Toothless No More, Courtesy of Dental Tourism

Dental Health Costs More Than Price Tag of Dentures

Some people grind their teeth when they sleep or subconsciously throughout the day (a condition known as bruxism).  Over time, this wears the bite and shape of the tooth.  Eventually, the tooth may become infected, cracked, or lose chewing effectiveness.  Chewing may not seem like a big deal, but improper chewing can lead to digestive problems and malnutrition.  Additionally, you might develop intense pains that shoot through your mouth into your head whenever something touches that tooth.  Some people’s appetites wane, while others prefer soft, yet not necessarily nutritious foods.  When several teeth in a section become worn, broken, or decayed, the person may need dentures to restore their oral health.

Dental Tourism Makes the Cost of Dentures More Affordable

For Americans who can’t afford insurance or don’t have enough coverage, dental tourism to countries like India, Brazil, Argentina, or Hungary may fill the gaps in toothless smiles.  Patients must take care to notice that the phenomenon makes the costs of dentures and dental care as a whole more affordable, but not necessarily affordable.  Although the cost of airfare, hotel, and treatment abroad might be cheaper than the treatment alone at home, it's still not cheap.

Up For and Indian Medical Vacation?

When a patient needs a hip replacement or heart surgery, urgency is critical.  And many patients will pay whatever price is necessary to survive.  The reality is that while many medical tourism companies offer vacation packages with airfare, 4 and 5 star hotel accommodations, sightseeing deals, and ground travel, the trip itself would far exceed the cost of something far less expensive like dentures.  It’d be tough to justify a $2,000 trip to India for a $500 set of dentures for example.  On the other hand, that $60,000 heart surgery could cost as little as $3,000 to $10,000 without skimping on quality care.  Even a month long medical vacation would not likely compete with the $50,000-plus potential savings.  The point is, for smaller, less expensive procedures, it’s more cost efficient for patients to combine the medical procedure with a vacation they’re already considering taking, rather than an additional trip just for the procedure.