Hungary is a popular destination of dental tourists

What is dental tourism? Dental tourism basically just means travelling off to another country to seek more affordable dental care, surgery and treatment. This is very commonly practiced by Britons, Americans, European and Canadians who would like to find more ways to save on dental treatments which are otherwise very expensive in their home countries.

There are no exact statistics on dental tourism today, but it is estimated that more than a million people from all parts of the world travel to get affordable dental treatment. This applies for dental treatment such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, crowns, root canals, and even less complicated procedures like tooth extraction. Countries like Hungary (which is today’s top location for dental surgery), Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Panama, South Africa and India market affordable, yet high-quality world class dental services to those who seek them.

The popularity of the concept of seeking dental surgery abroad stems from the fact that there are over a hundred million American adults, and about 25 million kids do not have dental insurance, or underinsured to cover dental treatment. These people will need to pay thousands of dollars for the simplest dental treatment procedures. Furthermore, even the insured who have dental coverage will find that the insurance does not cover for dental cosmetic procedures or dental implants, which are needed by many individuals.

The same goes for Britain where there are about 35,000 people who seek more affordable dental treatment in other countries. In Britain, there is a shortage of dental professionals willing to offer reasonable dental services, adding to the frustration of Britons. Who would resist gaining back that beautiful smile without having to spend as much, yet still get the chance to travel to another beautiful country? Dental tourism is indeed an offer that is quite difficult to resist.

With the popularity of dental tourism, more and more dental clinics abroad have concentrated their efforts on getting foreigners to avail of their services. This has resulted to even better deals for the dental tourist. In fact, many dental centers abroad now do not only offer dental treatment, but travel and accommodation assistance as well. It should not be difficult, for example, to look for a dental center in Budapest that would help you get a big discount off your air ticket and accommodation cost. There are even treatment packages which combine the treatment with travel, accommodation and even local tours which are very hard to resist.

Bear in mind that when travelling to another country for dental surgery, you will need to plan ahead of time. Depending on the type of treatment you need, you will have to stay for at least two days to up to a week in your country of choice. Post-treatment care is also very important so if you don’t intend to fly back after your dental surgery abroad, make sure there is some after care arrangement provided in your home country.

You have to be aware of the risks and benefits before getting plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery seems to be frowned upon these days, with the image of dissatisfied Hollywood actresses and models wanting to exude the perfect face and body. Top this with plastic surgery horror stories; the real story behind plastic surgery seems overlooked.

Ideally, it is great to live in a world where everyone is accepted for who they are and for what they have. However, we live in the real world where society favors the more beautiful, and where society dictates the standards of beauty. Today, being different can be undeniably difficult. Hence, many people are forced to resort to plastic surgery to be accepted. But plastic surgery isn’t all about the negative vibes. It actually brings about great consequences.

Plastic surgery involves altering of certain body parts and features for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. Plastic surgery brings back balance and proportion in the body, and improves the general appearance. Generally, plastic surgery improves how you look. This improvement in appearance has tremendous effects both emotionally and mentally. Looking better means feeling better about yourself, and this can radiate to all areas in your life. You become more confident, more friendly, and you have much better edge to success in your career and personal life.

You need to know all the details of the procedure and the risks involved. There are many great websites to help you with lots of detailed information about the various types of procedures, for example you can find here a great resource with frequently asked questions about breast enlargement UK, but don’t forget that one of the most important steps before starting a cosmetic surgery procedure is to meet and consult an experienced surgeon.

With all the benefits of plastic surgery, one question remains to be answered: should you get a plastic surgery? Here are some guide questions that can help you make the right decision:

• Are you physically healthy and in good overall health? Are you free from conditions such as diabetes or heart problems that might cause complications in any type of surgery?
• Are you financially prepared to face the expensive cost of having a plastic surgery? Will you be able to spend without endangering you or your family’s financial stability?
• Have you found a good surgeon that has enough experience on the type of cosmetic surgery you want done? Is this surgeon legitimate?
• Are you aware that as in all surgical procedures, plastic surgery involves some risks? Risks can range from scarring and can worsen to include fatalities. Do you accept that these risks might be possible?
• Are you ready to face the social consequences of having a cosmetic plastic surgery? Note that some people are not very open to aesthetic surgical procedures, and that some people despise it to be unethical.
• Have you understood fully the procedure that you want to get? Are there no unclear areas that you are uncertain about? Are you aware of pre- and post-surgical treatment care involved, and willing to go through them strictly?
• Can you take some time off (from work, etc.) to allow recovery and healing after the surgery? It usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the surgery done.

