Considering veneers for a brighter, more confident smile? In recent years, travelling abroad for veneers has become a popular part of dental tourism, with many UK patients drawn in by the promise of low-cost treatments and quick smile makeovers. But is going abroad for cosmetic dental work really worth the risk?
In this article, we break down the key cost differences, clinical risks, and hidden pitfalls of getting veneers overseas, with Turkey being one of the most common destinations UK patients travel to.
Veneers abroad are often significantly cheaper than in the UK. Prices for porcelain veneers in some countries can start from the low hundreds per tooth, compared to UK prices, which can reach close to £2,000 per tooth, depending on the material used and the experience of the clinician.
The lower cost abroad is largely due to:
While this upfront saving is attractive, price alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor, especially for irreversible dental procedures like veneers, which involve removing part of the natural tooth structure.
Aggressive tooth preparation
There have been increasing reports in the UK media of patients returning from abroad with severe damage to their natural teeth. In some cases, teeth were filed down to stubs unnecessarily, leading to nerve exposure, chronic pain, and the need for root canal treatment or even extractions. In many cases, patients believe they are getting veneers when, in fact, they are receiving full-coverage crowns, which are more invasive and generally not reversible.
Lower quality materials
Some overseas clinics use cheaper composite materials rather than high-quality porcelain. While composite veneers can look good initially, they are more prone to staining, chipping, and early failure, meaning patients may end up spending more on replacements and repairs in the long run.
No aftercare once you’re home
Follow-up care is an important part of any cosmetic dental treatment. If something goes wrong after returning to the UK, such as discomfort, cracking, or infection, the overseas clinic may not be able to offer support, especially if travel is required or communication is limited.
NHS dental treatment is only available when there is a medical need, such as repairing a damaged tooth. Cosmetic procedures like veneers are not normally offered unless clinically necessary. Most UK dental insurance policies also exclude cosmetic treatments and do not cover procedures carried out abroad, meaning patients usually need to pay privately for any aftercare once they return home.
Varying standards and regulations
Not all countries follow the same clinical standards as the UK. For example, some clinics in Turkey and other popular destinations may lack appropriate hygiene protocols, safety measures, or fully qualified staff. This can result in inconsistent outcomes and puts your health at unnecessary risk.
UK patients have publicly shared their stories of dental tourism gone wrong. What started as an affordable smile makeover abroad ended in long-term dental problems, receding gums, nerve damage, and thousands of pounds in restorative treatment once back in the UK.
Before committing to cosmetic dental treatment abroad, consider the following questions:
It might be if:
It might not be if:
While some clinics advertise fixed outcomes, results vary between patients and depend on clinical assessment and aftercare. At Bond Dental, our cosmetic team has years of experience delivering trusted, natural-looking veneers with precision and care. We work closely with every patient to ensure the treatment plan is right for their smile and provides full access to aftercare.
If you’re considering veneers, book a consultation with Bond Dental today and take the first step towards a confident, healthy smile, delivered by a team you can trust.
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