In Australia, there are many teeth whitening options to choose from, including professional-grade at-home kits and in-chair whitening. A custom take-home whitening system from top brands like Poladay and Opalescence is an affordable option for those on a budget.
Hydrogen peroxide gel-based home dental treatments are a safer budget alternative to cosmetic dental tourism, which thousands of Australians use to save money on teeth whitening procedures each year. But is the low price tag of dentistry in Thailand worth the higher risks?
What is dental tourism?
Dental tourism is the process of seeking dental care outside your home country, usually because of the allure of lower prices. Dental tourism has seen a surge in recent years, particularly for Australians seeking cheaper teeth whitening treatments at Thai dental clinics in cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and on the island of Phuket.
The cost of dental procedures in Thailand can be cheaper than similar treatments in Australia. Some people view teeth whitening in Thailand as a vacation with the added perk of a whiter smile. However, dental tourism carries serious risks compared to dentistry in Australia, which can impact your overall health and cost you more long-term.
The risks of dental tourism
While going abroad for teeth whitening might seem harmless, the same strict regulations do not exist for dentists overseas. In cases of inadequate treatment or care, your dentist won’t face any consequences as they don’t have the same commission boards and courts to support you as Australian dentists do when malpractice occurs.
Additionally, your dental insurance coverage will be of little use outside of Australia. Even though providers in Thailand may use similar teeth whitening products, this doesn’t mean the treatment is executed to the same standard.
The Australian Dental Association states that if dental procedures go wrong at home, highly trained professionals can perform corrections immediately. But in Thailand or any other country abroad, the damage cannot always be corrected because the dentists may be insufficiently trained or have substandard materials. Permanent damage can occur, and your teeth may need replacing with a dental implant or crown due to a botched dental tourism excursion.
Infection control standards are strict in Australia but are not necessarily matched abroad in Thailand dental practices. Antibiotic-resistant superbugs are becoming more common in individuals returning from receiving dental work abroad, making it difficult for Australian dentists to treat the infection.
It’s also vital to consider the language barrier Australians experience when seeking teeth whitening in Thailand.
There can be a miscommunication about which whitening system to use on your teeth or misinterpretation of what you consent to when things get lost in translation. This elevates the risk significantly and can make the experience of seeking teeth whitening abroad frightening and ineffective.
The Safest Way To Get Teeth Whitened
Visiting an Australian dentist is the safest way to get your teeth whitened. Australian dentists abide by strict laws and regulations that dictate the appropriate use of patients’ products and procedures. They adhere to a code of conduct and must have sufficient insurance coverage to support their practice.
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In-chair whitening
To achieve fast and long-lasting results, it is recommended that you choose in-chair teeth whitening. Although the concentration of bleaching agents is higher, you are under the close supervision of a trained dental professional and provided with protection for your gums to prevent irritation.
At Dental Spot, we use the Opalescence professional whitening system. The whitening treatment is chemically-activated by combining two active ingredients before applying the gel directly to your teeth.
The especially-formulated gel contained fluoride and potassium nitrate to remineralise your teeth throughout the procedure and avoid increased sensitivity. The entire process takes approximately one hour, and you’ll leave the practice with a brighter, whiter smile.
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Take-home whitening kit
If you aren’t on a deadline to whiten your teeth, we also offer affordable custom take-home kits from Poladay. The Poladay at-home whitening system includes a custom mouth tray and dentist-approved bleaching gel in easy-to-use syringes. Poladay uses a high-water formula to maintain your oral pH, and the highly viscous gel stays in place to prevent gum irritation.
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Porcelain veneers
Some types of staining and discolouration of teeth might be genetic or due to medication or ageing and cannot be removed through teeth whitening treatments. In this case, your cosmetic dentist in Australia might suggest porcelain veneers, thin layers of porcelain that form a shell around the tooth, creating a new smooth and white surface.
Choose Safe, Effective Teeth Whitening in Australia
Teeth whitening in Thailand involves significant risk, which can lead to lasting damage to your oral health. When seeking teeth whitening services abroad, there is an element of uncertainty as to what kind of treatment you’ll receive and whether what you want has been communicated clearly. It elevates the risk of infection and can create oral health problems later if issues arise due to a foreign treatment that isn’t easily fixable.
Choose teeth whitening treatments with qualified Australian dentists who use safe and approved teeth whitening systems.
Staying close to home for your dental services can ensure your smile stays healthy, and you get the care you deserve. Call Dental Spot at (02) 9158 6115 to book your appointment for safe, long-lasting teeth whitening treatment and a smile you can be proud to share.