Try to answer these questions and think about them. If you can answer them all with a sincere yes, go get yourself a plastic surgery and enjoy a better, more beautiful you, and all that results from it.

Dental Treatment Abroad

If you are thinking about having a dental surgery abroad, there are a few important things for you to consider. First and foremost, take note that every dental surgery, even just mere tooth extraction, has some risks – something might go wrong. There are more risks involved with more complicated dental surgeries, more so with procedures done abroad. Even in countries where there are strong medical regulations, there are still some cases of incompetent dental centers and inexperienced dentists botching surgeries.

This does not, in any way, mean that dental surgeries abroad are dangerous. The danger involved when having one abroad is just the same in magnitude as when you have it in your country, or anywhere else. But there are ways that you can set the risk to a minimum, and here are some of them:

Trust the word of mouth. Recommendations, assuming they are impartial and unbiased, can be very important. Ask people you know who have already tried dental surgery abroad, or people who know people. You can also check online forums and ask people about their experiences. Do not get yourself fooled only by some smart advertising. Make sure you do your research well before choosing a dental care center.

Never settle with a dental surgery or surgeon just because it is affordable. The price should never be the sole deciding factor when looking for a dental treatment option. Use your common sense: if something looks a lot cheaper than they should be, start looking for another option. Also, make sure you check the price inclusions – you do not want to be met with unpleasant surprises along the way!

Make sure to deal only with a dental surgeon and staff that can speak good English. They should have at least a good translator that can help explain the entire procedure. Remember that dental surgery involves the same amount of risk that other surgeries have, so make sure you are well-informed and the surgeon can answer all issues and questions.

Make sure you see your surgeon before agreeing to an actual dental surgery. Many dental centers abroad arrange face-to-face consultations before the surgery is arranged. This set-up is ideal as it allows you to develop trust and ensures that your surgeon is well aware of the exact kind of treatment you need.

Do a background check on your prospective surgeon. Your dental surgeon should have the right credentials and should be duly qualified to perform the dental surgery you need. They should be more than willing to provide this information with you, to gain your trust and your peace of mind.

Check the kind of post-operative care available for you. Since you will have your dental surgery abroad, post-operative care becomes more significant. Note that most dental surgery, especially the more complicated ones, will require some future check-ups. Also, should you experience complications when you get back to your home country, it can be quite impractical to get back there for consultation. Check whether they have after-care treatment available in your home country. Also, check whether any post-operation that will be done should there be complications will be free of charge.

The Chain Bridge in Budapest

Dental treatment abroad can be scary at times. This is something new and uncertain but this is not unheard of. In many cases, most people prefer flying out abroad for their smile makeovers. Here are the top six reasons why it is better to have a smile makeover in another place rather than yours.

