Dental Tourism: Why "Turkey Teeth" Might Cost You More Than You Think
Thinking of flying abroad for a cheaper smile? We investigate the hidden dangers, lack of aftercare, and why UK dentists are seeing a surge in "repair" cases.
It’s all over TikTok and Instagram: influencers flashing blindingly white smiles with the caption "Turkey Teeth done! 🇹🇷". The packages are tempting—luxury hotel, flights, and a full smile makeover for £2,500. Compare that to UK prices, and it seems like a no-brainer.
But as UK dentists, we are seeing the aftermath. And it is heartbreaking.
The Difference Between Aligners and Crowns (The "Shark Teeth" Problem)
Most "Hollywood Smile" packages abroad involve Crowns or Veneers, not orthodontics. To fit 20 crowns in a week, they aggressively file down your healthy teeth into small pegs (often called "shark teeth" on social media).
- Aligners (What we do): We move your natural, healthy teeth into position. No drilling. No damage.
- Aggressive Veneers (What many abroad clinics do): They cut your tooth structure away to glue a fake tooth on top.
Once your enamel is gone, it never grows back. You are committing to replacing those crowns every 10-15 years for the rest of your life.
The "Aligner" Abroad Trap
Some patients go abroad for aligners, not veneers. "I'll just fly back for checkups," they think. Here is why that fails:
- Tracking Issues: Aligners stop fitting. It happens. In London, you pop into our clinic, we scan you, and order a correction set. If your dentist is in Istanbul, you are stuck. You continue wearing an ill-fitting tray, which can damage roots.
- Gum Health: If you develop gingivitis during treatment, you need immediate hygiene care. Remote doctors cannot clean your teeth.
- Legal Recourse: UK dentists are regulated by the GDC and must carry indemnity insurance. If something goes wrong in the UK, you are protected. Abroad, regulations vary wildly.
Expert Insight: Dr Yasha Shirazi
Clinical Director & Principal Dentist (GDC: 195843)
"I treat patients weekly who have returned from abroad with infections or bite issues. The saddest cases are young people who have ruined healthy teeth for a quick fix. Moving teeth takes biological time. You cannot rush biology, no matter what a sales package promises."
The Hidden Costs of Going Abroad
Let's calculate the real price of a "cheap" package when things go wrong:
| Item | Cost Abroad | Hidden Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Treatment | £1,500 | + Flights (£300) + Hotel (£400) |
| Problem Resolution | £0 (if you fly back) | + Emergency UK Dentist (£200+) |
| Retainers | Included? | + Shipping/Customs (£100+) |
| Total Risk | £1,500 base | Real Cost: £2,500 - £3,000+ |
Why ProAligners is the Safer Choice
For roughly the same price as a "dental tourism" trip (once you factor in flights and risk), you can have:
- Treatment in South Kensington, regulated by UK law.
- Preservation of your natural enamel.
- A doctor you can call today if you are in pain.
- 0% Finance options to make it affordable monthly, rather than a lump sum.
Written by Pro Aligners Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Yasha Shirazi • GDC: 195843