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Treatment abroad

Controversies about so-called ‘Turkey teeth'

British Dental Journal volume 235, pages 804–805 (2023)Cite this article

Key points

  • This paper outlines some controversial and consent issues around elective dental destruction to achieve a rapid, particularly white, very even, dental smile appearance.

  • It questions the long-term wisdom of rapid tooth destruction to achieve this smile outcome, particularly when proven less destructive alternatives like bleaching and direct bonding could achieve ‘satisficing' results.

  • It introduces the term ‘satisficing' as meaning an approach that is sufficient to be satisfactory rather than one of ‘maximising' in dentistry.

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References

  1. Edelhoff D, Sorensen J A. Tooth structure removal associated with various preparation designs for anterior teeth. J Prosthet Dent 2002; 87: 503-509.

  2. Kelleher M. Porcelain pornography. Faculty Dent J 2011; 2: 134-141.

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Acknowledgements

No fowl of the Meleagris species was harmed in the preparation of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Specialist in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics and Consultant at King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom

    Martin Kelleher

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  1. Martin Kelleher
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Correspondence to Martin Kelleher.

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Cite this article

Kelleher, M. Controversies about so-called ‘Turkey teeth'. Br Dent J 235, 804–805 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-6562-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-6562-6

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