• The price. There are actually cities that can offer you dental services that costs about 40 per cent lower. This is why most people fly in to get their dental needs. For example, Budapest in Hungary has many tourists that visit for the purpose of dental services. Since a smile makeover is composed of a series of procedures, you would be able to save much from having these done cheaper. In some cases, since you would be having the series done, some clinics can throw in more discounts.
• The place. Smile makeovers should be able to give you something to smile about. If you would be staying at the same place while having the makeover, yes, you would have a nicer smile but have the same old things to smile about. If you are in a new place, you would be able to see new things, meet new people and have more reasons to smile about. Some cities also have lower cost of living that can make you stay longer. Even if the cities are tourist spots, there are still places where you would have the best value for your money.
• The novelty. A new place also brings in more experiences. Since you would be experiencing a new life after your surgery, why not start it from a new point of view. Thus, if you are in a new place, you would less likely to be bored and pout even with a great smile.
• The ambience. There are actually cities that can make you feel at home while still being able to experience the strange ambience. Thus, if you would feel a new ambience, you can adjust more fully with the changes that are about to take place. Some cities are also equipped with recovery enhancing features like in Budapest where there are thermal baths that can relax you and make your recovery faster.
• The people. The cities with these dental clinics also have English-speaking personnel so communication may not be a problem. Aside from the people in the clinic, you would also likely to meet locals and fellow tourist that will add to your directory of friends. At the same time, these friends would make your dental treatment abroad more enjoyable.
• The secret. Having your smile makeover in other places makes it a big secret to everyone back home. You would be able to surprise your family, friends, co-workers with a brand new smile.

Flying out for your smile makeover would not only renew your spirit because of the new places but also your own self-confidence when you return. When you would be faced with the same people and familiar faces, you carry with you a more confident smile to shine on everyone.

A dental surgeon in a Budapest surgery.

So you have finally decided that getting a dental implant abroad is the most practical choice. The next problem would be: how to find a good implant dentist abroad. Finding a good dentist abroad is much more difficult than choosing a local dentist. However, with the help of the Internet and recommendations from friends, there is no reason not to find the perfect dentist that could perform a dental implant on you. Here are the five most important tips in finding a good dental implant dentist abroad:

Only deal with a dentist that speaks your language!

It is absolutely important that everyone involved in the dental treatment should speak good English. A dental implant is a delicate procedure so proper communication between you and the dentist is an absolute must! Communication with the dental surgeon has to be very specific: you need to negotiate closely in terms of the treatment you need and the best course of treatment that best suits your needs. Any miscommunication, especially due to language, can lead to serious problems in the treatment procedure, and in your wallet!

Look for a dental implant center that can provide you with a guarantee.

With the increasing number of dental implant dentists abroad, many dentists now offer guarantees. It is important that you check and fully understand all the terms and conditions involved in the dental treatment. Be very wary about websites that do not clearly state their conditions. (e.g.: Smokers often receive reduced or no guarantee on implants.) Guarantees for dental implants are usually at least 5 years, but for premium dental implant brands you can get 10+ years of guarantee. Make sure that the clinic you choose can provide you with a similar guarantee. Most well-established dental implant centers provide good guarantee conditions.

Make sure to check the facilities and equipment.

As you might think, the bigger the clinic, the better. However this rule does not always apply, most small dental surgeries are highly specialized in offering complex dental implant treatments (including bone grafting, sinus lift, sedation, etc.). Make sure that the clinic is spotless clean and well-equipped. Added facilities such as a wide waiting area and free Internet access is always a plus, as it means that the clinic is willing to invest ito provide better services. Dental implant centers abroad usually post photos of their equipment and facilities; some even provide 3D virtual tours and so on, so make sure you check them out before choosing.

Check that the dental implant surgeon is duly licensed.

Check out the qualifications of the dentist. They should have some form of specialization or post-graduate training in dental implants. Feel free to ask about specializations; reliable dentists should willingly provide these for your reference. If you are located in the UK, you can search the GDC registers. Although it’ll only show you if a dentist is registered in the UK, there are many dentists abroad who found it important to get registered as they are treating so many British patients. Sometimes they are holding consultations in London, in that case a GDC licence is a must. Your best bet is to choose a GDC registered dentist, even if you are planning to go abroad for dental work.

Dr. Halász and Dr. Bátorfi on a conference. Both of them treat UK and Irish patients.

Believe in the saying: experience is king

Even if the qualifications say it all and the price is the best ever in the market, these are not enough to assure a safe and cost-effective dental implant. A good dental implant surgeon should have already been in the implant industry for at least 5 years to have an acceptable level of experience. Ask more information about the dental surgeon’s experience. If you are in doubt, you can even ask for some reference contact numbers of people in your area that they have already treated. A good dental implant surgeon abroad will even volunteer these information and more.

