Porcelain veneers, or dental veneers as they are commonly referred to, provide a successful solution for minor flaws in your teeth. Veneers offer a superb way to improve your smile and make dental improvements without having to undergo extensive cosmetic dentistry treatments. However, before you invest in getting porcelain veneers in Thailand, it’s important to understand the possible risks associated with this procedure.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of ceramic material that are bonded directly onto teeth. They can help correct several dental issues to give you the perfect smile you’ve been dreaming of. Veneers are designed to look natural and provide a durable solution for many common problems.
When considering a dental makeover in Thailand, several different types are available depending on your needs. Consulting a skilled cosmetic dentist is essential to determine which procedure best suits your needs.
Different Types of Veneers
Several types of veneers are available, including porcelain and composite veneers.
- Porcelain veneers: made from full-ceramic material, are known for their durability and longevity but may require more tooth preparation than composite veneers.
- Composite resin veneers: made from a mixture of acrylic resin, quartz and other materials. They might be more prone to staining over time than the porcelain ones.
Who Can Benefit From Veneers Dental Treatment?
Here are some dental problems that veneers can help with:
- Teeth that are discoloured or stained: Whether the discolouration is caused by genetics, medications, or lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking coffee. Veneers can cover up the discolouration and create a bright, white smile.
- Teeth that are chipped or cracked: Accidents happen, and sometimes teeth get damaged. Veneers can help restore the teeth’ appearance by covering up the damaged area.
- Teeth that are misaligned or uneven: If your teeth are slightly crooked or uneven, veneers can help to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Gaps between teeth: If you have gaps between your teeth, veneers can close the gap and create a more even smile.
- Worn-down teeth: Teeth can become worn over time due to grinding or other factors. Veneers can help restore the tooth’s length and shape, creating a more youthful and healthy appearance.
Porcelain Veneers Cost in Thailand
The cost can vary depending on the type chosen and the complexity of the treatment plan. Generally speaking, however, most patients will pay less for veneers in Thailand than if they had them done back home, starting at $500 per tooth. Of course, when considering a smile makeover in Thailand, it is important to factor in the cost of travel and accommodation.
The low cost has led to an increase in dental tourism for those looking for affordable options for cosmetic dentistry. However, it’s important to consider the quality of care you may receive when visiting a foreign country for this type of procedure.
While many reputable dental clinics exist, others may not have up-to-date equipment or employ adequately trained professionals.
Risk Factors Associated with Porcelain Veneers in Thailand
Like any medical procedure, veneers have risks—especially if you don’t go to a reputable clinic or have an experienced dentist perform the work for you. Here are some of the dangers that you should be aware of:
Increased risk of infection
It’s essential to ensure that the dental clinic you choose can adequately address all potential infection risks. In Thailand, some clinics may be utilising outdated techniques and technologies that can increase the risk of infection.
Potential cleanliness and infection risks associated with the untreated materials used by Thai dentists should be noticed. From bacteria discovered in unclean trays to unmet hygiene standards at some Thai clinics, these unknowns can present a danger to unsuspecting patients.
Risk of damage to neighbouring healthy teeth or gums
Improperly placed veneers can cause significant damage to neighbouring healthy teeth, resulting in additional and costly dental work. It’s important to ensure that the proper precautions are taken when doing any cosmetic dental work, including porcelain veneers.
Additionally, it is possible for your gums to recede over time if the placement of your porcelain veneers was not done correctly by an experienced dentist.
After fitting sensitivity risks
As with any medical procedure, veneers have some potential risks. The most common risk is sensitivity or discomfort after fitting and an increased risk of tooth decay due to the enamel removal process required for bonded veneers.
If these symptoms persist after treatment, then further dental examination is necessary.
Inability to Research Dentist Credentials and Experience
When it comes to dental veneers, choosing between qualified and experienced cosmetic dentists is important. However, for those considering travelling abroad for dental work, it’s imperative to do thorough research on the dentist’s credentials and experience.
Unfortunately, in Thailand, it can be difficult to verify the qualifications of dental specialists due to the lack of regulations and standards. That makes it risky to choose Thailand as a destination for dental work, especially for more complicated dental work like dental implant procedures if needed.
It’s crucial to prioritise the safety and quality of dental work over cost and convenience and always research before choosing a dentist, whether at home or abroad.
Exploring Veneers Benefits In Thailand Versus Australia
When it comes to choosing between Australia and Thailand for your porcelain veneer treatment, there are some key differences in terms of the regulations governing the procedure. Let’s examine why regulations in Australia make it an attractive option for those seeking veneers.
Regulations for Dental Clinics
In both countries, clinics must adhere to certain standards of practice set by local governments and regulatory boards. In Australia, these standards are much more stringent than those in Thailand. For instance, dentists in Australia must be registered with The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority. This organisation maintains a register of all health professionals practising legally in the country and sets strict professional conduct and ethics requirements. These regulations ensure patients receive safe treatments.
