,723 individuals have already sought healthcare services in Turkey, including those for dental enhancements.

The 2024 Global Survey Report¹ by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) highlights Turkey’s prominent position in the global cosmetic procedures market. According to the report, Turkey, with a total number of 1,110,306 aesthetic/cosmetic procedures, is the 8th country in the world in this field, following the US, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Germany, Mexico, and India. Along with these countries, Turkey ranks among the top globally in attracting the highest proportion of foreign patients for cosmetic treatments.

Embarking on a journey for dental treatment abroad involves more than just booking a flight. It’s a process that requires careful planning and consideration, particularly regarding your health and safety. To ensure a well-informed and safe experience, it’s vital to have a clear and concise understanding of the entire dental tourism process, even before you begin your journey.

Why Is Turkey Cheap For Dental Treatment?

Here are a few reasons why dental treatment in Turkey is so much cheaper than in many other countries:

• Lower living and labor costs: Dentists and clinic staff receive lower wages and salaries, resulting in lower labor costs compared to those in the USA and Europe.
• Lower operating costs: Expenses for the facility, utilities, rent, and other related fees are significantly lower in Turkey.
• Government support and incentives: As the primary destination for global health tourism, government support and incentives make it more affordable through lower taxes.
• Currency exchange rate: The exchange rate of the Turkish lira against foreign currencies makes it cheaper for international patients.
• The high number of dental clinics: The high number of dental clinics in Turkey leads to competitive pricing, which eventually reduces prices.

This video explains the five reasons why dental treatment in Turkey is an affordable option.

What Are the Questions To Ask Before Having Dental Treatment in Turkey?

Here are questions to ask before having dental treatment in Turkey:

1. Clinic or Health Tourism Agency: Is the service provider a dental clinic or a health tourism agency? (Preferably, choose a dental clinic.)
2. Appointment and Treatment Plan: What does the appointment and treatment plan entail?
3. Type of Cosmetic Procedure: In cosmetic procedures, what kind of restoration will be used? Crown, full veneer, veneer, or laminate veneer? (Refer to our latest blog for differences.)
4. Implant Brands: If the treatment involves implants, which brands are used?
5. Clinic Accreditation: Is the clinic registered with or regulated by a recognized authority?
6. Dentist Information: Who will be your dentist, and what are their qualifications?
7. Laboratory Facilities: Does the clinic have an in-house lab? Can you meet with the technician?
8. Language and Communication: Does the clinic staff speak your language, or is a translator provided?
9. Risks and Complications: What are the potential risks, and how does the clinic manage complications?
10. Follow-Up Appointments: When are follow-up appointments scheduled for procedures like crown fittings?
11. Guarantee and Aftercare: What are the clinic’s policies on guarantee and aftercare?
12. References and Testimonials: How can you access references or testimonials from previous patients?
13. Consistency Check: Assess the clinic’s consistency. Are their social media messages coherent? Do reviews seem genuine? Are the before/after photos authentic?
14. Travel and Accommodation Assistance: Does the clinic provide or assist with travel and accommodation arrangements?

For more detailed insights on these questions, plus additional tips and tricks, be sure to read our comprehensive guide: “Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Dental Clinic Abroad“.

SOURCES

1. https://www.isaps.org/media/lcvdjt1f/isaps-global-survey_2024.pdf ↩︎