More articles on getting dental implants abroad:

• Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Surgery in Budapest
• A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Budapest

The Szechenyi Bath and Spa in Budapest

Why should I go to Budapest for dental surgery?
The primary reason why people go abroad for dental surgery is to have access to world-class dental care at much lower cost. Hungary is known today as the dental capital of Europe, for the right reasons. Deciding to go to Budapest for dental surgery is a wise decision. Hungarian dentists are known for their high international standards.

How much does dental surgery in Budapest cost?
The cost of dental procedure in Budapest will vary according to the complexity needed in the treatment. However, in general, you can expect to pay at least 40% to up to 70% less than what you would pay if you were in the UK, US or Ireland. On top of these savings, you can enjoy the many wonderful sites of Hungary‘s capital and enjoy a well-deserved break in their thermal hotels.

You can ask the dental clinic you would like to get dental surgery with for an exact estimate of how much the procedure you need will cost. If you need multiple dental implants, the savings will most likely be well over a thousand pounds or dollars.  If you happen to be looking for a full set of dental implants with bone grafting or sinus lift, you’ll save a fortune by traveling to Budapest instead of visiting a private dentist in the UK.

Who can go to Budapest for dental surgery?
Anyone who needs dental procedure can go to Budapest to have dental surgery. Thousands of foreigners yearly visit the capital to seek dental treatment. Make sure you contact several clinics before making such an important decision. Our previous post could help you with that.

Dental Implant Center in Budapest

How can I get to Budapest?
Hungary is part of the European Union, so there are a number of low-budget air lines that you can ride at a much cheaper price. Direct flights to Budapest are available.

Where can I stay in Budapest during the course of the treatment?
Accommodations in Budapest is never a problem. You can easily arrange your own accommodation, and you have a range of options to choose from to fit all preferences and budget. For budget conscious patients, a more practical choice would be to live in apartments or apartment hotels fully equipped with kitchen and refrigerator. Many Budapest dental centers help arrange accommodation, and even offer free airport to hotel or apartment transfers.

How long will you need to stay in Hungary?
The number of days you have to stay in Hungary will depend on the type of dental treatment you need. If you need dental implants for example, this procedure will require at least two different week-long visits about 3-6 months apart. It could last to up to two weeks for more complicated procedures.

Implant Surgery in Hungary

Should I worry about sterilization, hygiene and dental facilities in Budapest?
Dental surgery centers in Hungary use world-class facilities, sterilization technology and dental techniques, with clinics as spotless as can be. If you are worried, you can do your own research beforehand to find the best dental facility in Hungary you can find.

Do they speak English in Budapest?
Hungarians speak their own language, but most dental clinics catering to foreign market can speak fluent English and German. To be sure, check with your prospect dental center before dealing with them.

Can I meet the dentists before going to Hungary?
Some Budapest dental clinics might arrange a consultation in your area to make sure the patient can be examined carefully to determine the proper treatment plan. They either have contact points in your area or the dentists actually travel to meet with their future patients. Those surgeries that are treating dental tourists on a daily basis usually offer consultation in London. If you are from the UK, your best bet is to select such a dental surgery, as aftercare treatments can be done in London.

Still looking for more information?
Here are a few interesting articles about dental tourism:

• Take a bite out of Budapest – telegraph.co.uk
• Dental work too expensive? Go overseas – San Francisco Chronicle
• Heading abroad to see the dentist – thisismoney.co.uk

The Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery

Rhinoplasty or "nose job" - aesthetically enhancing the nose

Cosmetic surgery produces for you a healthier look that will permeate your entire lifestyle. Breast reduction and liposuction procedures generally make one feel more comfortable with their bodies, and allows those who have them to finally be able to participate in physical activities that were not possible before, such as swimming or aerobics.

Whether you want to have surgery on your face, breasts, hips or thighs, a cosmetic procedure will strive to sculpt your body in a way that looks very natural, and with your body more balanced and proportional. Facial cosmetic procedures such as facial implants, face lifts, chemical peels, Botox injections aim to restore a more youthful looks to replenish vitality.

