The Hidden Price of a Perfect Smile

By Meabh Owens, Ebrington Dental

With dental tourism on the rise, more and more patients are travelling abroad for quicker and cheaper dental work. It can be tempting — glossy social media posts show instant smile transformations, often paired with luxury getaways. But what these images don’t show is the hidden cost: the long-term damage caused when treatments are rushed or done without proper care.

As a dentist, I’ve seen the incredible confidence boost that comes with a beautiful, healthy smile. But I’ve also seen the heartbreaking consequences when things go wrong. The goal of any dental work should never just be about achieving a perfect look — it must also protect your overall health. Quick fixes often involve aggressive, irreversible procedures that can result in ongoing pain, limited options, and costly corrective work down the line.

The Most Common Issue: Over-Preparation

One of the most troubling trends I see from patients returning from dental work abroad is the aggressive removal of healthy tooth structure. Teeth are filed down too much, exposing nerves or causing long-term damage. I’ve seen cases where multiple damaged teeth are fused together, making it almost impossible to diagnose or fix the original problem.

In many of these cases, by the time the patient returns, the only option left is to save what we can.

What’s Really at Stake?

At home, we build smiles on a strong foundation: addressing decay, gum disease, jaw alignment, and bite. These aren’t just cosmetic concerns — they’re essential for your long-term oral health. Overseas treatment often skips these steps, opting instead for fast results. That can leave patients misinformed, over-treated, and needing correction far sooner than expected.

I’ve seen it all too often: rows of zirconia crowns placed on heavily filed teeth to create a uniform white smile. In over 20 years of practice, I’ve never needed to take that approach. There are safer, more sustainable ways to achieve a beautiful result.

There Are Alternatives

This isn’t about criticism — it’s about helping patients make informed choices. Often, much simpler and less invasive treatments like whitening, composite bonding, or clear aligners can give stunning results without harming your natural teeth.

Before you consider going abroad for treatment, take a moment to ask questions. See a local, trusted dentist. Get a second opinion. Understand the why behind the treatment and what’s truly in your best interest.

Because if something looks too good to be true, especially when it comes to your teeth — it usually is.

📍 Ebrington Dental
Building No. 4, Ebrington Square, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6FR
📧 smile@ebringtondental.com
📞 028 7136 1940
🌐 www.ebringtondental.com