A Welsh man, Matthew Bowen from Rhondda Cynon Taf, embarked on a dental journey to Turkey that resulted in what he describes as the worst mistake of his life. Having spent approximately £14,000 on dental work, travel expenses and accommodation, Bowen now finds himself facing the prospect of another costly dental procedure after his new teeth have left him lacking in confidence. The 35-year-old self-employed scaffolder explained how his dental issues began at the age of 19 following a jaw injury sustained during an incident at a Tesco supermarket in Aberdare. He shared that over the years, his teeth began deteriorating, prompting him to seek a solution for his smile.
In a bid to achieve what he believed would be his “perfect smile,” Bowen worked tirelessly, often putting in seven days a week, 12 hours a day. The crowns he desired were not available through the NHS, and private treatment in the UK would have amounted to £27,000. However, based on a recommendation from a Turkish friend, Bowen opted to undergo the procedure at the Aras Selcuk Advanced Dentistry clinic in Marmaris for a significantly lower cost of £7,800. Despite expectations, the aftermath of the surgery left Bowen in excruciating pain, confining him to bed for weeks. Following a challenging recovery period, Bowen returned to Turkey for further treatments, including the insertion of porcelain crowns.
However, Bowen’s ordeal persisted as he experienced issues with the crowns shortly after their placement, leading to subsequent operations and adjustments. Despite attempts to rectify the problems, Bowen found himself dissatisfied with the results, noting visible damage and gaps in his teeth that allowed saliva to seep through. His quest for a perfect smile has been marred by recurring dental complications and significant financial costs, with Bowen spending a total of £6,200 on travel and accommodation in addition to the initial clinic fees.
In his pursuit for corrective procedures, Bowen has faced challenges, claiming that no dentist in the UK is willing to treat him due to his previous experience in Turkey. Seeking advice from another Turkish dentist, Bowen anticipates another operation to salvage his dental implants, which could incur an additional cost of £4,000. Despite the setbacks and financial burden, Bowen remains resolute in his desire for a flawless smile. As he prepares for yet another dental procedure in Turkey, Bowen reflects on the toll his dental ordeal has taken on his well-being, expressing frustration over dietary restrictions and the emotional impact of his dental troubles.
Dr. Selcuk of the clinic in Marmaris responded to Bowen’s concerns, stating that the procedures were conducted in line with standard dental practices and offering insights into the care required for porcelain crowns. Despite the clinic’s assertion of serving numerous satisfied patients, Bowen’s experience highlights the challenges and complexities individuals may face when seeking dental treatment abroad. As Bowen continues to navigate his dental journey, his story serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the importance of thorough research, clear communication with healthcare providers, and awareness of potential risks associated with seeking medical procedures overseas.
In a bid to share his experience and stress the importance of due diligence when considering dental treatments abroad, Bowen’s account sheds light on the complexities and uncertainties individuals may encounter in pursuit of cosmetic enhancements. As he prepares for another round of dental work, Bowen’s journey serves as a reminder of the significant financial and emotional investments involved in seeking dental treatments, urging others to approach such decisions with caution and thorough consideration.