The benefits of cosmetic plastic surgery are quite amazing both physically and emotionally. You will feel younger, more beautiful, and you will feel a lot better about yourself. This boost in self-esteem can allow you to be more outgoing, confident and friendly. This positive self-image can even improve your chances of getting a better job and advancing your career. All in all, your quality of life will significantly be improved with cosmetic procedures.

The Risks Involved

Cosmetic plastic surgery, just like any other surgical procedure, involves some risk. Complications caused by this procedure are rare, but they can occur if you are not careful. Complications, if any, can range from minor scarring to as worse as fatalities. Modern procedures performed by reliable surgeons have diminished risks, but are still not ideal for those with certain conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems. Also, choosing a good, experienced surgeon can increase your chances of a successful surgery.

Another very important thing about plastic surgery is that it is costly. It can be considered a financial risk, especially if you are not prepared to spend thousands of dollars. Facelifts can cause from $5,000 to up to $15,000. Reconstructive plastic surgery is covered by health insurance, but cosmetic procedures would require you to spend with your own money.

Note also that everyone is different. What works safely for one may not work safely in another, even if they are performed by the same surgeon. This means that you need to carefully choose not only the surgeon, but the procedure as well. Make sure to do your research and understand the procedure fully; clear out questions or doubts with your surgeon before proceeding with the surgery.

Also, note that it can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months before you fully recover from plastic surgery. You will need to allot time for the healing and recovery process so you can achieve the best results.

Is cosmetic surgery worth it?

With all the benefits cosmetic surgery provides, the better quality of life it promises, and the fact that risks can be diminished by making the right choices, cosmetic plastic surgery is undoubtedly worth it. Of course, in the end, it is a decision you have to make on your own.

A refrective error of the eye: astigmatism. It causes blurred vision.

Laser eye surgery has fast become more popular nowadays, as technology has made them better than ever. If you have vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, getting a permanent cure through eye surgery is always an option.

However, as attractive as the idea of having your perfect vision back might be, it is very important to understand eye surgery before jumping right into the bandwagon.

Visit your optometrist!

First, you have to know what eye surgery involves. No one can explain the procedure better than your optometrist. When you consult with your eye surgeon, they will explain what needs to be done to solve your vision problems. They can also suggest treatment options based on the vision problem, your health condition, age, your preferences, and a few other factors.

This step is most crucial as this is where the success of the surgery might lie. However, if you are at least 18-years old, in good overall health, and you have no pre-existing conditions to worry about, the eye doctor should easily recommend a generally convenient procedure.

Preparing for eye surgery? Wear glasses instead of contact lenses for a few days.

As soon as you have decided on a procedure, the surgeon will usually suggest some pre-operative care, such as wearing spectacles instead of contacts at least a few days before the surgery, and so on. If you have been regularly wearing contacts, you will be advised to keep off them for a while as they impact the shape of the cornea.

It is important to give the cornea some time to resume back to its original shape, before the surgeon can operate. During your consultation, make sure to ask questions about the procedure to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises waiting for you during the operation itself.

Costs are important, but not the most important!

Eye surgery can be a little costly depending on the procedure. However, if you choose the right person to do the job, the operation will surely be worth it in the end. Note that the best thing about laser eye surgery is that it is painless. The cornea will be anesthetized using some corneal drops. Although there might be some uneasiness, irritation and discomfort, it goes away after a while.

Corrective eye surgery only takes a few minutes, and the results can be seen in just a few days after the operation.

After the laser eye surgery

After the operation, expect all your vision problems to at least be minimized, though oftentimes, corrective eye surgery can solve them altogether. Even after your operation, it is important that you regularly see your optometrist to mark the progress and condition of your eyes and vision.

Laser eye surgery is generally safe with excellent success rates. However, it is always best not to take chances. Remember that even if eye surgery is considered minor, it still involves some risks just like any other surgical procedure.

Make sure to choose the right optometrist, to understand the procedure thoroughly, to do your research well, and to strictly follow pre- and post-eye surgery care. If everything goes right, you can toss away those contacts and eyeglasses and enjoy how it is like to have 20/20 vision again.

