Cosmetic Dentistry Abroad: Understanding Your Options

There are many advantages to having cosmetic dentistry abroad if you are considering having elective dental work done to improve your appearance or your ability to enjoy foods and smile properly. Today there are several countries including Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain and some European countries, that offer exceptional dental procedures for a fraction of what you would pay in the United States. These countries can offer excellent service and results for less because they have a lower cost of living, lower staffing costs, and lower overhead for supplies and equipment. Many overseas dental practices are staffed by leading cosmetic dental specialists who are constantly updating their skills and who have studied in some of the finest universities in the world.

Health Insurance Companies and Cosmetic Dentistry Abroad

In the past, most health insurance providers rejected the idea of paying for cosmetic dentistry abroad, but this is rapidly changing. Some companies now actually prefer using overseas providers because they can offer their members outstanding care without being so expensive that it leads to higher premiums. In some instances, health insurance members can choose between local and international procedures, with cost savings passed on to members in the form of reduced premiums or other incentives.

If you're considering seeing a dentist or oral surgeon in another country, be sure you talk to your health insurance provider to found out how much of the procedure, if any, will be covered by your policy. If elective work isn't covered, you'll want to compare local costs vs. international costs to determine how much money you can save.

Popular Options for Cosmetic Dentistry Abroad

The most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry abroad are those procedures that would be prohibitively expensive if performed in the United States or Canada. These are usually extensive procedures involving several, if not all, of your teeth rather than a simple filling in just one tooth. You need to keep in mind that there are travel costs involved as well as the work itself, so be sure the travel is worth it. The most common types of work include implants, crowns and veneers.

Crowns are caps placed over your real teeth that are made of a strong, porcelain material resembling natural teeth. These are non-allergenic and can help protect and improve your gum line while restoring a healthy look to your teeth.

Implants are replacements for lost or damaged teeth. These are made from metal pegs implanted permanently into the jaw both with an artificial tooth capping it. In most cases, this is a two step procedure that will require a short stay in the country where the work is being performed.

Veneers are thin laminates of either porcelain or resin that are placed over existing teeth to give them a more uniform and attractive appearance.

What You Need To Know About The Procedures

Be sure you understand the extent of the work being performed and how many visits you will need to complete the process. You'll usually need some recovery time at a hotel near the clinic where you have the work done. Your dentist will also most likely want to schedule you for a follow-up appointment so that they can check to make sure there are no complications before sending you home. If you're having extensive work done, such as several implants, you may need two or more appointments spaced out over several days. Fortunately, most cosmetic dentistry abroad is performed in countries that are beautiful and relaxing, so your trip for dental work can also be a much deserved vacation.