What to Know About “Turkey Teeth” and How We Do It Differently 

“Turkey Teeth” is a term you may have heard recently, especially when someone has had dental work that looks overly artificial. The phrase was born because of the popularity of people travelling abroad for cosmetic dental work that can be cheaper compared to many UK clinics. 

When people use the term “Turkey Teeth,” they’re often referring to veneers or crowns that don’t always suit the face or mouth of the person who has had the treatment. 

At Perfect Smile Spa, we understand that dental work can be a significant investment, especially if you are considering treatments like porcelain veneers. However, we always urge everyone to thoroughly vet and research any clinic they choose whether it’s based in Essex or Istanbul to ensure their treatment is safe, ethical, and carried out to the highest standards. 

What Are They? 

The phrase is commonly used for people who have travelled abroad for cosmetic treatments such as smile makeovers. This is not to say that everyone with “Turkey Teeth” has had treatment in Türkiye, but it has become a leading destination for dental tourism. 

One of the main issues with “Turkey Teeth,” beyond the aesthetic result, is the preparation involved. We’ve all seen viral images of teeth filed down into small stumps but this should never be the norm. 

At Perfect Smile Spa, we pride ourselves on ensuring your teeth are in a healthy condition before any cosmetic work is undertaken. Our approach is to use minimal preparation techniques wherever possible, conserving the maximum amount of your natural tooth underneath. 

The Risks You Should Know About 

Before you travel for dental work whether near or far here are some important risks you should be aware of: 

• Over preparation of natural teeth can lead to nerve damage, increased sensitivity, weakened tooth structure, and a higher risk of long term dental issues. 
• Crowns instead of veneers: While both can help you achieve a beautiful smile, some clinics will recommend crowns because they’re cheaper and quicker to place. However, crowns require more aggressive preparation, which often means filing the teeth down much more extensively. 
• Lack of aftercare: One of the biggest challenges with treatment abroad is that if any issues arise once you return home, you may struggle to get help from the clinic. This can lead to costly corrective treatments in the UK. 
• Risk of infection: There may be an added risk of infection due to inconsistent quality of materials or sterilisation protocols. 

This is not to say that all dentists overseas deliver poor care or results. There are many skilled clinicians worldwide. We just urge you to ensure that your top priority is not the lowest price, but rather finding a qualified, reputable, and trusted clinic. 

What Makes Us Different 

At Perfect Smile Spa, we have a patient first approach to smile makeovers. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, educated, and confident before you proceed with any treatment. 

First, all our patients receive a comprehensive consultation, including a digital scan of your mouth to give us a complete, detailed view of your teeth and bite. 

We then sit down with you to discuss your options and provide honest advice about what we feel will work best for your needs. 

Here’s what else makes our approach different: 

• Minimally Invasive Techniques: We use advanced techniques and high quality materials to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Often, little preparation is needed, especially for porcelain veneers. 
• Digital Smile Design: Using digital technology, we can show you a preview of how your new smile will look, so you feel confident in your choices before treatment begins. 
• Custom Shade and Shape: Every veneer is crafted to suit your face, complexion, and natural teeth. For those wanting the most personalised outcome, we even offer lab visits to perfectly shade match your veneers. 
• Trusted UK Dental Laboratories: All our veneers are created in reputable UK labs, ensuring quality, safety, and durability you can rely on. 
• Comprehensive Aftercare: From your first consultation through to long term maintenance, you’ll always have access to our team to answer questions and support you. 

The Benefits of Choosing a Practice You Can Trust 

There are many benefits to choosing a clinic with a safe, ethical approach. Here are just a few: 

• Ensuring the health of your tooth structure is a key part of treatment, not an afterthought. 
• All preparation is carefully planned to reduce the risk of sensitivity or nerve damage. 
• You can feel confident knowing your smile is in experienced, regulated hands. 
• Aftercare is included, so you have access to a dentist for any questions or concerns. 

Top Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Cosmetic Treatment 

• Can I see before and after photos of your work? 
• What are the risks of complications with this treatment? 
• What aftercare can I expect? What happens if something goes wrong? 
• What guarantees or warranties are provided? 
• Will my natural teeth be permanently altered? 

Considering Going Abroad? Our Advice 

Take the time to research thoroughly. Make sure you see examples of the clinic’s work and that you can identify the dentist by name so you can look into their qualifications and experience. 

Think beyond cost consider the health and long term future of your teeth, as damage to your natural tooth structure is often irreversible. 

Get a second opinion before committing, read reviews, watch videos, and speak to past patients if possible. Be wary of heavy marketing and offers that sound too good to be true. 

Ready to Explore Your Options? 

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry and want to achieve a natural looking, healthy smile without compromising your dental health, we’re here to help. At Perfect Smile Spa, we’ll guide you through every step, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel confident in your treatment choices. Book your consultation today to discover how a safer, ethical approach can transform your smile and your confidence for years to come.