The turkey teeth trend was popularised by Love Island winner Jack Fincham in 2018 after he travelled to Turkey for dental work. You may be wondering whether to invest in some turkey teeth of your own. We examine the advantages and disadvantages.As seen in
The Turkey teeth trend refers to dental tourism, where people in the UK travel abroad for dental treatments. Celebrities and social media influencers promote the advantages of dental treatment in Turkey. However, Turkey teeth have also become associated with botched dental procedures.
The Turkey teeth trend has been described as providing a Hollywood smile. However, its been criticised for giving an unnatural, overly white smile with teeth that dont necessarily suit the patients face. These arent the only criticisms, as well explain later. Navigate this guide:
The popular British dating show Love Island is known for introducing new slang terms and beauty trends into the cultural lexicon Recently, viewers were left puzzled when season 10 contestant Jess Harding declared her attraction to men with “turkey teeth” during the premiere episode. For the uninitiated, what exactly does this unusual phrase mean in the context of the show?
This article unpacks the significance behind “turkey teeth” on Love Island the cosmetic dental procedures associated with the term and why the seemingly random reference sparked debate on social media.
The Origins of “Turkey Teeth”
When talking about her physical type on camera, Jess stated that she finds the “turkey teeth” look very attractive on men. This baffling descriptor left many scratching their heads and googling what turkey teeth could possibly mean.
On Love Island, “turkey teeth” specifically refers to a trend of getting dental veneers or crowns done in Turkey The country has become a leading destination for dental tourism due to the relatively low cost of procedures compared to the UK and other European nations
The finished look is characterized by ultra-bright, uniformly straight, white teeth. To many British viewers, these cosmetically enhanced smiles evoke stereotypical associations with Turkey as the source.
Cosmetic Dental Procedures Behind the Trend
The turkey teeth look that Jess finds desirable is achieved through porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Both options can mask flaws and dramatically transform smiles.
Veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of teeth. They require minimal removal of tooth enamel. The placement process takes about 2-3 visits.
Crowns involve removing more of the natural tooth structure to cover it with a cap. They take longer, about 2 weeks from start to finish.
Critics argue that the extensive dental work gives results that appear artificial and over-whitened. However, demand for this high-impact smile makeover persists.
Why Turkey Became the Go-To Destination
Dental veneers and crowns in the UK can cost $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. For a full mouth restoration, the bill often exceeds $20,000. Given the hefty price tag, many Brits started getting treatment in Turkey where they can pay 70% less.
Some factors that spurred Turkey’s dental tourism boom:
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Low labor costs and overhead expenses
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Top-class education standards producing skilled dentists
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State-of-the-art clinics and technology
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Use of high-quality materials and labs
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Strong tourism infrastructure and accessibility
A bespoke smile makeover with luxury accommodation included is affordable for middle-class patients. The value attracted thousands of dental tourists.
The Turkey Teeth Look – Love It or Hate It?
Jess clearly loves the ultra-white veneer appearance commonly associated with Turkey dental holidays. But critics argue it looks artificial and overdone.
Pros
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Instant smile transformation
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Boosts confidence
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Corrects flaws like stains, chips, gaps
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Long-lasting with good oral care
Cons
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Can appear too white and “fake”
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Risk of damage if underlying teeth removed too aggressively
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Need ongoing maintenance
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Not easily reversible
The polarizing turkey teeth debate came to a head when former islander Jack Fincham expressed regret over his Turkish veneers. But Jess’s comments show the look still has its fans.
Social Media Frenzy Over the Reference
Jess nonchalantly dropping “turkey teeth” as her type on Love Island kicked the Twittersphere into a tizzy. Confused viewers asked “What are turkey teeth?” and debated whether it was an odd requirement.
Some felt Jess was perpetuating unrealistic beauty ideals. Others noted that veneers often come out looking overdone. Many predicted she’d end up coupling up with Luca Bish, a season 8 contestant who also got turkey teeth.
The uproar demonstrates how Love Island helps popularize slang terms that reference cosmetic procedures. Jess put turkey teeth in the spotlight again for better or worse.
