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Scroll Instagram and TikTok, and you’ll see beautiful smiles perfected by dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to enhance your smile—and they provide really natural results. 

But over the last few years, there’s been a growing trend; people travel overseas to receive dental veneer treatment. 

On the face of it, this might seem like the logical thing to do. After all, overseas dentists often have lower operating costs than the UK, meaning they can deliver treatment for less. Add the prospect of combining your treatment with a sunny getaway, and the idea becomes even more attractive. But is dental tourism all it promises to be?

In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers and false economies associated with dental tourism. Here are the important factors to consider before travelling abroad for dental veneers. 

What Is Dental Tourism?

Dental tourism is a growing industry. Overseas dental practices are keen to cash in on the UK’s cosmetic dentistry boom. With lower overheads and the availability of low-cost airlines, they can dramatically undercut their British competitors. 

These clinics market aggressively within the UK, buying up social media and search engine ads and using influencers to help grow their business. Add the fact that dental tourism is talked about on TV and in newspapers, and now, when people consider having veneers, the idea of travelling abroad is often high on the list of options. 

But there are potentially quite serious problems with going overseas for “Turkey Teeth!”

The False Economy of Turkey Teeth

Let’s start with the cost of treatment. The price of hiring an overseas dentist can undoubtedly be cheaper than staying in the UK. Turkey is one country where dental tourism is booming. 

Firstly, let’s consider the full cost of treatment abroad. When you have dental veneers placed, it normally involves multiple appointments. You’ll need a consultation session, a preparation appointment, and a final procedure. 

Skipping or rushing through these steps isn’t going to get you the smile you’ve dreamt of! 

Assuming you’re able to combine all of your appointments with one single trip; you’ll still need to pay for flights, transfers, hotel, airport parking, travel insurance, and food and drink while you’re there. If you’re travelling with someone else, you must also factor in their costs. 

But if you think an intensive schedule of dental treatments will give you a chance to lap up the sun, you’re wrong. When you’re not in the clinic, you will probably spend much of your time recovering—lounging by the pool might not be as relaxing as you imagine! 

But the true cost of dental tourism isn’t often felt until you get home. The low success rates in these treatments mean you may need to pay a UK dentist to fix the emerging problems, and there may be a higher cost to worry about that isn’t financial…

Turkey Teeth Are Rarely What They Claim To Be…

Dental veneers are fine shells used to conceal minor damage and staining while giving your teeth are uniform appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are more substantial restorations used to repair severe damage or cover a tooth after root canal treatment. 

Often, dental tourists want veneers but get crowns. 

Patients often have healthy teeth completely shaved down to small points to make way for unnecessary crowns—an irreversible action. 

Additionally, the materials used are often cheap and substandard. 

Dig deeper into stories about dental tourism, and you’ll find horror stories. Patients return with painfully exposed nerves, infections, sensitive teeth, and restorations that completely fall off.

Why Choose a UK Dentist for Veneers?

In the UK, all dental professionals are regulated by the GDC and must be insured. We exceed the GDC’s high standards—and if we don’t, the regulatory body has a robust complaints procedure. Our treatments are evidence-based and enjoy a very high success rate. 

Overseas dentists don’t fall under the GDC’s jurisdiction, and professional standards also differ from country to country. You may also have no way to complain or seek compensation when things go wrong. 

Dental Veneers in Shipley

There’s no need to travel hundreds of miles for dental veneers. Our procedures are safe and effective, giving you a Hollywood smile without the risk. 

If you’re considering travelling abroad for dental veneers, come and see us first. Book your consultation today.