Dental tourism is a practice that is rapidly gaining popularity in European society due to the low price of dental care in some countries. There are other countries with very low prices that can allow you to save money on complex treatments such as dental implants by enjoying a few days away from home.
In this article we would like to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of practicing dental tourism in Europe, as well as the best destinations to receive dental care abroad. In addition, we have some tips to keep in mind if you are considering traveling to another country for dental treatment.
Is it a good idea to buy dental implants abroad?
Traveling to another country is a good option to get cheap and good quality dental implants, some countries like Poland, Thailand, Turkey and Hungary offer prices up to 40% Colombia is another country that stands out for dental tourism as you can save up to 70% on dental care. The benefit is particularly noticeable if you need many treatments or more than one implant, traveling to these countries will save you a significant amount of money.
Why is it cheaper?
It is common for people to associate low prices with low quality, however, this is not the case with dental tourism. In fact, it is quite the opposite as countries where the dental tourism industry is well established are governed by rigorous quality standards and many of the clinics abroad have international certifications.
Low prices in these countries are directly related to the cost of living (housing prices, services, etc.) as this allows dentists to offer their services at lower prices while maintaining a good percentage of income. Some clinics offer extra services such as spa, 4-star accommodation and transportation for their patients, so that they can live a real tourist experience while receiving the necessary dental care.
Quality care
The clinics and staff are known for providing quality care, friendliness and efficiency, in fact it is quite common for Americans to express their surprise at having received better care than they receive in their home countries and many of them say that the overall experience was most pleasant. Some dental tourism agencies offer cosmetic dentistry packages that include transportation from the airport to the hotel, lodging and access to recreational areas. This saves you from having to coordinate everything yourself and makes the process more enjoyable. This is especially useful for people who feel anxious about visiting the dentist, as it allows them to relax before and after treatment.
Cheap dental treatment abroad
Since Social Security does not cover any type of cosmetic treatment, people have to go to expensive private dental offices, so it is more common for those traveling to other countries to seek cosmetic dentistry treatments. Some of the most requested treatments in the dental tourism industry are:
- Dental implants.
- Dental veneers.
- Bridges.
- Porcelain, zirconium or gold crowns.
- Tooth whitening.
- Fillings, extractions and root canals.
It doesn’t make much sense to travel just for whitening or extraction, but it’s worth it if you need more than one treatment. A dental implant in Poland, for example, can cost up to $600 less than in the US. If you need more than one implant, you can save several hundred dollars.
How can dental tourism be practiced?
There are two ways to opt for dental care abroad, you can coordinate everything directly with the clinic of your choice or you can contact a medical travel agency.
Generally, agencies offer a wide variety of partner clinics from which you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Keep in mind that the agency will charge you a percentage and therefore represents an extra cost.
Some dental clinics, as well as agencies, offer tour packages that include accommodation and transportation from the airport to the clinic. In this way, they ensure a simpler and more pleasant experience for patients. While it is possible to find cheaper accommodation if you book on your own, it is worth paying a small supplement if you want to make your dental tourism experience more enjoyable.
Before booking
Whether you choose to plan your trip yourself or through a dental tourism agency, we recommend that you research the company, clinic and dentist responsible for your treatment. If possible, find out what qualifications the dentist has and check with the body that issued that qualification. The country you are visiting will have its own regulatory bodies dealing with dentistry and it is worth investigating these so that you can verify whether the dentist you have chosen is practicing legitimately.
Internet forums and online review sites are good places to get honest opinions from people who have already undergone this type of treatment abroad. Clinics often display some reviews, but it is difficult to know if they are 100% unbiased. Try to find reviews from people who share their experience in an unbiased manner.
Get a quote
Clinics abroad generally require a dental check-up to assess the current state of your oral health prior to travel. While this in no way replaces the consultation, it gives the clinic enough information to allow them to provide an estimated cost of the treatment you need. Panoramic dental views are essential in dental implant treatment planning, as they allow visualization of the entire dentition and the position of each tooth and its root.
You will also receive a face-to-face consultation and a proper intraoral examination with a dentist at the clinic who will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and the exact cost of the treatment you need. How to pay for your treatment
While you can save hundreds of dollars by taking dental tourism, you may still need some financial assistance to pay for your treatment. When dealing with a dentist abroad, your main options will be a credit card or a loan to cover dental care. Both methods involve borrowing money and repaying the debt in installments over time. Some clinics offer their own payment plans.
What are the best places for dental tourism?
Most people look for the cheapest country for dental tourism, among the places preferred by patients are:
- Colombia barranquilla
- Budapest, Hungary.
- Warsaw and Krakow – Poland. Bucharest, Romania.
- Sofia, Bulgaria. Istanbul, Turkey.
- Phuket, Thailand. San Jose Costa Rica.
- Mexico City, Mexico.
Keep in mind that in addition to the price of dental care you should also consider the following extra expenses:
- Cost of the first consultation.
- Flights. Lodging.
- Duration of treatment.
- Health insurance.
Clinics usually offer a free initial consultation and often reimburse airline tickets if the cost of treatment exceeds a certain amount of money. In addition, the clinic will most likely offer you preferential rates on accommodation rates at nearby hotels.
But you should not focus solely on price when deciding which country you want to visit. We’ll talk about the risks of traveling abroad for dental treatment and other things you should consider before you travel later.
Cheap dental veneers in Colombia
Another popular treatment in the dental tourism industry is dental veneers. Veneers consist of an ultra-thin layer that covers the surface of your teeth, changing their shape and color to make them more aesthetic. You will need an initial consultation where the dentist will study the anatomy of your teeth and then start fabricating the veneers. Latin America is one of the best destinations, dental veneers in Colombia have an excellent quality. Some clinics with modern equipment can fabricate veneers immediately while you wait in the office.
If you need dental care that is a large expenditure of money and you are looking for ways to reduce costs, you should definitely consider dental tourism. There are many countries in Europe, Asia and America that offer high quality standards at much cheaper prices. When it comes to cheap dental implants, the best options are, for example, in Hungary, Thailand, Poland and Turkey.
Keep in mind that there are some drawbacks to receiving dental treatment abroad, so dental tourism is not for everyone. We suggest you to go deeper into the subject, ask for opinions from people who have already practiced dental tourism, etc., so that you know what to expect and make the most suitable decision for you.