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Travel Dentistry

High-quality dental care is becoming more accessible, but the cost of care is also increasing. Recently, it has been seen that people are opting to travel to different countries in order to receive dental treatments they need or desire. This is mainly due to dentistry being significantly more affordable and, in some cases, better elsewhere.

If you’re planning on traveling for your dentistry needs, there are a few aspects you should be aware of:

  • Dentistry might be more affordable in a different country or province, but it could cost you more if you have to travel.
  • As much as affordability is important, so is the procedure you’re interested in and the level of treatment you’re receiving from both the dentist and the staff. If the standards of the practice are low, your procedure isn’t going to be the best.
  • Accreditation is important. Make sure you do thorough research on the practice you’re planning on visiting. It is essential to evaluate the skill and credentials of the dentist, staff and the dental practice itself. This will give you an idea on the level of treatment you’re going to receive.
  • Do proper research on the treatments you need or desire. It’s good to have some knowledge on what you’re interested in and it also helps you plan ahead. Ask questions and gather information so that the logistics and planning can be arranged in a way that suits both your needs and the needs of the procedures to be done.
  • Patients reviews are important. This will help you when it comes to narrowing down your options and making a final choice. People love to express their opinions and if there is an issue, you’ll definitely find it on a Google Review.

Here at Silver Oaks, we’ve been assisting patients from different parts of the world for many years. Our practice has the latest equipment, an onsite lab and the best dental materials. Our patients are treated at the highest possible international standard for a more affordable costing.

Check out our Dental Treatments and reviews by clicking here.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Are dental implants worth it? There are a number of emotional, economical and functional factors to take into consideration when discussing this question.  Read more to find out if dental implants are worth it…

The pros of dental implants

Dental implants are really worth it due to:

Aesthetics – if you lose a tooth and go to your mirror to view it you will see how quickly your confidence can go from a 10 being highly confident all the way to 1 with no confidence.

Speech improvement – not forgetting the way you start pronouncing words as missing teeth can cause speech problems. Especially if they are toward the front.

Bone health – Dental implants stimulate your jawbone. Preserving your jawbone and making you look years younger unlike dentures.

You are able to bite and chew your food – you will also be unable to chew your food properly without dental implants. This could lead to bad nutrition. Bad nutrition comes into play when you are unable to chew hard foods such as meat or crispy vegetables.

Are dental implants really that worth it considering the price?

Dental implants last a lifetime unlike bridges and dentures. They actually work out far cheaper than bridges or dentures in the long term.

Dental implants are more cost effective in the long term unlike dentures or bridges. Dentures need to be changed every 5 years whereas implants last a lifetime. Bridges need to be changed every 10+ years. Implants basically change your life and give you an improved standard of living.

Unfortunately, bridges and dentures are outdated and an old fashioned option especially when it comes to the advanced technology today with dental implants.

Bridges are not good because it can decay the teeth on either side of the bridge. Patients with bridges are a higher risk for gum disease. Dental implants keep the bone in your jaw in place making you look 10 years younger unlike dentures.

Below is a patient that visited Silver Oaks Dental Clinic to get her dental implant procedure done

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are dental implants worth it

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This beautiful lady is Amanda. She came to us very unhappy about her teeth. Her teeth were worn down and over the years became worse. She also had an over-closed bite which meant that her lips and cheeks were “creased” because of the lack of muscle and skin support. This was because of her jaw position. Her teeth had worn right down because of years and years of being afraid of going to the dentist, being very nervous and embarrassed at the same time.

Dr Huson placed dental implants and re-aligned and repaired Amanda’s smile.

We also made a night guard for Amanda. This was to help protect her teeth from grinding while asleep. She comes for regular hygienist visits to help maintain that perfect healthy smile.

Amanda cried tears of joy at our offices and couldn’t believe how amazing her teeth turned out.

Another happy client of Silver Oaks Dental Clinic who is now enjoying the smile she was dreaming over for years!

Dental implants are definitely worth it owing to the durability, appearance and functionality. It is the best option to replace missing teeth in the long term.

Call us to book an appointment or click here to learn more about our dental implant procedure.

 

Are Dental Implants Affordable?

Dental implants are very affordable. Especially when you take into consideration the improved quality of life and the cost effectiveness in the long term.

The American Dental Association says that dental implants last the longest as compared to dental bridges and dentures. They can last a lifetime if they are properly taken care of.

We use world renowned dental implant manufacturers

You will be surprised at how cost effective Dental Implant quotations  are at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic even with internationally recognised manufacturers. We offer the best possible price given the high quality craftsmanship that goes into designing the implant.

