Irish dentists are increasingly reluctant to correct botched cosmetic work carried out overseas, the Irish Dental Association has warned. 

Tempted by lower prices, more and more people are heading overseas for dental treatment. 

Much of the treatments are now cosmetic in nature; the phrase ‘Turkey teeth’ is now commonly used to describe composite bonding - a practice which brightens up the whiteness of a person’s teeth.  

Out on the streets of Dublin, reporter Josh Crosbie found many people who were thinking of heading abroad for treatment. 

“I’d love to get it done,” one man told him. 

“[I’ve] a few chips here and there, I’d like to get sorted but I can’t afford it. 

“I’d love to get them perfect.” 

A woman undergoing a dental procedure. Picture by: Igor Kardasov / Alamy Stock Photo

Another woman said she was hoping to make the trip soon. 

“Full teeth, composite bond, it would be lovely,” she said. 

When asked why she wanted the treatment, she replied simply, “To look fabulous.” 

“Turkey teeth all the way,” she added. 

It is an enthusiasm that comes as no surprise to Irish Dental Association President Dr Rory Boyd. 

“In the cosmetic realm, we’ve definitely seen an increase in composite bonding,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“Especially due to a lot of social media coverage probably, along with some reality TV shows, has made that a very popular cosmetic treatment. 

“Along with some dental tourism, we would see a lot more ceramic work and crown and veneer restorations.”

A young woman at the dentist. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

However, reviews are often mixed, with many people turning to ask Irish dentists for urgent corrective work. 

It is something that Dr Boyd said many of them find “difficult” to carry out. 

“Oftentimes, there’d be a hesitancy to treat because we don’t know what materials [were used],” he said. 

“Or if there’s implants involved, what the type of implants are.” 

For anyone considering getting dental treatment, Dr Boyd’s advice is the same whoever the patient is. 

“When you’re embarking on any cosmetic treatment, whether at home or abroad, the top tip is do your research into the clinician that you’re choosing to use,” he said. 

“Really do your research into their background and their qualifications to make sure that they align with the treatments that you’re looking for.” 

The HSE advises adults to go for a dental checkup at least once a year.

Main image: A dentist examining a patient. Picture by: JOHN KELLERMAN / Alamy Stock Photo.