Over the last 2 decades, Turkey has become one of the most popular medical tourism destinations in the world, especially for dental care. While there are many reasons for this, the main ones include Turkey being a popular European vacation destination which means medical tourists can combine their treatment with a holiday, and due to currency exchange most travellers get great value for money. As with any growing trend however, there are some negatives that come along the way. In this article, some of these negative impacts are going to be discussed, especially the term commonly coined today as “Turkey Teeth”. Keep reading below to learn what to look out for and how to avoid any treatment you may decide to go for from going wrong.
What are Turkey Teeth?
Turkey teeth is a term which has been created in recent years and generally is used with 2 meanings.
- You may hear someone say Turkey teeth when they are referring to the huge number of tourists who travel to Turkey to get the perfect smile from cheap dental treatments. Turkey teeth in this situation would refer to a person who came back from their trip with a new set of large teeth and a smile so bright it can be seen at night.
- Alternatively, Turkey teeth also refers to a failed or less than ideal dental cosmetic procedure that someone has experienced from travelling to the country.
How Do Turkey Teeth Happen
Turkey teeth occur as a result of several different factors, including:
- Lack of proper research
- Opting for the cheapest option possible and sacrificing quality
- Lack of consulting different dentists and asking the right questions.
While reading about Turkey teeth online can be concerning for potential medical tourists, it is important to note that this can be easily avoided with the right precautions. For every medical tourist who has a negative experience, 10-20 more are delighted with their treatment. Do not let articles online convince you otherwise as most of these articles are written by dental clinics in Western countries who are over-inflating the problem. The reason for this over-exaggeration is due to most of these clinics losing patients in recent years to those opting for medical tourism abroad.
At ClinicPair we are committed to helping medical tourists find the right information. Our mission is to help you make an informed decision which you will be happy with in the long run.
What Can Go Wrong?
When it comes to Turkey Teeth, there are generally a few common issues. All of these issues can be tied back to the price of the treatment. These include:
- Dentists using lower quality material and tools for your treatment
- Dentists telling you about one treatment but giving you another
- Not fully certified dentists carrying out procedures
And as a result of these common issues, many tourists who have had problems end up spending a lot of time and money in their home country to fix this damage. Let’s look at each of these points in a little more detail.
Lower quality material
Turkey is a popular medical tourism destination due to the affordability of treatments there. As a result, majority of medical tourists who book a treatment in the country are extremely price sensitive. While it makes sense that potential medical tourists want the best deal possible, it is also important to consider why a particular treatment may be so cheap. This is especially important when comparing potential dentists and seeing very few with such low prices. The dentist still has to make money and the only way these cheaper prices can be offered is if they’re using cheaper, lower quality material for your procedure.
Incorrect Treatment
Probably the most common issue that is faced, specifically by those looking for veneers. One of the best and easiest ways to cover up any chips, misalignment, or gaps in your teeth is veneers. Veneers are great, long lasting solution but also tend to be expensive. You can read our full article about veneers, the different types, cost and procedure details for more information.
Veneers are a process which can take a few weeks however, a lot of dentists are advertising veneers as a solution while realistically they are giving you something completely different, such as implants. This is where most of the horror stories come from – due to getting the incorrect treatment, teeth are shaven down too far and other things are done incorrectly. These incorrect applications can lead to years of effort for fixing. That is why it’s important to read as much as possible on your treatment so you at least know what to expect and to back out if you’re not comfortable. See our blog page which provides more information on different treatment types.
How To Avoid Turkey Teeth
With the right research and precautions, it is certainly possible to avoid Turkey teeth. Unfortunately, most who experience Turkey teeth tend to be impatient tourists looking for a quick fix for as cheap as possible. As with many other things, this is generally not the best option to go for.
Research
It is incredibly important to carry out thorough research before choosing a particular clinic or dentist for any treatment. This research can be conducted in many different ways: from looking up clinics and reading reviews on 3rd party sites about them, preparing a list of questions to ask ahead of time and calling several clinics to do a consultation over the phone, and only looking at certified and accredited dentists. It is vital to look at as many clinics as possible while in the research phase so you have a wide understanding of what’s on offer and what you can expect.