Dental Implant Quotations at Silver Oaks Dental are cost effective

If two patients were to come in and get their teeth analysed and have a CBCT scan both patients will leave with two different treatment plans and quotes. Dental implant quotations depend on a number of factors, the number of dental implants one needs, the bone one has in their jaw as well as the shape and structure of the person’s teeth.

It also depends on the manufacturer that the patient chooses. We work with the top three dental implant manufacturers that are internationally recognised i.e Straumann, Nobel biocare and Megagen.

If you get cheap dental implant quotations that are too good to be true run away…. You know what they say you get what you pay for! so do NOT be fooled .

Dental Implants have to be done by specialists with several years of experience in placing dental implants and have the qualification to back it up. At the end of the day inserting dental implants is an operation that deals with the nervous system. Only an expert should be inserting dental implants with several years of experience and expertise.

Below Dr Roy Richard Huson @silveroaksdentalclinic placed this patient’s dental implants. This patient came all the way from the US.

are dental implants affordable

The true cost of dentures in the long term are more expensive

When you first look at your dentures or bridges quote compared to a dental implant quote you will be pleasantly surprised at the dentures/bridges quote. Even though the costs for dentures and bridges are a lot less in the short term. They actually cost a lot more in the long term. You need to change your dentures every 5 years.

Initial Cost Vs Total Costs – Dentures require you to change them every 5 years with a dentist due to the change in bone structure and the more bone you lose the more the denture won’t fit. You will also spend more money on fixtures and adhesives with dentures. Dental implants are more affordable in the long term.

The American Academy of Dentistry suggests that people get dental implants rather than dentures

The American Academy of Dentistry suggests people get dental implants rather than dentures. So that they can maintain the bones in their jaw and not lose them over time due to no root in their teeth. It is the healthiest option possible.

The Convenience Costs – Dental Implants are very convenient from an emotional perspective. You will never have to be scared of your implants falling off unlike dentures and you don’t have to clean your implants or soak them overnight in a container. You can brush as normal like you would your natural teeth.

is the cost of dental implants worth it

Dentures can come off when you laugh or chew and eat.

 

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A recent dental implant case above where a patient came from Saudi Arabia to see Dr Roy Richard-Huson.  He came to us hoping to get the smile he always dreamed of and needed to have it done professionally. 

He felt very embarrassed to smile and very uncomfortable when he use to eat.

His dentures would fall out and felt very embarrassed. He lost most of his teeth over the years and the ones that he had were broken.

Klaus had several implants done at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic. Dr Huson first took before pics so he could analyse Klaus’s teeth using Digital Smile Design. Custom made models were designed for Klaus by on our on-site lab.

With just 3-4 appointments Klaus was a new person with a brand new set of teeth. He was very happy as he could bite and chew and live happily again. He also says a lot more women have been looking at him as he looks much younger! 

Call us now or click here to learn more about dental implants

Dentistry and Dental Costs in South Africa

Expect world-class dentistry at a fraction of the cost in South Africa. Dentistry and dental costs in South Africa are value for money compared to the rest of the world. We have excellent medical infrastructure at almost half the price.

There are two regulatory bodies – the South African Dental Association (SADA) and the Dental Therapy Association of South Africa. These bodies are part of the World Health Organisation so that South Africa stays abreast with top standards on oral hygiene and surgery.

Because of a favourable exchange rate making dentals costs in South Africa very affordable.

Dental tourism has grown exponentially in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

It is estimated that dental costs in South Africa for world-class procedures are one-tenth to one-sixth less expensive than in Europe, Australia or the United States. Most of our patients at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic come from countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, France, Australia and Canada.

 

SADA (South African Dental Association) is extremely well regulated and  governs dentistry in South Africa as well as matters pertaining to dental costs in South Africa.

It’s core functions are:

1. Communication –  Members are kept up-to-date with seminars, dental education, jobs calendar events and more. It also keeps open the lines of communication between the public and the dental body

2. Intellectual input –  It assists the profession to be NHI-ready – dental care at government grassroots levels are not as high as in the public sector due to a lack of funding, but is considerably higher than at the same level in other countries. The adoption of an NHI-like system is being mooted for a phased roll-out. It will essentially mean that private dentists will have to provide subsidised care to those within a certain radius who cannot afford it.

It has been argued that this will raise private dental costs in South Africa. It is not foreseen though that costs will ever rise so sharply as to affect dental tourism. It will not phase out private care. Other roles here include monitoring statutory gazettes and circulars, submitting SADA input to government and briefing dentists, and bringing dentistry into industry debates and meetings.

3. Regulating private and public cover – Again, this has implications for dental costs in South Africa. Private care cannot become a law unto itself. The standards, equipment and techniques are superb and dentists deserve great rates. But if left unchecked, as with any industry, the costs could spiral to such an extent that even medical aids or medical insurance would not be able to keep up. The role here is advisory more than regulatory, with legal input also given.

