If you’ve noticed that more people are traveling for dental care these days, it’s because they are. Since the coronavirus-related lockdowns a few years ago, the desire to improve facial features has been greater than ever, says Joseph Field, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Los Altos, California. According to HealthCare.com, more than 787,000 Americans are expected to travel for medical and dental care in 2022, which is more than 781,000 in 2019 before the pandemic. Ta.
The “Zoom craze,” famous for sparking countless cosmetic procedures, isn’t just limited to cosmetic procedures. The smile makeover has also been greatly enhanced. “A few years ago, Mexico was a hot spot for low-cost smile makeovers and makeup,” says Dr. Field. “Today, we are witnessing the rise of ‘turkey teeth.’”
According to the Turkish Dental Association, between 150,000 and 250,000 foreigners visit Turkey for dental treatment every year. While it may seem appealing to book a vacation alongside your smile makeover, experts agree it may not be the best choice for your teeth or your wallet.
featured experts
Sonya Wintzell, DMD, is a cosmetic dentist based in New York City. Robert M. Klaich, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in Cranberry Township, PA. Salvator J. La Mastra, DMD, is a cosmetic dentist.Joseph Field, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in Los Altos, Texas; CAClive Rosenbusch, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in Boca Raton; FLTImothy Chase, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in New York City. is
What does “turkey teeth” mean?
Turkey teeth, as the name suggests, refers to the unique tooth appearance that resembles a turkey’s beak. This unconventional trend includes teeth that are overly white, unnaturally straight, and often too large, resulting in an exaggerated, almost caricature-like smile. It’s a striking appearance, but not necessarily in a good way.
This is another way of saying “chicklet veneer,” a term used to describe a veneer that is characterized by a large, flat, uniformly white appearance. These veneers often lack the natural variations in color, shape, and clarity that mimic real teeth, resulting in an unnatural-looking smile.
At the heart of this trend is an obsession with achieving blindingly white and unnaturally uniform teeth. The desire for a brighter smile is nothing new, but the turkey-teeth trend has taken it to the extreme and has many dental professionals concerned. “Medical tourism for dental care comes with risks,” says Clive Rosenbusch, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Boca Raton, Florida. “This includes potential language barriers, difficulty in assessing eligibility, lack of legal recourse, and complications due to travel.”
New York cosmetic dentist Timothy Chase says traveling abroad for medical procedures is always risky, DDS says. And dental care is no exception, he points out. “While it is possible to find competent dental practices around the world, many countries do not have the same training standards, licensing processes, continuing education, infection control, and materials regulations that we do,” he says. .
“Material selection is a hallmark of long-term, safe dental care,” adds Sonya Wintzel, MD, a cosmetic dentist in Huntsville, Alabama. “If the price is significantly lower, expect that the quality of the materials may be compromised. As with any purchase, some materials may be more durable, while others may be cheaper and have a shorter lifespan.” There is also.
“While the price may be attractive, you often get what you pay for,” Dr. Rosenbusch adds. “There are more disadvantages than advantages. This year alone, I have seen several patients who have done major work overseas, and I have advised them to start over.”
Irreparable damage to your smile
New York cosmetic dentist Husam Almunajed DMD said one of the biggest concerns with dental tourism is the long-term risk of damaging teeth. “If previous work was too rushed or poorly planned, it can limit your ability to correct the situation,” he says. “This often leads to permanent loss of tooth and gum anatomy, damaging valuable tissue and causing infection.”
“Some patients regret undergoing dental treatment abroad due to issues with quality or end result,” Dr. Chase added. To save time, money, and discomfort, it’s best to prioritize your smile makeover from the beginning. ”
costly revisions
“For many patients, a smile makeover is an exciting, one-time experience,” says Robert M. Kleich, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kreich points out that the money spent fixing inferior work will negate any savings. “You might think you’re getting a better price, but if the work needs to be replaced or fixed he has to pay twice as much, which always costs more.”
Correcting a poorly done smile makeover may require a variety of treatments tailored to address specific issues such as misalignment, discoloration, or poor restoration. These may include orthodontics, tooth bonding, veneers, teeth whitening, and even complete smile reconstruction if there are multiple issues.
Do “turkey teeth” look fake?
In addition to unregulated standards overseas, Dr. Field says there is a lack of artistry. “It’s like the ‘turkey teeth’ joke in dentistry,” he says.
“Compared to developed countries, the quality of work may be lower or the materials used may be inferior. Turkish dentists use aggressive tooth preparation techniques and cheap, opaque materials. “This can lead to an unnatural ‘Turkey tooth’ appearance,” says Dallas cosmetic dentist Salvator J. La Mastra, MD.
“This is very aggressive tooth preparation. Not only is Turkey Teeth overprepared, but the lab work looks the same,” Dr. Field added. “This treatment is inexpensive and often results in overly white but artificial-looking teeth, reinforcing the adage that you get what you pay for.”
What to do if you are not satisfied with your smile makeover abroad
If you are not satisfied after undergoing a smile makeover abroad, it is essential to seek the help of a local qualified cosmetic dentist. Schedule a consultation to discuss any concerns or dissatisfaction with your results. Your dentist will evaluate your current smile, identify any problems or discrepancies, and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
Depending on the problem you are experiencing, options may include replacing or adjusting existing dental work, such as veneers or crowns. Your concerns may also be addressed by undergoing additional procedures or completely changing your smile. Open communication with your dentist is key, allowing for a collaborative approach to regaining confidence in your smile.
