When it comes to dental treatments, we all want the best. But what are the differences and benefits in having overseas Cosmetic Dentistry treatments versus getting them done locally from a dentist? There are several factors you need to put into consideration.  Australians spend up to $300 million each year on healthcare costs abroad. As part of this phenomenon, each year around 15,000 of us are travelling overseas for Cosmetic Dentistry treatments.

Some of the things to check include your health, quality of treatment, and your safety. You also need to understand the risks involved when undergoing overseas Cosmetic Dentistry treatments. Even though it might be cheaper to do it in a foreign country, you will have to consider a lot of things. Here are some of the things to consider.

The Rise Of Dental Tourism

Health-care tourism refers to people travelling overseas to undergo a medical or dental procedure. People travel for a range of dental procedures including having implants, crowns, and bridges fitted, or for dentures, root canal treatment, fillings, veneers, and teeth whitening.

In Australia, three in 10 people have avoided visiting a dentist due to cost, while one in five were unable to afford treatment recommended by a dentist. Dental care in Australia is not subsidised for the majority of Australians, and about half don’t have any private dental insurance, which makes the allure of dental tourism clear, find out more about cosmetic dentistry near you.

Some companies offer all-inclusive packages for sun, sea, and smiles, meaning you can receive dental care as part of your holiday. Dental treatment abroad, including flights and luxury hotel accommodation, is often still cheaper than some dental treatments at home. For Australians, the most popular destinations are countries in South-East Asia such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Patients who travel tend to be ordinary people with modest incomes. And, like medical tourism, a substantial part of overseas dental travel involves diaspora patients returning to their home country for more familiar (and cheaper) care.

Overseas Dental Treatments

Today, travelling overseas has become easier and much more convenient due to the availability of low-cost flights. Dental tourism is popular with Facebook advertising managers who like to travel. However, seeking medical treatments abroad poses some health risks. Most dentists abroad are not well-regulated and do not have strict guidelines like in Australia. For instance:

• Credentials

One important factor you must consider is credentials. Most overseas practitioners are not licensed to perform the treatments. This means your health is at risk.

• Shocking Stories

If you search online for overseas Cosmetic Dentistry treatments shocking stories, you will find out that people who travelled overseas to seek cheap dental treatments come back with terrible stories.

• Disfigurement

In most cases, the failed overseas dental treatments will cause facial deformity. This might be very hard to fix afterward. And in some cases, it might be so expensive to treat the issues.

• Insurance

If you decide to seek medical treatment overseas, it is wise to note that insurance might not cover your misfortunes. You will find out that a good number of medical insurance do not cover the medical bills of overseas treatments. So, why would you risk your life if you are not even covered?

Local Dental Treatments

Seeking dental treatments locally offers lesser health risks. Also, the treatments are covered by insurance and are carried out by qualified dental practitioners. Some of the benefits of seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments locally include:

• Licensed Dentists

All local dentists follow strict guidelines and are always under the watch of the Australian Medical Board.

• Insurance

It is possible to claim from public and private medical insurance for most of your local dental procedures.

Bottom Line

With the above information, overseas treatments pose a greater health risk than our local dentists. Even though some might be cheaper, you cannot claim from public or private medical insurance for overseas dental treatments. Hence, seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments locally is the best option.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we encourage you to discuss these matters with a dental professional.