Designer Teeth in Turkey: Why are "Turkey Teeth" trending?
Why are an increasing number of people opting for smile-improving “Designer Teeth” procedures abroad and what cosmetic options are available here in the UK?
4 minute readYou may have noticed more and more people with dazzling white teeth, and a perfect smile across social media these days. If you have, you may have heard of the concept of, “Designer Teeth” and the rapidly growing trend to have dental work done in Turkey, also known as “Turkey Teeth”.
But what is this trend all about, and why are an increasing number of people going to Turkey for their dental needs? Let’s explore Turkey's booming dental tourism industry and what is available in the UK.
Why get designer teeth in Turkey?
Turkey has become the global hotspot for world dental tourism, especially cosmetic dentistry, and dental tourism. You can get high-quality dental work done in Turkey for a fraction of the price you would in the UK, as is the case with hair transplants. The service and professionalism are also something sought after.
Social media has now made this more popular than ever when people see others going to Turkey to get their teeth done. It's now seen as something anyone can do without breaking the bank.
Competitive Clinics: Why not in the UK?
One of the main reasons people opt to go to Turkey to have their dental work done is the significant price differences. In the UK, the costs are higher due to higher rent, salaries, more expensive equipment and higher operational costs. The rates in Turkey are much lower and the exchange rate also helps.
The Turkish government also supports its growing industry of medical tourism which also reduces costs for international patients. It’s also an excuse to leave the UK for a break and, with the money you save, you can make a holiday out of the process as well – two birds with one stone!
However, it can be a big risk to take if you have dental work done abroad, because if it goes wrong you could end up losing all of your teeth and it may not be possible to get corrective surgery in the UK. If you do it could end up costing you twice as much and a lot of pain.
Types of designer teeth options
Here are four of the most common options for designer teeth that are available:
Veneers: custom-made thin shells which fit over your teeth and are usually made from either porcelain or tooth-coloured composite. This is a popular option to cover cracks in teeth, chips, stains or slightly misaligned teeth to improve their physical appearance.
Crowns: tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged, worn down, or decayed teeth, restoring their shape, size, and function. Crowns are made from different materials ranging from resin, and porcelain to metal. Crowns are often fitted if a tooth is too damaged for a veneer.
Teeth Whitening: bleaching your teeth to lighten their natural colour, so they become whiter and brighter. Teeth whitening can also be done using a laser, and is also known as “power whitening”. A service for people with yellowing teeth, who want a bright white smile.
Dental Implants: Replacement teeth fixed from the roots. Ideal for those with missing teeth to complete their smile.
Dental procedure cost comparison: UK vs. Turkey
Dental procedures, especially those which fall under the category of “designer teeth” can be much more expensive in the UK compared to Turkey. Here are some examples:
Veneers in the UK can cost between £400 to £1,000 per tooth, whilst in Turkey, these will only cost between £150 to £300 per tooth.
Crowns in the UK range from £500 to £1,500 per crown, compared to £200 to £500 in Turkey.
Teeth Whitening in the UK typically costs around £300 to £600, whereas in Turkey, it can be as low as £100 to £300.
Dental Implants in the UK can cost between £2,000 to £2,500 per implant, but in Turkey, the price is usually around £800 to £1,200 per implant.
Why are we obsessed with having the “perfect teeth”?
In today’s image-conscious society, there is a growing desire for people to have the “perfect smile”, straight and white teeth. It signifies beauty, health and success. Social media and celebrity culture also have a huge part to play in influencing others to achieve this smile beauty standard.
Research shows more women are unhappy with the way their teeth look compared to men, and this can affect their self-confidence in both their personal and professional lives.
However, going for a quick fix and trying to save money could lead to poor dental procedures that may not last as long as they should. In the end, this could leave you out of pocket with irreversible damage to your teeth. In other words, you get what you pay for, and getting dental work done is not to be taken lightly. Also, don’t forget the time and costs of travel and accommodation if you choose to go abroad.
Common dental procedures & availability
Cosmetic dental work to give you designer-looking teeth has become a more common procedure and is more readily available globally. Not only internationally, but also in the UK.
In London, the cost of cosmetic dental work can be quite high. Here is the range of prices below to give you an idea of how much you would expect to pay:
Veneers: £500 to £1,200 per tooth
Crowns: £600 to £1,800 per crown
Teeth Whitening: £350 to £700
Dental Implants: £2,000 to £3,000 per implant
All of these procedures are widely available in the UK and internationally, but prices may vary.
Should I get my dental work done in Turkey or the UK?
Travelling to Turkey for dental procedures to give you “designer teeth” is mostly due to the desire for affordable and high-quality dental care. The prices in Turkey for this work are highly competitive compared to those in the UK, and this is why people choose to make that trip. Turkey offers great deals when it comes to custom veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, or dental implants.
UK dentists are noticing more and more patients going abroad to get their dental work done, but advise patients to review the risks first, and also be aware that they may not be able to get corrective work done in the UK if their treatment is done abroad and fails.
There are many advantages to getting your dental work done in the UK if you can afford the price difference. UK dentists use materials that are 100% safe for patients due to higher quality standards, sometimes these procedures can also be covered by insurance or financial assistance. UK dentists will offer full aftercare and follow-up visits, for any dental procedures done.
Whether you decide to go to Turkey for your dental work or stay in the UK, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision on your choice. With the right information, your goal of achieving the perfect smile is within your reach.
