Reposted by Dr. Nelson Henry DMD with permission from the Board Certified Mexico Dental Association
Dental terminology can often be confusing to the patient – especially so
when ad agencies, and consumer health protection laws in
different countries are involved.
Dental Makeover is a general term which is often loosely used to
describe either cosmetic dentistry or major work such as a full-mouth oral
restoration.
Cosmetic Dentistry encompasses procedures such as crowns,
veneers, gum contouring, bondings, inlays, onlays, bridges and plates and even
implantology.
Note: Implants are surgery and should only be performed by an oral surgeon
or prosthodontist. In the US this in normally the case. However, in Mexico,
general dentists can attend an implant manufacturer’s quickie weekend course or
worse – a 2 hour dental convention seminar and thereafter call themselves
implant specialists.
It takes years to learn surgery properly and implants are
surgery. For your safety, find a dentist who is board certified for your implants when in Mexico.
A Full-Mouth Oral Restoration can involve several dental specialty
fields including prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
All these fields take an additional 2-6 years of advanced dental
specialist school training. In Mexico, some dentists have several
specialties having spent much of their careers in continuing education.
In an oral restoration a patient may have need for oral surgery involving
surgical extractions, a sinus lift, bone grafting, tooth socket rebuilding, gum
contouring, periodontal disease treatment, traditional or mini implants,
dentures, bridges, plates or partials.
The dentist who performs an oral restoration should be
(or have on his team) several specialties to cover the bases.
When contemplating a serious, expensive procedure such as an oral
restoration or cosmetic dentistry – one should definitely see a board certified
specialist(s) for the best results.
In the USA and most developed nations being sure to have a specialist
perform your work is not a problem as consumer protection laws prohibit general
dentists from even doing a root canal. But in many developing nations (Mexico
included) general dentists still have legal latitude to attempt advance dental
procedures without proper training on unsuspecting patients learning as they go
at the patient’s expense.
Dental clinic magic marketing terms:
Laser Whitening. The laser part doesn’t
exist. A special blue light is used to activate and fuse a heat/light
sensitive gel applied to the teeth by the dentist. The blue light is often
mislabeled a laser. Whitening by the dentist does work. Expect a 5-7x’s
lighter shade of white when finished. Whitening strips, whitening toothpaste
and mouthwash – save your money.
Dental Spa – Another marketing gimmick used by dentists looking
for a way to enhance their practice. If you want a massage, go to a real spa. If you are dental anxious - a certified dentist will have several options of sedation and sleep dentistry to make you feel comfortable.
Cosmetic Dentist - The American Dental Association doesn't recognize CD as a specialty. Thus cosmetic dentistry is not taught as a specialty in US dental colleges. But CD is a 2 years specialist grad school program in Mexico. If you want a board certified cosmetic dentist you have to go to Mexico.
Cosmetic Dentist - The American Dental Association doesn't recognize CD as a specialty. Thus cosmetic dentistry is not taught as a specialty in US dental colleges. But CD is a 2 years specialist grad school program in Mexico. If you want a board certified cosmetic dentist you have to go to Mexico.
Dental Tourism, Dental Travel, Dental Vacation or Dental
Holidays - The fastest
growing facet of tourism today wherein patients from developing nations
go offshore (south of the border for Americans) saving $1,000’s on major dental
work such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and oral restorations. But its really nothing new. US patients have been visiting dentists in Tijuana for over 60 years for affordable dentistry.
Examples of dental tourism savings: A dental implant by a specialist dentist in Puerto Vallarta or Cabo may cost $2,200 vs. $5,000 in Los Angeles California. And only $1,900 by an implant specialist dentist in Manila. Crowns are $475 to 660 in Mexico and $800 to $3,000 in upscale clinics in the US.
Always remember that if you want the best results -
take the American and Mexican Dental Association’s advice and see a Board
Certified Dentist when taking a Mexican dental vacation.
Saludos!
Carla H. Sanchez
Director,
Board Certified Mexico Dental Association
Director,
Board Certified Mexico Dental Association
The Board Certified Mexico Dental Association has member dentists in Cabo
San Lucas, Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Algodones, Mazatlan, Mexico City, Puerto
Vallarta, Tijuana and other popular dental travel destinations in Mexico.
A certified dentist will be fully trained and accredited for the advanced dental procedures such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, dental makeover, oral surgery and more that most Mexico dental tourism patients from the US and Canada are searching for.
A certified dentist will be fully trained and accredited for the advanced dental procedures such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, dental makeover, oral surgery and more that most Mexico dental tourism patients from the US and Canada are searching for.
Get Free Estimates and Referrals to Board Certified
Dentists in Mexico and Asia Contact: Board Certified Mexico Dentist Association
Get a Free estimate and consultation with US dentist Dr. Nelson Henry DMD for a certified dentist in Mexico at: www.aboutmexicandentists.com
Get a Free estimate and consultation with US dentist Dr. Nelson Henry DMD for a certified dentist in Mexico at: www.aboutmexicandentists.com
