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Many people travel overseas for cosmetic dentistry, often attracted by the promise of a perfect smile at a lower price. While results can look good, patients can experience  many serious problems afterwards. It’s important to understand the risks before committing.

Common issues we see

Damaged healthy teeth – teeth are often drilled down unnecessarily for crowns. Once this is done, they can never be restored to their original state.

Nerve damage – around 1 in 5 crowned teeth will later need root canal treatment or become abscessed.

Too much treatment – a lot of patients expect to have just a few veneers but return with 20–28 crowns, which multiplies risk.

Zirconia crowns – these are very hard to remove if problems arise, making future treatment complicated and expensive.

Cleaning difficulties – teeth that are splinted or crowns that have a poor fit can trap plaque, leading to gum disease and tooth loss.

Bite problems – full-mouth crowns can cause a number of issues, including painful chewing, headaches, or jaw joint problems if not adjusted correctly.

Implants – if unfamiliar systems are used abroad, UK dentists may not be able to repair or restore them.

Limited follow-up – complex treatments almost always need adjustments and reviews. Returning to the country you had treatment in isn’t always practical.

Accountability – In the UK, dentists are regulated by the GDC and CQC, with clear complaints procedures. Overseas, protections may be limited.

The hidden costs

Correcting problems can be far more expensive than the original treatment. It’s not unusual for this remedial care to cost tens of thousands of pounds, as well as some damage being irreversible.

Our advice

• Ask exactly what treatment is being proposed
• Consider the long-term consequences, not just the short-term
• Remember: good dentistry aims to preserve natural teeth for life, not cut them down unnecessarily.

Your smile should last a lifetime. Please think carefully before seeking treatment abroad.