4. Advocacy and representation – SADA puts the democratically reached opinions of members to government bodies, NGOs, the public, organisations and agencies. It gives dentists a united voice in influencing public policy, and formulating and promoting sound National Oral Health Policy.

5. Legal and ethical advice  –  Members are kept up-to-date with health-related regulations and other important legal and ethical matters

6. Public awareness –  SADA helps drive awareness of dentistry in South Africa and abroad. Locally, the public is encourage to treat dental care as they would care for the rest of their body, and to get checkups regularly. The public is made aware of how the industry subscribes to only the highest standards of excellence.

7. Education – SADA oversees educational grants, webinars, workshops, further training and a fully accredited scientific dental journal, the SA Dental Journal.

dentistry and dental costs in south africa

Dental procedures and practices offered in South Africa

You can get any routine, orthodontic, paediatric, surgical or cosmetic dental procedure in South Africa that you could anywhere else in the world. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry in South Africa, the biggest demand from a tourism point of view is for veneers and smile makeovers and dental implants.

You cannot buy any illegal dental services in South Africa. The industry is tightly regulated.

Dental Tourism in South Africa works both ways

There are over 4 500 registered dentists in South Africa who are able to cater to the needs of the ever-expanding dental tourism industry, so there is no skills shortage. South Africa has become a preferred dental tourism provider because patients who may have gone elsewhere for cheaper dentistry, found that there were risks involved.

These are

● Bleeding gums
● Loose implants
● Ulcers
● Cysts
● Infections

In the long run, these risks can erase any cost savings. However, the standards of dentistry in South Africa along with the affordable costs of dentistry in South Africa have remained in tact. There have been no reported cases of medical tourism ‘fails’ in this country. Practitioners know that should something like that happen, they would be struck off the roll. It would affect their livelihoods permanently.

State of the art medical care received in most of the country includes:

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC)
The Wand – a pain-free, scientifically computed anesthetic injection system.

Becoming a dentist in South Africa is difficult

It’s not surprising that standards of excellence pervade – the route to becoming a dentist in South Africa is tough and a five-year degree minimum is required. Training and further exams and board exams are required, depending on the speciality chosen. Also, as per SADA, all members are required to undergo continuous learning and upskilling.

This has also made local dentists incredibly valuable abroad, with many having been actively recruited by European countries in the past, after passing relevant foreign board exams. This means dental tourism works both ways with local dentists leaving to solidify experience abroad or being actively lured into short-term or other contracts abroad.

Dr Roy Huson has worked in the UK under celebrity dentist Dr Joe Oliver. His skills and qualifications set him apart.

So good is the reputation of dentistry in South Africa, that most medical aid insurers operating in the dental tourism field are happy to cover in whole or in part dental costs in South Africa. You can enjoy your dental experience in South Africa without fear or hesitation in comfort and privacy. The country is a haven of modern facilities, safari and other adventure or holiday experiences, and no communication barrier exists.

Prices for dental implants start from R12 000 implant placement and can go up to R44 000 per tooth

Prices for dental crowns/dental veneers start from R12 605

Call us now or click here to learn more about our cosmetic dental procedures.

 

Cost of teeth Whitening in Durban

The cost of teeth whitening at our offices in Durban are both cost effective and of the highest quality. Your teeth will be whitened properly.

cost of teeth whitening durban

A Good Oral Hygiene Procedure Is Important

Brushing, flossing and mouth rinsing is extremely important when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene. Even if you follow that regime consistently you will find with age that you teeth start to discolour and become more yellow. This could also be due to cigarette smoking, drinking wine, eating a lot of curry or eating/drinking other teeth staining foods.

By now if you have decided to whiten your teeth you would have researched online and discovered that dental bleaching at a dentist office is the safest and most effective option. The cost of teeth whitening at our offices are very reasonable when compared to other home teeth whitening kits. The teeth whitening treatment is usually 100% more effective than home whitening kits and much more safer.

You can whiten your teeth on average up to 9 shades lighter with our teeth whitening system. The results are much faster than any other home teeth whitening kits. Unlike at home teeth whitening kits, professional dental teeth whitening procedures are carefully monitored and contain a higher concentration of carbamide. We use stronger bleaching agents that are more effective and safe at our offices.

Teeth Whitening Is Safer at a Dentist Office

Unlike other professional teeth whitening procedures we use lower doses of carbamide over a longer period of time (14 days) followed by a 1 hour laser session. This helps to decrease the tooth sensitivity and so that you have a painless treatment. Another huge advantage of using our teeth whitening system is that you never have to repeat the entire system.