Precautionary steps
In addition to the research suggestions listed above, there are also some precautionary steps you can take to ensure nothing goes wrong. This includes researching specific clinics where medical tourists have had negative experiences. Make sure to find the names of as many of these clinics as possible and avoid them at all costs. Additionally, read as much as possible on the treatment you’re considering. Look at information from other online sources, for example, from dentists or boards in western countries. Learning what your procedure involves, how long it would normally take, how intrusive it is, what exactly gets done and other details will allow you to assess whether your dentist abroad is trying to give you something different than what they’ve promised.
Shifting your mindset
We completely understand the appeal behind cheap prices when it comes to these treatments. It seems like the perfect solution you’ve been seeking cosmetically is within grasp at an affordable price. However, when it comes to something as serious and long lasting as getting your teeth done, the cheap price may end up costing you a fortune in the long run. With the potential risk of complications and higher costs upon returning home, it’s worth prioritizing quality from the outset. The saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ is particularly relevant here, so caution is crucial. Try to shift your mindset from the cheapest option to the best value option. It may take a little longer to be able to afford it but, you can’t put a price on the peace of mind this brings.
If you need any help or support while researching, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are not associated with any clinic and are here to help you find healthcare abroad, safely.
Why Turkey is Still a Great Option for Dental Tourism
There is a reason over 1.2 million medical tourists visited Turkey in 2023 with this number growing in 2024. Although there are always horror stories that come out from patients visiting the country, with the right research and preparation, you too can come home happy like many other.
So, what are the reasons Turkey is still so popular for medical tourism?
- Affordable Care
As you might guess, one of the biggest reasons for the growth of medical tourism in Turkey is the affordable care. Due to the currency difference between western countries and Turkey, many travellers are getting more value for their money.
- High quality, modern clinics
Turkey has an incredibly developed health sector. With one of the best healthcare systems in the world, the quality of private clinics, where you would be going for your treatment, are top of the range and modern.
- Qualified Dentists
To become a dentist in Turkey, extensive studying is required. Every dentist must study at least 5 years before becoming qualified. This should give you peace of mind that, with the correct research and preparation, you will be in good hands for whatever treatment you decide to go for.
- Combine your treatment with a holiday
The only thing Turkey is better known for than medical tourism is for a holiday. Whether you’re looking for a city break, a beach holiday or an immersion in history, Turkey offers it all. This provides a very unique opportunity to combine the treatment you are looking for with a nice holiday.
- Geo-location
As Turkey is located just in between Europe and Asia, it was regularly referred to as the gateway of the world. This makes it easy to access by medical tourists around the globe which also contributes to the number of medical tourists every year. The convenient location and widespread use of English in Turkey provide further reassurance for medical tourists.
Make sure to read the previous section in this article for all of the tips and tricks you need while doing your research. If you need any help or support while researching, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
General Questions
What are “Turkey Teeth”?
“Turkey teeth” has two main meanings: 1) It can refer to the trend of people traveling to Turkey for affordable dental treatments, often resulting in a bright, white smile with large teeth. 2) It can also refer to negative experiences with dental procedures in Turkey, often due to cost-cutting measures leading to subpar results or complications.
Why is Turkey a popular destination for dental tourism?
Turkey offers affordable dental care, high-quality clinics, and qualified dentists. Its convenient location, widespread use of English, and the opportunity to combine treatment with a holiday make it attractive to many.
Is it safe to get dental treatment in Turkey?
While there are potential risks, with thorough research and proper precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of problems. Many people have successful and positive experiences with dental treatment in Turkey.
How can I avoid having a negative experience with dental treatment in Turkey?
Do your research: Read reviews, compare prices, consult with multiple dentists, and ask the right questions. Don’t just focus on the cheapest option.
Choose quality over price: Consider why a treatment might be significantly cheaper than others and prioritize quality materials and experienced dentists.
Be informed: Understand the details of your chosen procedure, including what it involves, how long it should take, and what the expected outcome is.
What are the most common problems associated with “Turkey Teeth”?
Common issues include the use of lower-quality materials, dentists providing different treatments than promised, and unqualified dentists performing procedures. These can lead to complications and the need for costly corrective treatment back home.
How can I find a reputable dentist in Turkey?
Look for clinics with positive reviews on independent platforms, check for certifications and accreditations, and consult with multiple dentists before making a decision.
What should I do if something goes wrong with my dental treatment in Turkey?
Contact the clinic immediately to address the issue. If necessary, seek advice from a dental professional in your home country and consider legal options if appropriate.