Dental Tourism Beyond Love Island
While Jess highlighted turkey teeth on Love Island, dental vacations in Turkey have been surging in popularity for years already. Approximately 500,000 foreigners visited Turkey for dental care in 2022. The medical tourism industry generated over $10 billion in revenue.
Rising patient awareness of options abroad is fueling steady growth. Clinics actively promote services through social media. However, some caution against choosing based on low prices alone, as quality remains paramount. Thorough vetting and aftercare are advised.
The Takeaway
Love Island introduced viewers to the phenomenon of turkey teeth – dental veneers and crowns done affordably in Turkey. The bright white, flawless look has its fans like Jess but also vocal critics. The polarizing term ignited discussion on beauty standards and dental tourism. For better or worse, Love Island continues influencing how people perceive and pursue cosmetic procedures.
A lack of regulation
Dentists in Turkey must undergo training similar to those in the UK. They train for five years in general dentistry and another five years if they want to specialise. All dentists must be members of the regulatory body, the Turkish Dental Association. Those who wish to carry out cosmetic dentistry must also join the Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.
Turkish and UK dentists are regulated by the Turkish Dental Association and General Dental Council, respectively. The regulatory bodies have similar remits, such as setting standards to ensure patient safety, good practice, and effective infection control. However, in practice, it appears that Turkish dentists have fewer restrictions on the type of work they can carry out.
The BBC investigation spoke to dentists in the UK about patients accounts of their Turkey teeth experience and the practice of fitting dental crowns instead of dental veneers in Turkey. They believed they would be struck off if they used crowns for cosmetic dentistry. This suggests that dental procedures in the UK are more highly regulated than those in Turkey.
Increased risk of complications
There is limited data on the incidence of complications related to the Turkey teeth trend. Foreign and Commonwealth Office guidance on medical tourism refers to six deaths among patients travelling to Turkey for medical treatment during 2023. However, this isnt specific to dental care.
Potential dental work risks and complications can include ongoing pain, exposed nerves, severe infections and ill-fitting dental veneers. Crowns carry a higher risk of nerve damage than veneers, which is why theyre typically only used on damaged teeth in the UK.
A British Dental Association survey asked 1,000 experienced dentists about their experience treating patients with Turkey teeth. 95% reported seeing patients who had their teeth done in Turkey, with 86% of those describing complications that needed remedial work. Crowns were the leading cause of complications, with dental implants following closely behind.
Of course, treating complications comes at a price. 40% of dentists who carried out remedial work said the NHS bore the cost. The costs for patients paying privately for their treatment ranged from £500 to over £5,000 in 20% of cases. Anyone travelling for dental care because Turkey teeth prices are lower than those in the UK could find themselves with a hefty bill if things go wrong.
The Truth About Turkey Teeth
FAQ
What is the meaning of turkey teeth?
Why do people go to Turkey to get their teeth done?
What are turkey teeth UK slang?
What is the turkey teeth craze?
Does Love Island face have a ‘Turkey teeth’ trend?
The show has been known for influencing cosmetic trends – with the term ‘Love Island Face’ coming about after a surge in popularity of lip, cheek and jaw filler with contestants on the show. Now, in the first episode of the latest season, a contestant discussed a worrying trend she personally loves: ‘Turkey Teeth’. Ohhhh yep.
What is ‘Turkey teeth’ on TikTok?
The reality star flew to Turkey to give his teeth a super white and super square look. This trend, called “Turkey Teeth” is growing rapidly on TikTok. While it may conjure up an image of a turkey smiling with tons of teeth (just us?), Turkey Teeth actually refers to people flying abroad for this treatment. But how safe is it?
What is Turkey’s ‘Turkey teeth’ & why is it so popular in 2023?
The procedure, which leaves patients with very straight, very white teeth, has become increasingly popular on social media in 2023. Just search #turkeyteeth and hundreds of videos will appear of men and women documenting themselves travelling to Turkey to get the procedure done and sharing their teeth before and after.
Are crowns a good option for Turkish teeth?
However, crowns as the immediate recommendation offered by Turkey teeth purveyors have raised red flags for many dentists. London-based Bond Dental Clinic’s Dr. Surina Sehghal experienced this after consulting with a Turkish clinic over chat. She shared her experience and insights in a two-part TikTok post: