Medical Tourism in Mexico

The specialists of plastic surgery and dentistry are very popular in Mexico. Medical tourism patients travel to Mexico from all over the world to obtain quality medical care in dentistry and plastic surgery. Americans also move to Mexico for dental health care because the charges of dentist in America are very high as compare to the charges of Mexican dentist. Mexican dentists charge one fourth to one fifth of US dentists price. This trend of medical tourism to Mexico is very alarming for American dentists so they have spread many rumors of infections, oral cancer and poor treatments against Mexican dentists.

In Texas, it is explored that health organizations can operate on both sides of the border but physicians of south Texas argue that they cannot compete with the lower costs of Mexican dentists. Legal system of Mexico doesn’t allow any kind of sue against Mexican doctors. Medical tourists are satisfied with the quality of health services in Mexico and according to an advocacy group of health care issues 90 percent care they received in Mexico is excellent. Mexican hospitals are not popular only for dental and plastic surgery but they provide quality services for bar iatric surgery for weight loss. Lap band surgery, a popular bar iatric surgery is approved by FDA in 2001 in US is also performed by the surgeons of Mexico. The hospitals of Mexico are well equipped with latest technology and medical equipments for all medical tourism requirements.

Medical Tourism in Panama

Panama is also a popular place for medical tourism due to its tourist appeal, position and use of dollar as the official currency. The medical specialists of Panama are very popular all over the world and use latest technology and equipment to treat patients. Doctors of Panama are bilingual and can operate on the same technology and medical equipment which are used in Europe and America. The charges of health care in Panama are 50% less than the charges of US. In addition to dental implants, assisted reproduction, plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, cardialogy, eye surgery orthopedics and pulmonology are the popular treatments in the hospitals of Panama for people in medical tourism to this country.

The equipment and technology used in the hospitals of Panama is up-to-date and the hospitals are affiliated with international organizations such as Cleveland Clinic, Baptist Health International of Miami, Johns Hopkins International, Miami Children’s Hospital, Tulane Health Science Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Harvard Medical Faculty and Physicians at Beth Israel, The Kendall Medical Center in Florida and Deaconess Medical Center in US. The doctors of these hospitals have latest information about the diseases and medicines.

US trained physicians of Panama provide high quality medical services at reasonable prices. The techniuqes used in health care, facilities and medications are not less than USA. Panama is rich with beautiful tourism destinations such as mountains, beaches and natural places which affect medical tourists pleasantly.

The cost factor. This was the reason that was previously discussed, but it is simply that the costs of dental work in the USA are prohibitive, and in Mexico they are very reasonable. One can expect to save at least 75% on most procedures. When you have been neglecting your teeth for years because you couldn’t afford to fix them, the next thing you know, it can add up to a small fortune in order to save your teeth. Many people have been shocked when their local dentist tells them that the total cost to restore their mouth is over $10,000. Mexico sounds pretty appealing when you find out that the same procedure there can be done for under $2,500. Try Sam Dental in Tijuana and look at their price list. 

The quality of dental care in Mexico is superior. Most people have the misconception that everything in Mexico, or any other foreign country is backward and low tech. The truth is, especially in Mexico, the dentists have just as good an education in dentistry as an American dentist. The equipment is often state of the art, or at least modern and of good quality. But one factor that most people fail to realize is that practice makes perfect, and because of the extremely high volume of work done, the Mexican dentists along the border, especially in Tijuana, are very good at what they do. Most patients come from out of state, and you don’t go all the way from Huston, or Chicago to Tijuana to just have a few fillings. Most jobs are major dental work, like multiple bridges and crowns. A dentist in Tijuana will often prepare more teeth for crowns than a USA in a week dentist will do in a month. The more you do something, the better you get, and the Mexican dentists have gotten really good. There is ease of access to Mexico, especially Tijuana. Because Tijuana is located just on the other side of the border from San Diego, California, it is very easy to get there. This is true not just because it is so close to the 37 million people of CA, but also to everywhere else in the USA. For some reason, t it is cheap to get a flight to San Diego Airport. For example, from Orlando, Florida it only costs $240 round trip. But what ever one pays for airfare, it is worth it because of the incredible savings on dental work in Mexico. From the airport, public transportation to the border is very easy and inexpensive. One can simply take the city shuttle bus to downtown and then hop the light rail train, the “San Diego Trolley”, which will take you to the Mexican border, all for only $5. Also, many dental clinics are willing to make arrangements to shuttle you straight from the airport all the way to the clinic in Tijuana. A safe environment can be provided. Tijuana has gotten a lot of bad press because of the conflicts between drug cartels. Although this has been a problem, the truth is that the violence is way down, and the new President of Mexico has really cracked down on the drug trafficking. Also, when there were problems, the press failed to point out that there has been a lot of drug related violence in all the major cities in the USA, as well as lots of gang violence, and that Tijuana hasn’t been all that much worse. People who get into trouble in Tijuana are the same ones who get into trouble in L.A. or any other major US city, they are the ones who are going out night clubbing, and buying drugs, looking for hookers, and hanging out with the bad elements. The regular person who comes for dental treatments is not anywhere near the trouble zones of the city. Most people who go to the dental clinics remark about how laid back everything is. Also, most hotels have night watchmen patrolling outside at night, and security is good. There is no reason to feel unsafe in Tijuana. Lodging is inexpensive, the food is great, there are fun things to do, and it makes a great place to just have a little vacation while you are having treatments. Have you ever noticed that in the USA when you see the advertised price of a motel, that you always end up paying a lot more? This is because of all the taxes and surcharges they and on. For example, they may tell you that the room is $69 a night, but when you pay for it, with taxes etc., you are charged more like $84. In Mexico, the government does take all those fees or taxes on a room. When they tell you a room costs $45, that is all it costs. There are several 4 star hotels in down town Tijuana that cost under $60 a night. There are some nice moderate hotels for around $40. Also, the food is very good. There is everything from seafood places, to traditional Mexican food, to Italian, to America. They even have all the junk food places like McDonalds or Wendy’s. In Tijuana, the beach is not too far, and many people like to get a nice, yet inexpensive, room near the beach. There are a lot of shops and it is very relaxing. There are several shuttle buses that will take you down to Rosarita beach or Ensenada to go and hang out while you are waiting for your lab work to get done. All in all, Tijuana is a nice place to take a dental vacation.  

The dentist that I recommend is Sam Dental in Tijuana, Mexico, located just South of San Diego, CA. For more information go to: http://www.GoodSamDental.org They are extremely honest, very capable, have very low prices, and they guarantee their work. The will also help facilitate your trip by helping with transportation needs, and hotel reservations.

About the author: Jim C. has lived in South America for many years, and traveled extensively in Mexico. He speaks Spanish fluently, and is and expert in cross-cultural communications. In other words, he knows his way around!

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch within dentistry which primarily focuses on the modification of the patient’s oral cavity and surrounding structure appearance, in conjunction with the prevention and treatment of organic, structural, or functional oral disease. With the help of Dr. Hoffman, the appearance of the mouth can be altered to closely match the patient’s subjective concept of what is visually pleasing, while allowing tranquility.

Speak to Miami cosmetic dentist, Dr. Howard J. Hoffman, DDS, about the many choices available in his cosmetic dental practice and the most suitable for you.

Popular Procedures

Teeth Whitenin

Everyone loves a bright white smile and white teeth are an essential element of a charming smile. While traditional routines of maintaining white teeth consist of brushing twice a day, flossing between teeth, and regular dental cleanings, Miami cosmetic teeth whitening is more of a modern method used by millions of people. Taking an extra step in dental hygiene with Miami cosmetic dentist, Dr. Hoffman, has benefited people all over south Florida, along with south Florida visitors. Options of various teeth whitening techniques range from:

In-office professional bleaching route

At-home bleaching systems

Teeth-whitening toothpaste

Porcelain Veneer

There’s no longer a reason to put up with abnormal gaps in your teeth or with teeth that are permanently stained, badly shaped or even slightly crooked. Today an undetectable veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct nature’s mistake or the result of an injury and give you a beautiful smile.

Miami cosmetic dentistry gives the option of porcelain veneers to people who want to solve most or even all of their cosmetic dental issues, including spaces or gaps between teeth, fragment teeth, permanently discolored or blemished teeth, worn enamel, and/ or wear and tear. Porcelain Veneers are very thin, custom-made shells that are made from a model of your mouth and jaw provided by Dr. Hoffman, DDS. Porcelain veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth and any teeth that are chipped or worn, permanently stained (unable to be whitened), misshaped or crooked. Dr. Hoffman, DDS, may recommend that you avoid some foods and beverages that have a tendency to stain or discolor veneers.

Why Miami Cosmetic Dentistry?

