A Liverpool mother says she was left with severe dental problems after undergoing cosmetic treatment at a dental clinic in Dubai she found on social media.
Jade Morgan, 36, travelled to the UAE in March 2025 to replace her old composite veneers with porcelain ones. The mother of three said she chose the clinic because the price — £2,800 excluding flights and accommodation — was significantly lower than similar treatment in the UK.
However, she described the four-day process as a “nightmare” that left her with bite problems, bleeding gums and a snapped front tooth.
Morgan said she had previously undergone veneer treatment in the UK seven years earlier and expected a similar staged approach. Instead, she said she was rushed through the procedure.
“Initially, I didn’t even see the dentist I had booked with,” she said. “An assistant removed my existing composites and took impressions. I only met the dentist on the final day when the veneers were ready to be fitted.”
In the UK, she said, patients are typically given temporary veneers to assess the size and shape before permanent fitting. In Dubai, she did not see the final result until the veneers were cemented in place.
“As soon as I sat up, I knew they weren’t right,” she said. “I didn’t like the colour, and I immediately said my bite didn’t feel right.”
She was referred to another clinician, who spent nearly two hours adjusting her teeth in an attempt to correct her bite. Although she still felt discomfort, she was advised to “let it settle” and flew home the next day.
Two weeks later, Morgan said she woke to find one of her front teeth had snapped in half. She also began experiencing bleeding gums, which she had not previously suffered.
“It was awful. I had sleepless nights and constant worry,” she said. “Even if the clinic offered to fix it for free, I’d still have to pay for flights and a hotel. That’s thousands more on top of what I’d already spent.”
Seeking help closer to home, Morgan contacted her previous Liverpool dentist, who repaired the broken tooth and developed a plan to replace all of the veneers.
Robbie Hughes, owner of Dental Excellence in Liverpool, warned that overseas cosmetic procedures can carry hidden costs.
“Patients might think they are saving money,” he said. “But once you factor in travel, accommodation and the risk of corrective treatment back home, it can cost far more — financially and in potential damage to natural teeth.”
He added that proper planning, staged treatment and accessible aftercare are essential, and said cost comparisons can be misleading.
Morgan said her earlier UK treatment had been “life-changing” and stressed the value of having a local provider available if complications arise.
She is now urging others to research clinics thoroughly before travelling abroad for cosmetic dental work.
“Do your research and understand the process,” she said. “Ask yourself if you’re prepared to travel back if something goes wrong. You only get one set of teeth.”