Katie Price has warned against getting ‘fake teeth’, following her own experience of having dental work done in Turkey – a trend that has become known as ‘Turkey teeth’.
The former model opened up about her dental work in one new Guardian interviewrevealing her pearly whites were made in Turkey “for an Instagram post”.
“I don’t recommend anyone to have false teeth,” she added. When asked why, Price replied, “I can’t eat a chocolate eclair now in case I take it out.”
The star’s comments come after a dentist blamed shows such as Love Island and social media for the growing number of young Britons seeking dental treatment abroad.
Dr Jon Hewitt says the most frequently requested smiles include the likes of Love Island’s Molly-Mae Hague or Jack Fincham, with many Brits flying abroad for the treatment.
Read more: Katie Price thinks young women look like clones from too much cosmetic enhancement (Yahoo Entertainment, 2 minute read)
According Turkish provider Dentakaywhich plans to open a London-based consultation center as demand for Britons seeking cosmetic dental care in Turkey soars, expects to fit up to 23,000 crowns in 2023 alone, along with 3,800 implants.
The trend has also taken off on social media, with videos featuring the term “Turkey teeth” getting 31.7 billion views on TikTok as many Brits share their experiences of having the cosmetic procedure.
However, it does not come without consequences. ONE Study 2022 by the British Dental Association found that 95% of British dentists have seen patients who have traveled abroad for dental treatment, and of these 86% say they have dealt with cases that have developed complications.
What are “turkey teeth”?
“Turkey teeth” is the term used for people traveling to Turkey for cosmetic dental surgery. The most common treatments are crowns and implants.
Hungary is also a popular destination for this type of dental work.
Patients visiting these countries for dental treatment are generally looking for brighter, whiter smiles and straighter teeth.
What is involved and how much does a “turkey teeth” procedure cost?
One of the most common dental procedures British patients receive in Turkey is crowns. This involves filing your natural teeth into stems before a tooth cap is glued on top.
Some patients may be promised veneers – in which the teeth are slightly shaved before thin shells are placed around the teeth – but will actually be fitted with crowns. If you are only hoping to have a veneer, it is important that this is fully clarified with the dentist who will be performing the procedure before commencing.
A full set of crowns costs around £3,000 in Turkey compared to £16,000 in the UK, however there may be further cost implications.
Read more: What are turkey teeth? BBC documentary exposes the dangers of dental tourism (Evening Standard, 3 minute read)
“If you’re getting crowns from Turkey, they should be redone every 10 to 15 years,” says Dr. Hewitt. “While the initial process can be cheap, it can cost from £800 per crown to replace them if you have them done in the UK rather than back to Turkey.
“If someone gets ‘turkey teeth’ at 18, they may need four cycles of restoration in their lifetime.”
What are the possible side effects of “turkey teeth”?
According to Gentle Dentistry At the center, some of the most common complications include serious infections and long-term tooth pain, infected gums, exposed nerves, rotten teeth, sensitive teeth that can make eating and speaking difficult, and even some crowns falling out.
Dr Hewitt says the long-term damage of cheap dental care can even lead to the need for dentures later in life.
What does the British Dental Association say about ‘turkey teeth’?
From its survey of 1,000 dentists, the British Dental Association (BDA) said two-thirds of respondents said it cost patients at least £500 to repair damage to their teeth and half said it cost patients more than £1,000. One in five dentists said these costs exceeded £5,000, with 40% saying the restorative treatment was provided by the NHS.
“Dentists know that many people struggle to access care and may be tempted to go abroad for cheaper treatment,” BDA president said Eddie Crouch.
“Patients should provide informed consent for any treatment they have and be wary of a hard sell, as reality is rarely as simple as it appears on Instagram. Unfortunately, many UK dentists are now picking the pieces when things go wrong. “
NHS advice on cosmetic dentistry
The The NHS has issued a checklist urging all people considering treatment abroad to read so they can make an informed decision.
She says patients should think carefully about why they are going, know the warning signs to look out for (lack of information, pressure to make a quick decision, no discussion of aftercare), get a second opinion and consider side effects.
What is the government’s advice?
Under health department for Govt FCDO Turkey Travel Pagesays Britons considering traveling to Turkey for a dental or other cosmetic procedure should do their own research as it is unwise to rely on private companies with a financial interest to arrange your medical care abroad.
He also recommends referring to HealthTurkiye portal website as it has a list of medical providers approved by the Ministry of Health.
It adds: “People considering traveling for treatment should discuss their plans carefully with their UK doctor, dentist and/or hospital specialist before committing to any procedure abroad.”
What is the best way to improve your teeth without invasive treatment?
While some may think that veneers or crowns are the easiest way to get straight, white teeth – there are other procedures you can consider that will be better for your dental health in the long run.
If you want to straighten your teeth, you can get braces or Invisalign. For whitening, talk to your dentist about whitening treatments or procedures. Although these options will cost you money – Invisalign tends to start from £2,000, while professional teeth whitening can start from £200 – they could work out cheaper in the long run than quick-fix options such as crowns or veneers.
Additional reporting from SWNS.
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