Corrections of dental issues not only help to create a beautiful smile, but overall a healthier mouth. Crooked and crowding teeth make cleaning your teeth and mouth more difficult, which can lead to teeth decay, periodontal and gum disease which can lead to possible teeth loss. Improper bite can not only cause issues with proper chewing and speaking functions but also abnormally worn enamel of the teeth, which leads to serious problems with the jaw if not properly corrected through proper dental treatment. Because of the high volume of traffic in Miami cosmetic dentistry, manypeople are choosing Miami for numerous of cosmetic procedures. Miami cosmetic dentistry gives the bright white smile everyone desires.

With so much film, media, and magazine exposure these days, Hollywood celebrities are zero-ing in on making every aspect of their physical exterior an image of perfection. Their smiles are certainly no exception!

Advances in technology over the past years have allowed dentists to create flawless grins for people, while still looking and feeling natural. These celebrity smiles can range from a few thousand dollars for a minor adjustment, to the extreme makeover cases of $50,000 or more for their toothy treasures.

And while some celebrities use their signature snaggle-teeth to their advantage, in most cases their new cosmetic dental work is a vast improvement as they jolt into super stardom. Here are a few examples of some celebrities that had smile makeovers:

(1) Elliot Yamin

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers

This past American Idol contestant was once known for two things. An amazing voice, and terrible teeth. Now, with the help of cosmetic dentistry and over $50,000 in porcelain veneers, his career has soared into an oblivion of success. Now, when we see him in his videos and performances, his fabulous voice is accompanied by a celebrity smile.

(2) Miley Cyrus

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers

This “Hannah Montana” superstar is idolized by kids and their parents alike. She is considered the next generation of media moguls that is taking our world by storm. Once she began gaining popularity in her show and concerts, she opted to make the switch to a more sightly smile. She is believed to have gotten veneers and a surgery to elongate the teeth and fix the “gummy smile” look.

(3) George Clooney

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, and Crown Lengthening

This self-proclaimed lifelong bachelor once made a joke about getting surgery done on his eyes to make him look younger. It seems like his teeth were a more immediate concern for both aesthetic and physical reasons. As quoted by Dr. Abenaim (starmagazine.com), he believes that Clooney was a tooth grinder which was one cause for the actor to seek a cosmetic change. Aside from the veneers, the Dr. also suggests that Clooney had crown lengthening surgery, a surgical procedure done that brings the gumline up to expose more teeth. This work is estimated at anywhere from $30,000-35,000. Now we love you even more Georgie!

(4) Keith Urban

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers

Before his days of super stardom and being the arm candy for gorgeous wife Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban’s teeth were far from perfect. Doctor’s believe that Urban had porcelain veneers placed over his choppers to create a far more pleasing effect. He had what dentist’s refer to a diastema, or large space between his teeth. While the veneers have improved his look, his dentist did a good job creating a natural look and left a little signature gap in the front.

(5) Katherine Heigl

Smile Makeover Method: Invisalign®

When it came to looking beautiful for her on screen wedding in 27 Dresses, Katherine Heigl didn’t need to do much. For her own wedding, Heigl complained that she did not want to wed with crooked teeth. She decided to opt for Invisalign, a series of clear, removable aligners that are used as an alternative to traditional metal braces. As of April 2008, 730,000 patients have completed, or are currently in Invisalign treatment.

Certainly, the dentists appearing on ABC’s Extreme Makeover are talented dentists that likely have this advanced dental capability. But, how are they qualified? Who ascertains their ability as a dentist… producers or filmmakers?How about the dental lab service of ABC’s Extreme Makeover, da vinci labs?

The owners of da vinci dental laboratory had the ability to send their mother to any of the television extreme makeover dentists, but they did not. They chose a talented South Florida dentist, Dr. Charles Nottingham.

The Extreme Makeover Dental Lab said the following about Dr. Nottingham:

“…your preparations and impressions exceed perfection [for our Mother]… If the Extreme Makeover show was filmed in Florida, I am sure you would be the providing dentist.”

I believe this is a very high standard and certainly puts Dr. Nottingham in the same category as the extreme makeover dentists on television. Besides performing the restorative dental work for da vinci’s mother, Dr. Nottingham has treated heads of state, professional athletes, business professionals, and even foster children.Dr. Nottingham graduated New York University (NYU) Dental School and obtained a fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry. Shortly after graduating dental school, Dr. Nottingham completed his post graduate training at the Pankey Institute.

Dr. Nottingham is the lead cosmetic dentist for Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry. He continues to raise the standards of dental care for himself, his staff, and the entire dental community.