Besides laser eye surgery, there are a number of other options to correct your eyesight. You can read about them in this post: Your Options for Eye Surgery.

Dental insurance is probably one of the best investments to your oral health.

There are a number of options for dental plans available today. To get the best value for your money, make sure you carefully go through dental plans available and choose one that will best suit your needs.

Typical dental treatment and routine checks cost about $300 to $400 yearly, and restorative or cosmetic dental procedures can go as high as $25,000 or even more. Dental plans usually have pre-determined limitations on the number of dental visits allowed, the reasons for x-ray coverage, and other services. Just like health plans, they can also exclude treatments for a number of pre-existing conditions. Without much ado, here are some of the dental plan options you can choose from:

Indemnity Plans
Indemnity dental plans allow you to choose the dentist you want. Indemnity plans are also called fee for service as they have different sets of limitations and even co-payment options. However, there usually is a set annual maximum limit, excess of which you have to pay yourself.

Capitation Plans
In this type of plan, you are provided with comprehensive dental care but only through designated dentists. The DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) is one example of a Capitation plan. Participating dentists will receive some fixed monthly fee based on the number of patients they get assigned. Aside from premiums, co-payments may still be required for each visit, depending on the dental plan coverage.

Direct Reimbursement Plan
Many people will find the direct reimbursement plan most ideal. As is suggestive of its name, this plan allows employees and policy holders to become reimbursed for the money they spent on dental care. So this means that if you have some dental work done, you initially pay for it, and the employer reimburses a fixed percentage of the dental care costs. There might be limit on the amount the employee can spend, but there is usually no limit in as far as services are concerned. You can select a dentist of your choice, or you can work hand in hand with dentists to plan out the most appropriate and affordable procedure.

Managed Care Plan
This is a very common plan that employees can take most advantage of. In this plan, employees pay for the dental bill via co-payment. The more complicated the procedure, the higher the co-payment that needs to be completed. This may be ideal for smaller businesses where a dental plan is more of a luxury than a necessity.

Whichever dental plan you think suits your needs best, take time to acquaint yourself with what is covered and what is not. Doing so will allow you to make wise choices when the time comes. If you want to make the most out of your dental plan, make sure you visit your dentist regularly. Lastly, it is best to spend time on preventive care to keep your mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene can save you a lot in the long run.

Smokers might have reduced guarantee on dental implants.

Smoking can potentially cause many dental problems. They range from bad breath to oral cancer. I will list the most common problems:

• Bad breath
• Staining of the teeth
• More rapid development of tartar
• Adversely affects the attachment of bone & soft tissue to the teeth. i.e.: receding gums which can cause a sensitive reaction to hot & cold
• Delayed healing
• Six times more likely to develop oral cancer
• Periodontal disease

The effects of smoking are that people who smoke will have a high probability of losing their teeth. Furthermore, smoking initiates gums disease. Gum disease manifests itself as swelling on the gum areas that finally lessens the strong teeth formation. It is at this stage that tooth loss occurs. After loosing a tooth you’ll most likely need dental implants to replace it. Many dental surgeries offer reduced or no guarantee on dental implant for smokers (while they might offer lifetime guarantee for nonsmokers…), as smoking can cause dental implants to fail. Some will argue that there is no association between smoking and loss of teeth or gum problems. They further insist that their genetic structure is responsible for these kinds of dental problems.

But their argument is totally wrong.

Studies have proved that smoking can cause dental problems. Many dental problems, especially gum problems are caused due to smoking. This is because smoking triggers the accumulation of bacteria in plaque. Actually the gluey white material that builds up on our teeth whenever we do not brush them is plaque, already a major factor in dental problems. Moreover like a double jeopardy, smoking helps in bacteria formation in plaque. So, when bacteria already thrive within the gum area, it will lead to inflamed gums. Furthermore, this will have an effect on the jaw, speeding up the loss of teeth. If not, teeth will soon need to be extracted because it is by this stage that they will progressively get worse.

Gum disease is a silent killer of your teeth.