#Turkey Teeth: The Real Story Behind Dental Procedures in Turkey

Medical and dental tourism is far from a new phenomenon. From Rio de Janeiro’s cosmetic surgery centres to Budapest’s dental practices, medical tourism has, for four decades, made cosmetic procedures more accessible to Europe’s middle and working classes. Thanks to its quality medical infrastructure and highly-trained staff, Turkey has become a significant player in this sector in the past decade. Turkey’s appeal as a tourist destination, especially for Northern Europeans, has further fueled this trend. This leads us to the “Katie Price Incident.”

 

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

 

Une publication partagée par Katie Price (@katieprice)

Katie Price, a 45-year-old British reality TV star and mother of 5, is known for her fondness for physical modifications. In fact, despite being warned that her 16th breast operation could be fatal, she proceeded anyway. Her influence is substantial, with 1.4 million TikTok followers and over a million on Instagram, especially among young working-class women.

In August 2021, Price visited Turkey for a fully-funded trip by a dental clinic in Antalya. During this trip, she underwent a live-streamed dental procedure, leaving Turkey with a set of new ceramic veneers and glowing reviews of Antalya.

However, by July 2023, the narrative took a turn. Katie Price experienced multiple issues with her veneers, including knocking out a tooth during a live stream. She required another operation, this time from a renowned British dentist, to fix the issues.

 

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

 

Une publication partagée par Katie Price (@katieprice)

According to Dr. Nilesh R. Parmar, a leading dentist interviewed by The Mirror, these issues can be traced back to Price’s multiple past dental procedures. He explains that repeated procedures could weaken tooth tissue, increasing the risk of complications.

Fitting dental veneers often involves filing the dental pulp beforehand, making the procedure irreversible. Hence, consulting an experienced dental surgeon using high-quality materials is crucial.

Despite these facts, the allure of a “perfect smile” continues to captivate millions on social media platforms. A recent UK survey found that 63% of those who want cosmetic dental surgery are between 18 and 34. On TikTok, the hashtag “TurkeyTeeth” has garnered almost 634 million views. Both praise and warnings are accumulating.

According to a famous London dental surgeon, many patients, enticed by Turkey’s low prices, are “traumatized” upon return, often unaware of the exact treatment they’ve received. This brings forth concerns about a new generation, susceptible and under-informed, embarking on risky and costly dental procedures.

Should You Consider Dental Treatment in Turkey?

Setting aside the Katie Price saga, Turkey enjoys a positive international reputation for its skilled medical teams and high-quality dental and aesthetic clinics. Unlike many Western practices, these Turkish clinics often emphasize cosmetic dentistry over traditional oral care. Testimonials collected by Body Expert, a strongly established medical tourism agency, highlight the life-changing experiences thousands of patients have had, particularly for crowns and dental implants. These aren’t just cosmetic whims; many seek these treatments for essential dental restoration and overall well-being.

Cost is a significant factor, especially for treatments not covered by National Health Insurance. Opting for dental care in Turkey saves patients between 60 and 80% compared to costs in their home countries. And this isn’t about cutting corners; patients receive treatments using the best brands and latest medical technologies without busting their budget. Treatment times are also generally quicker. Additionally, patients enjoy VIP treatment, complete with a stay in a 5-star hotel, private shuttle service for all transfers, and personalised, translated assistance during medical appointments.

However, it’s essential to proceed with caution. Not every dentist should be trusted with your oral health. When properly selected and fitted, high-quality dental veneers can last over twenty years, assuming you maintain good dental and dietary hygiene.

Tooth Replacement in Turkey: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Realities

With its rise in popularity, mainly due to social media influence, dental tourism in Turkey has become a double-edged sword. New entrants have flooded the market, setting up dental and aesthetic clinics in major Turkish tourist destinations. While scams and poor-quality dentists do exist, the key is to exercise due diligence and common sense to avoid them.

Myth No. 1: “All Dental Treatment in Turkey is the Same”

Just like anywhere else, Turkey has both good and bad dentists. Achieving a successful dental treatment in Turkey depends on making the right choices, particularly when choosing a provider. The language barrier can be a significant obstacle abroad, making patients susceptible to exploitation. This is especially true if, during a tourist trip, one makes a hasty decision influenced by trending fashion and social networks. Careful decision-making, prior medical records, and cost estimates are crucial. The importance of an assistant who can translate is also undeniable.

