Dentists note rise in repair jobs from shoddy overseas veneers

Dentists are noticing a rise in people presenting with shoddy, often unsalvageable dental work which they had done cheap overseas. It's known as the 'Hollywood Smile' treatment, and often involves all of a person's teeth being shaved down, and veneers fitted on top. Due to its popularity in Turkey, many on social media dub it 'Turkey teeth'. Auckland dentist Dr Saud Ibrahim calls it the 'Hellwood Smile'. At least five patients a month - and sometimes that many in a week - come to him for help, after complications arise from the poorly done work. Consultants are often involved with connecting tourists with dentists overseas, using heavy handed tactics including following potential patients to cafes and hotels. As the work is not done in New Zealand, it is difficult to gauge just how many people are affected. But as Dr Ibrahim tells Kathryn Ryan, he is growing tired of having to break the news to people that their smiles cannot be saved. Kathryn also speaks to one of his patients.