Smile South Florida’s mission is to be the number #1 dental practice in South Florida with respect to quality and service.The best way to judge whether a dentist really meets the level of an extreme makeover dentist, rather than just provide the title, is look at the dentist’s before and after photographs. Dr. Nottingham’s cases have been featured in Dentistry Today and Contemporary Esthetics. Here are the featured cases:

In conclusion, an extreme makeover dentist is one who has an advanced level of dental education and experience, third party accolades and accomplishments, and beautiful before and after photos.

If you do not live near Boca Raton, FL, do not worry. There are numerous other cosmetic dentists throughout the United States of America and even throughout the rest of the world that offer fantastic treatments for gum disease. Your best bet for finding a good cosmetic dentist in your area is to simply set up initial consultations with a number of them and decide which one your personality meshes best with. Most cosmetic dentists offer free initial consultations. Ask if the dentist charges for the first meeting before you schedule your appointment to say you any unwanted out of pocket expenses.

Dr. Bruce Braverman is a famous Cosmetic Dentist in Boca Raton, South Florida, Palm Beach County , FL. He is a specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry, Gum Diseases, Invisalign Treatments, Porcelain Dental Veneers, Restorative Dentistry, teeth whitening, dental treatment and dental services. Get the free special report and CD “The Secret to a Celebrity Smile!” Find out more on having the celebrity smile of your dreams – Go here: http://www.cosmeticdentistryofbocaraton.com

So how is a patient to choose the best dentist to meet their needs when the field is filled with talented professionals?

The professionals at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry became aware years ago that in addition to selecting an experienced professional, patients in need of porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry services should be able to like and trust the dentist they choose to perform the needed procedures. That is why they adopted the Homoly Method within their practice.

The Homoly Method is named after Dr. Paul Homoly, a comprehensive restorative dentist and leader in dental education for more than 20 years.

In a sense, the Homoly Method is incredibly obvious, said Dr. Charles Nottingham, a cosmetic dentist who is the senior partner of Smile South Florida. It simply involves meeting with patients on a friendly level to set them at ease and ensure their comfort. It is a concerted effort at strong customer service and good old-fashioned friendliness.

“As dental professionals, it’s easy to get caught up in speaking in scientific, logical terms to patients about the procedures and options,” Dr. Nottingham said. “But we have found that reaching out to the patient on an emotional level has done more to set patients’ minds at ease about their procedures.”

In turn, patients have become more amenable to undergoing much-needed procedures to improve their dental health and restore their self-confidence.

Dr. Nottingham attributes this to the feeling of hope he and the other doctors at Smile South Florida instill in patients.

“Hope is an incredibly motivating emotion,” Dr. Nottingham said. “I have an opportunity every day to give my patients hope that they can smile again with confidence and they can put to rest their feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness once I restore their smiles.”

Reaching patients on an emotional level goes beyond explaining a procedure to a patient. It involves the atmosphere of the office and the way each patient is treated by the entire staff, not just the dentist, said Office Manager, Marianne Taylor.

“Going to the dentist can be scary,” Ms. Taylor said. “We do what it takes to make the patient feel comfortable and relaxed, whether it’s the way our staff greets them when they arrive, or the chair and neck massagers they get to experience in the treatment rooms.”

“Some patients find comfort in something as simple as the lush greenery and baskets full of magazines in the waiting room,” Ms. Taylor said. “Other times it is found in the little things in the treatment rooms, such as warm towellettes in lemon and lavender scents that patients use to clean their faces after a dental procedure.”

For some patients, the refrigerator stocked with various drinks and snacks is what sets them at ease and makes Smile South Florida the dental practice where they want their procedure performed.

“Patients need to be treated special,” Ms. Taylor said. “There are numerous ways of showing that we care about our patients on more than just a professional level, and we strive every single day to demonstrate that to our patients.”

To accommodate a broad range of clientele, the dental practice has added a new feature on our website called the ‘language bar.’ This language bar can be found on the left hand side in the navigation area of our website. It can be easily spotted as a bar that consists of several colorful flags. Each flag is representative of the language of origin for that specific country. When you click on each flag, the website will automatically change to display that language. For example, if you click on the flag of France, the website will be translated into French for you. Currently, the dental practice website can be translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Italian.

This makes it much easier for someone to read about the office, the services, and obtain contact information. Having a tool like this is very useful because it reaches across nations. Smile South Florida is helping patients everyday from all over the world achieve the smile of their dreams!

About Dr. Charles Nottingham South Florida Dentist & Miami Cosmetic Dentist, Charles Nottingham, D.D.S., Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, is an internationally and nationally renowned cosmetic dentist. He has been creating dazzling, healthy smiles for his patients since 1974.