A father from Halifax who endured years of cruel bullying over his dental appearance has experienced a dramatic transformation after undergoing a £9,500 dental procedure in Turkey. Johnathon Pratt, 35, was routinely mocked with the nickname "horse mouth" and faced constant rejection in his personal life due to severe dental issues that caused him both physical pain and emotional distress.
Years of Pain and Rejection
Johnathon Pratt, a single full-time dad to two children, revealed that his dental problems had plagued him throughout his life. The issues were so severe that he sometimes couldn't eat for days because of agonising pain, which also affected his speech and prevented him from smiling. "Before I had surgery, my teeth used to depress me," Johnathon confessed. "I couldn't eat properly because I was in constant pain, which would affect my talking, and I would never smile or go anywhere."
The Emotional Toll of Bullying
The physical discomfort was compounded by relentless bullying and social rejection. Johnathon explained: "I have been bullied most of my life, called names, and missed out on opportunities. I've been called horse mouth for years. I was even told I could eat an apple through a tennis racket." This treatment extended to his dating life, with women telling him directly that his teeth were "awful" and they "wouldn't be seen dead" with him.
The Turkish Dental Solution
Faced with UK quotes approaching £35,000 for complete dental implants - a sum far beyond his financial means - Johnathon began researching alternatives. After a year of careful investigation, examining patient testimonials and comparing clinics, he discovered a Turkish clinic offering the same procedure for less than a third of the British price.
"Turkey for me was the only option," Johnathon stated. "I had looked at getting it done in the UK, and I was getting quotes well over £35,000. The total cost of my surgery in Turkey was just shy of £9,500. This was a massive factor in my decision to come to Turkey."
The Procedure Experience
In January this year, Johnathon travelled to Turkey where he underwent a complete dental transformation. The procedure involved extracting all his existing teeth and replacing them with implants - metal rods (typically titanium) placed into the jaw bone, with new teeth fitted after healing. Remarkably, the entire process took just 2 hours and 45 minutes.
"I can't even say it was painful, as they used a numbing spray before even administering injections," Johnathon reported. "The swelling was probably the most difficult part and lasted around five days. The whole procedure was fantastic."
A New Lease on Life
The transformation has been nothing short of life-changing for the Halifax father. "I love the way I look now," he expressed with evident emotion. "It feels better than winning the lottery. People look at me like a normal person, and it's amazing. I still look in the mirror and tear up."
Increased Confidence and Attention
Johnathon has noticed a significant increase in attention from women since his transformation, though he remains focused on raising his two children, Lawrence (11) and Luciana (9). "I am getting a lot more attention," he acknowledged, "however I am just happy with it being me and my kids for now."
Advice for Others Considering Similar Treatment
When asked what guidance he would offer to others contemplating similar dental procedures abroad, Johnathon's message was clear and encouraging. "The only advice I can really give is don't be scared," he revealed. "It will change your life for the better. I just wish I had known about this a long time ago."
His journey from being bullied as "horse mouth" to gaining new confidence through affordable dental treatment in Turkey serves as a powerful testament to how transformative medical tourism can be for those priced out of UK healthcare options.
