Cosmetic dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, come with risks that increase when you travel overseas for treatment. Overseas teeth whitening treatment in cities like Phuket, Thailand is becoming increasingly popular among Australians. However, it’s not always a good idea to get teeth whitening in Phuket.
Teeth Whitening Risks in Phuket, Thailand
It is possible for a teeth whitening treatment to go wrong. For example, you could be allergic to the ingredients used in teeth whitening solutions. You’re covered by your health insurance in Australia if problems arise, but the same can not be said for teeth whitening in Phuket.
Here in Australia, the risk of problems during your teeth whitening treatment is greatly reduced because dental clinics have access to your medical records. This ensures that any teeth whitening solution used is free of any ingredients you are allergic to.
There are additional dangers of getting teeth whitening treatments in Phuket, Thailand.
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Fewer Regulations
In Australia, dentists administering cosmetic dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, are heavily regulated. Should you suffer an allergic reaction, or another problem associated with your treatment, you are legally allowed to report your experience to a commission or board and seek compensation in court.
However, it’s highly unlikely that you will have any legal protections against botched teeth whitening in Phuket, Thailand. Dental clinics in Phuket, Thailand operate under very few regulations or even none at all. Some practices are designed purely to attract dental tourists.
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Unsafe Teeth Whitening Ingredients
The active ingredient in many teeth whitening solutions is hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a bleaching agent to remove superficial stains from tooth enamel. Provided that the teeth whitening treatment is administered correctly, using the right concentration of peroxide, it is completely safe.
However, there’s no telling what some teeth whitening gels in Phuket, Thailand contain. Even if they contain safe ingredients, the wrong amount or gel concentration may damage your gums or the enamel on your teeth, and you may suffer increased tooth sensitivity.
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Potential Language Barriers
If you choose to travel for teeth whitening in Phuket, you’re probably assuming your cosmetic dentist speaks English.
While the person who booked your teeth whitening treatment might speak English, what happens if you and your cosmetic dentist can’t understand each other?
The potential to undergo cosmetic dental treatment you didn’t ask for is high if you and your dentist can’t effectively communicate.
It’s very easy for things to get lost in translation, which is not reassuring when you’re trusting someone to work on your teeth.
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Not Always Cheaper
It’s a commonly held belief that travelling for teeth whitening in Phuket is cheaper. However, this isn’t always the case. Yes, the teeth whitening procedure might be cheaper in Thailand than in Australia, but once you’ve booked flights, sorted out accommodation, and budgeted for your food and drink expenses, the overall cost of the trip can add up.
Aside from being expensive, overseas dental treatments don’t usually come with flexible payment options. Dental clinics overseas will often demand upfront payment for your treatment, whereas dentists in Australia offer payment plans to cover the cost.
Furthermore, if you have to cancel your appointment in Phuket, Thailand you risk losing upfront payments, the cost of your flights, and the price of accommodation.
If things go wrong, you will have to pay for corrective treatment back in Australia or travel back to the clinic in Phuket, Thailand, which means more expenses and loss of earnings if you have to take unpaid time off work.
Safe Teeth Whitening Treatments in Australia
Now that you’re aware of some of the risks of teeth whitening in Phuket, it’s worth considering the advantage of undergoing treatments in Australia. The biggest benefit of domestic care is safety. Dental practitioners have access to your medical records to ensure the treatments administered don’t compromise your health.
You’re also covered by your health insurance if things go wrong, and you’re allowed to sue for malpractice.
Remaining in Australia gives you faster access to check-up appointments to ensure there are no complications following your treatment. Aftercare in Australia is far more convenient and cost-effective than having to return to Phuket, Thailand for a follow-up assessment.
Choose Available Dental Care for Safe Teeth Whitening Treatment
Available Dental Care offers two types of teeth whitening treatments. The Home teeth whitening kit helps to restore your teeth to their former brightness from the comfort of your own home, while our laser teeth whitening services help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile using patented Pola Red gel in just one hour.
To book your teeth whitening treatment with us, use our online appointment service.