Protecting your smile: What to know about dental tourism

With dental tourism on the increase, the importance of selecting a safe destination to undergo treatment cannot be overstated. In this informative guide, Dr Sheraz Aleem, a renowned cosmetic dentist and founder of the highly esteemed TKC Dental Clinics, urges individuals to be cautious about the potential risks associated with allowing dentists shave and damage their teeth in veneer treatments.

What is dental tourism?

Dental tourism, travelling to undergo dental treatment, has gained immense popularity, drawing people seeking to improve their smile to various destinations including Turkey, Eastern Europe, and even London for dental procedures. My clinic, which is based in London, attracts between 30 and 40 per cent of patients from across the globe. However, there is great need for careful consideration when choosing a destination and practitioner to undergo your treatment.

Why do some dentists shave down teeth, even though it is a potentially harmful practice?

Personally, I advocate for awareness about alternative, non-invasive techniques that do not require any cutting of teeth. This is crucial as patients often find themselves unaware and uninformed about the available options during dental procedures.

There are significant downsides of teeth shaving, including potential long-term complications, such as root canals and tooth loss, as well as the expenses that patients may incur in resolving these problems. Conducting thorough research to ensure you are well informed about the wide range of safe and non-invasive dental procedures available is key. The high rate of post-procedure issues, particularly resulting from treatment from popular dental tourism destinations like Turkey, is very frustrating to see.

There are a number of reasons why some practitioners continue to perform procedures involving teeth shaving, including key factors like experience and ceramist limitations, as well as a quick turnaround of patients, low price points and pursuit of higher profits.

Quality dental treatment requires time and attention to detail in order to achieve natural-looking results, and unfortunately, this level of dedication may be compromised in high-demand, low-cost dental clinics.

How is the trend of dental tourism evolving?

Patients seeking quality dental treatment are becoming increasingly aware of the key risk factors, and therefore are seeking reputable clinics in destinations like London to undergo dental care. In my own practice, I provide non-cutting veneers, a procedure that involves zero cutting or shaving of the teeth, ensuring a reversible and damage-free outcome. As an experienced practitioner, it is easy to observe the stark contrast between the craftsmanship of a master ceramist, as seen in my clinic, and the machine-made, low-quality alternatives found in some dental tourism destinations.

I encourage my patients to appreciate the natural beauty of their smiles. For those wishing to undergo treatment, I believe a personalised approach to smile design is key. This takes time and meticulous planning so as to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency of your teeth going forward.

Dental procedures are a long-term investment in your wellbeing. While many people may find the low cost of treatment in other countries appealing, the longevity of high-quality veneers make them a worthwhile investment. For those wishing to improve the appearance of their smile, I strongly recommend seeking a consultation with a confident, experienced and recommended dentist who prioritises patient wellbeing over a mass-production approach.



Dr Aleem practises at two highly respected clinics in London, which he himself founded - TKC – The Knightsbridge Clinic and TKC – The Kensington Clinic.

To schedule a consultation with Dr Aleem, visit his Top Doctors profile today.