Outside the infamous Katie Price incident, Turkey enjoys a commendable international reputation for its medical and dental teams. Professionals here lean more towards cosmetic dentistry as opposed to traditional dental care. The testimonials collected by Body Expert showcase the significant benefits dental travel has offered thousands of patients. Many travel not for cosmetic needs but for essential dental work like crowns or implants.

Myth No. 2: “Choosing Turkey Means Choosing Price Over Quality”

Dental treatments in Turkey are typically not covered by a patient’s national health insurance. Consequently, cost becomes a significant factor in the decision-making process. However, patients can expect to pay 60 to 80% less compared to their home countries without sacrificing quality. But lower prices don’t mean lower quality : with Body Expert, it can mean the best surgeons associated with the highest quality material, at affordable prices. In addition to financial benefits, patients receive quicker treatments and a VIP experience that includes 5-star hotels, private shuttles for all transfers, and personalized, translated assistance during all medical appointments.

Myth No. 3: “Turkey’s Medical and Dental Sector Lacks Adequate Laws and Regulations”

Contrary to various unverified stories circulating on social media, Turkey has been taking steps to safeguard foreign patients better. Since 2017, a strict legal framework has been implemented to regulate health services. Clinics catering to international patients must have the compulsory IHT (International Health Tourism) certificates issued by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Choosing the right Treatment and Clinic for Dental Procedures

Significance of Initial Consultation and Expert Diagnosis

The internet, especially social media, greatly influences the growing trend of cosmetic dentistry. Although these platforms offer a plethora of information, they can’t replace professional consultation and diagnosis. Patients interested in procedures like veneers should first consult with their regular dentist or a local specialist for an expert opinion, diagnosis, and x-rays. This step is crucial for understanding the irreversible nature and risks of the procedure and whether it’s suitable or even necessary for the individual’s dental condition. Furthermore, a preliminary cost estimate can be created, which helps compare prices and compile all necessary medical documents, including x-rays, for the upcoming dental journey.

Demystifying Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin coverings made from durable materials like ceramic, porcelain, or zirconia. Custom-designed to fit over the visible front teeth, veneers can correct issues like discolouration, chips, or misalignment. The installation involves filing down the tooth enamel between 0.5 and 1 mm and attaching the veneer using special cement. Generally, the procedure takes three to four sessions, which could be condensed into a week if the treatment is done abroad.

Selecting the Right Dental Clinic

When travelling to cities like Istanbul or Antalya for dental treatment, it’s crucial to pre-select a clinic that ensures high-quality care. Factors such as dentist experience, treatment methods, professional guarantees, and post-operative support should be carefully vetted. Reputable medical tourism agencies like Body Expert can assist in this selection, provided they adhere to rigorous criteria for choosing medical specialists. Reviews and before-and-after photos can also aid in making an informed choice.

Preparing Medical Records and Price Estimates: Avoid Surprises

Before embarking on a dental trip, patients should ensure their medical records are properly managed. These documents, available in the language of the patient’s choice, should include medical history and a detailed preliminary cost breakdown covering all additional expenses and stages of the planned treatment. However, the final price estimate is usually confirmed after an initial consultation between the patient and the dentist, where they agree on the selected treatment and materials. In Turkey, the cost of a premium dental veneer doesn’t exceed €300, including installation, which is significantly less compared to other countries. Lastly, confirming that the intermediary and the clinic adhere to medical transparency and patient consent protocols is crucial.

The Body Expert Model for Dental Excellence

• A vanguard in Turkey’s medical and dental tourism industry, Body Expert has been welcoming patients to Istanbul for a decade. Specialising in the European market, Body Expert is finely tuned to the medical safety needs of its clientele.
• Body Expert partners exclusively with top-tier medical and dental professionals in Istanbul and Antalya. The selection is stringent, focusing on each practitioner’s educational background, experience, and professional reputation. This ensures that patients are treated at the best clinics outfitted with cutting-edge medical technologies and adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and medical protocol.
• Prioritising a personalised approach, Body Expert offers transparent consultations. Whether it’s dental practitioners, surgeons, implantologists, or prosthetists, they take the time to understand each patient’s concerns, needs, and preferences. They provide comprehensive explanations of treatment plans and stages, employing digital imaging to assist patients in selecting the right treatment options and materials.
• Body Expert and its affiliated medical experts are committed to providing long-term post-operative care. They aim to establish an enduring relationship with each patient who receives treatment in Turkey, assuring ongoing, privileged communication and support.