In contrast, Thailand does not have an equivalent organisation to AHPRA. Instead, dental clinics are regulated by local governments such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Department of Health (DOH). While these organisations require that dental clinics follow certain standards of practice, they do not have the same level of oversight or strict requirements as AHPRA.
Dental Technician Regulations
Another factor to consider when deciding between Thailand and Australia is the regulation of dental technicians who make porcelain veneers.
In Australia, all technicians must be accredited by AHPRA before working in any dental clinic or laboratory. All technicians must demonstrate their skills through testing and provide evidence of their qualifications before being approved for work. In addition, technicians must complete continuing education courses to keep up with technological advances and techniques used for porcelain veneer fabrication.
By comparison, Thailand does not have an accreditation system for porcelain veneer technicians.
As a result, there is no way to guarantee that technicians possess adequate skill levels or use appropriate techniques when fabricating veneers. This lack of regulation means that there is a greater potential risk involved with receiving treatment from a Thai clinic compared to an Australian one.
Quality of Materials Used For Veneers
The materials used for veneers in Australia are of a higher quality than those used in Thailand. Another reason why you may want to consider having your veneers done in Australia is because of the materials used in the process.
In Australia, all materials used for treatments, such as porcelain veneers, must meet or exceed safety regulations set by AHPRA and other organisations, such as the European Union (EU)
That is not always the case with Thailand dental clinics that may use materials not closely evaluated for safety and efficacy before being sold or used on patients.
As a result, Australian-made materials often offer higher performance and better durability than those from Thailand – meaning you get better results from your treatment with greater long-term satisfaction!
Exploring Aftercare Options for Veneers in Australia and Thailand
Maintenance Costs for Veneers in Thailand
It’s important to understand that some hidden costs may be associated with getting your porcelain veneers done in Thailand. The biggest issue is that follow-up appointments are not typically included in the initial treatment price, meaning that if you need any adjustments or repairs down the line, you’ll have to pay for them out of pocket. Additionally, follow-up appointments would require repeated travelling, which could be associated with an added expense.
Finally, since most Thai dentists don’t specialise in porcelain veneer treatments specifically, they may be unable to provide knowledgeable advice and guidance regarding caring for your new smile.
Maintenance Costs for Veneers in Australia
On the other hand, getting your veneers done in Australia offers plenty of advantages regarding aftercare options. Not only are follow-up appointments typically included in the initial price of treatment (making it easier and more cost-effective to make any necessary adjustments or repairs), but Australian dentists are also experts in dental treatments like porcelain veneers. That means they can provide valuable advice on how best to maintain your new smile over time—advice that could ultimately save you money down the line by helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements due to improper care or wear and tear.
Things to Consider Before Investing in Veneers in Thailand
The Time Commitment
Investing in veneers in Thailand is a significant time commitment. The treatment typically requires two or three visits to the dentist, each of which can last several hours. After the procedure, make sure you factor in a period of rest to allow for any potential swelling or tenderness that may occur over the following few days. Ensure you have time to commit to the treatment before you undergo it.
Language Barriers
Before undergoing treatment in Thailand, it is important to consider the language barriers that may exist. Thai dentists typically only speak Thai, so ordinating communication, appointments, and treatment plans can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the local language.
Cultural Differences
There may be cultural differences between you and your Thai dentist, which could affect your overall experience. Different countries have different approaches to dental care, making it difficult for patients from other countries to understand procedures or treatments that Thailand dentists recommend.
Limited Accessibility
If something goes wrong or there is an issue with your porcelain veneers after the procedure, follow-up visits back to Thailand may not be possible or feasible due to long travel times and cost considerations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing Australia for porcelain veneers is undoubtedly better than travelling to Thailand for cheaper porcelain veneers cost. Although it can be tempting to save money, the potential risks associated with travelling for medical treatments, quality control issues, and language barriers can compromise the overall outcome of the treatment.
In Australia, some of the finest dental professionals in the world adhere to stringent industry regulations and provide superior-quality treatments ensuring long-lasting results. Additionally, patients can rest assured of receiving personalised care and attention, including comprehensive aftercare support, with a lower risk for complications and access to the best possible care.
Get beautiful, natural-looking results and a long-lasting smile with the friendly, experienced team at Boutique Dental Care. Book your consultation today; call us at (02) 9054 528.
References
Dental Veneer Placement: Overview, Planning of Dental Veneer Placement, Veneer Preparation | Medscape
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2065778-overview
Dental Veneers: Porcelain Veneer Uses, Procedure, and More | WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
Veneers: What Are Dental Veneers? Cost, Procedure & Advantages | Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers