A viral trend or a dental disaster?

Representative image. AFP

‘Rooster teeth’ is a recent viral trend that is picking up steam on social media. It got all the attention when the hashtag #TurkeyTeeth touched 130 million views on TikTok. It has been referred to as a trend in which people travel to Turkey for dental procedures at discounted prices. Most people who are traveling are visiting the country for the purpose of beautifying their teeth or placing veneers. The trend has been made famous by social media influencers such as Katie Price and Jack Fincham. While it seems like a great way to get white teeth and a perfect smile at a fraction of the cost, many people complain of complications after the procedure.

The reason #TurkeyTeeth is in the news

BBC news surveyed 1,000 UK dentists, of whom 597 said they had treated patients who had experienced complications after visiting Turkey for dental work. Most patients flew to Turkey thinking they were getting braces and only a small part, like half a millimeter, was shaved off the front tooth. But often, they get crowns, which requires shaving the teeth down to tiny pins, or ‘shark teeth’ as ​​social media influencers call them.

What are rooster teeth?

‘Rooster teeth’ is a neologism to describe the pearly white teeth with a nice square shape that millennials in particular want to get. It is a dental implant procedure that involves filing the natural tooth down to an abutment and fitting customizable crowns and veneers. Getting Turkish teeth has become increasingly popular in the UK, thanks in part to its popularity on TikTok.

Advantages of the procedure:

• The procedure allows patients to choose the shape, size and color of the caps they wish to wear.
• The procedure is relatively inexpensive compared to other dental implant procedures.
• Suitable for people over 75 years old who have few teeth left.

The downside of the procedure:

Well, the disadvantages of the process outweigh the advantages and include

• It looks fake and not real
• Serious complications as 60-70% of teeth are loosening
• Nerve damage, nerve sensitivity
• Excruciating pain, swelling, redness
• Difficulty chewing food
• Loss of weight due to lack of appetite resulting from toothache
• The pain can culminate in an infection, abscess and pulpitis
• Long-term treatment options include dental implants or dentures
• A root canal must be done to fix this problem which can add costs later
• In addition to these complications, veneers or crowns are temporary and must be replaced every 5-15 years, which can be very expensive.

Before getting veneers or crowns, you need to do a lot of research. One should follow this rule irrespective of the country/state where they are having their dental treatment. Before having a dental procedure, it is always essential to make sure that veneers, implants or crowns are in good condition. Care must be taken to prevent any infection. Here are some things you should always keep in mind:

• Ask the dentist to demonstrate how to clean new dental veneers/crowns/implants with floss, small brushes, floss, and other essential products.
• Make regular appointments twice a year or every three months to see a dental hygienist/therapist who can clean hard-to-reach areas
• Preserving and maintaining veneers/crowns is essential for cosmetic work to last
• Be sure to discuss all options and take time to think them through. Our teeth should last us until the age of 99, and once a tooth is shaved, it cannot be undone.

There are many other options that are available that can help keep your teeth healthier, perfectly straight and sparkling white. It is advisable not to give in to fashion and to look at a long-term perspective. Additionally, you should consult with an experienced dentist before opting for any cosmetic dental procedure.

The author is the founder and chairman, MyDentalPlan. Views are personal.

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