Unmasking the Dangers of Dental Tourism
With hashtags on Instagram like #dentaltourism showing up on over 187,000 posts on Instagram, it’s not hard to find an influx of white smile selfies and exotic destination profile pictures all over the internet.
With the promise of quality cosmetic dentistry and low prices, hundreds of thousands of people travel each year to foreign hotspots to have their teeth worked on - but at what cost?
The Dollars and Sense of it all
According to the American Dental Association, the average veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. When we contrast that with the average cost across Mexico at $450 per tooth, some would say it’s easy to see why people are compelled to travel for their dental care needs. But the hidden cost of all this is in the details.
Restorative dentistry like fillings, crowns, and dental implants aren’t a one stop shop and there’s a very good chance that you’re going to need to have them adjusted at some point. Not doing so can cause a number of chronic issues like:
· Chipped or cracked teeth
· Tension in jaw muscles
· Sore teeth
A Return Trip Ticket?
If any issues do arise with the work you have done, it’s not likely that you’re going to be able to hop the next flight to Mexico or Thailand for the necessary procedure. This often leaves local dentists having to fix work that was originally done with faulty parts or poor practices, including issues like residual cement used to bond dental crowns to teeth, which should be removed in procedures done correctly. The ensuing damage can range from a sore mouth to permanent gum damage. The process of getting a refund from poor dental work in a foreign country can also be extremely difficult and time consuming, making the appeal of a quick and easy fix far from quick or easy.
Trust the Names You Know
The dentists we see in our communities also live in our communities. Their work is a billboard for their services and they’re invested in our smiles. They’re our source for the best oral health possible, and when you consider the risks that come with seemingly enticing alternatives, they’re worth every penny.
Dental tourism’s inexpensive promises may seem attractive but when measured against the potential risks, it becomes clear that the safest and most cost-effective way to bolster your oral health is by booking an appointment to come and talk to the team at Elite Care Dental today so we can start your journey to that perfect smile.