Most dentist office teeth whitening systems cost a fortune as you will need to repeat the entire process. With our system we already created a mouth guard to fit your teeth. You will only need to buy the teeth whitening gel which costs R135 each and you need up to two or three after the teeth bleaching process is completed 6 – 12 months later. This all depends on how much of teeth staining foods you eat.

Cost of Teeth Whitening at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

The cost for teeth whitening at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic in Durban is R5 300. This includes the 14-day treatment followed by a 30 minute laser session. It is much cheaper than any other system on the market and of the highest quality.

We offer the highest quality in dentistry. Dr Richard Huson has over 20 years of experience in the UK and worked under celebrity dentist Dr Joe Oliver in the Harley Street Region of London (where celebrities get their dental treatments). You are guaranteed work of the highest quality . All our products meet European Standards.

Call us now or click here to learn more about our teeth whitening procedure.

The Cost Of Dental Veneers

The cost of Dental Veneers is much more affordable in Durban, South Africa than it is in other first world countries. The quality of the treatment done at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic is matched to the Harley Street Region of London, United Kingdom (where celebrities get their cosmetic treatments).

cost of dental veneers

Dentist’s Experience and Expertise Is Important

Dr Roy Huson worked for over 17 years in the United Kingdom in the Harley Street Region of London and worked under world renowned cosmetic dentist Dr Joe Oliver. All our products and services meet European Standards.

The expertise of the dentist will also determine the overall cost of dental veneers in Durban. Choose a dentist who has performed a fair amount of veneer procedures and who has now mastered the art of giving patients a natural looking smile. Always look at the dentist’s portfolio of work and his reviews online.

Getting porcelain veneers in Durban is also well within reach to those residing in the country. The cost of living is lower in some cities than others. An example of this would be Durban. Coupled with year round alluring weather, it is a favored destination among locals. It is here that the cost of Dental Veneers is most affordable, and with access to some well-respected cosmetic dentists.

The Cost of Dental Veneers Also Depends On The Manufacturer That You Choose

The cost of Dental Veneers will also depend on the type of material used in the manufacturing process. As mentioned both composite and porcelain can be used, however at Silver Oaks we prefer porcelain. This does mean that getting them fitted will be more expensive but they do last longer, so re-fitment will not be an issue for quite some time. You do not want to invest less now, only to return to have them replaced.

Dr Roy Huson has placed in excess 2000 Dental Veneers and worked under celebrity dentist Dr Joe Oliver in the United Kingdom. His expertise and qualifications make him the go to person for Dental Veneers.

The total cost of dental veneers starts from around R10 000.

It is classified as a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered as part of dental insurance plans or medical aid. We also offer flexible financing options and affordable monthly installments. Learn more about medical financing options.

Click here to learn more about our dental veneers procedure.

The Cost Of Dental Implants

Dental Implant Cost

The cost of dental implants at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic is very cost effective. Prices start from R8 000 per implant placement.. We only use well known, internationally manufactured implants. This makes it very easy to find a part if something happens to your dental implants.

As the saying goes you get what you pay for and dental implants is no exception.

Bite And Chew Your Food Again

The largest benefit of Dental Implants is that you can bite and chew food again, smile and laugh with confidence and not worry whether they will slip or even fall out. You will also be able to speak well again especially if you need implants on your front teeth. Dental implants remove all speech problems.

Dental Implants is the most cost effective procedure in the long term as they DONT require a lot of maintenance and replacements like Dentures.

Bone Grafting Procedures Influence Cost

The total cost of Dental Implants has everything to do with the extent of services rendered. You may or may not require additional bone grafting procedures prior to implant placement. This depends on how much bone you have to work with. The longer the bone is left without a tooth to support it, the more bone you loose.

That is why it is always better to place an implant as soon as possible after a tooth is extracted so that you won’t need to have the extra cost of bone grafting on top of the cost of dental implants.

You should also consider that Dental Implants are fairly low maintenance. Unlike crowns, bridges and dentures that cost less initially but require maintenance in the long term, Dental Implants although costly to start often end up to be cheaper in the long run as they have a much longer lifespan (mostly permanent) than a crown or bridge which may need replacing every 5-10 years.

The Dental Implant Manufacturer Influences Cost

The cost of dental implants start from R8 000 per implant, depending on the manufacturer you choose, the number of implants that you require (the more you need the cheaper it becomes) if you require bone grafting etc. Chat to Dr Richard Huson and he will explain in detail.

You will also need to consider the experience and qualifications of the dental surgeon handling your case. Dental Implants are a special field of dentistry and care and expertise are paramount to success. Dr Huson has placed in excess 2000 Dental Implants and trained under celebrity dentist Dr Joe Oliver in the United Kingdom. You are guaranteed work that is of the highest quality.

the cost of dental implants

Dental Implant Insurance

Medical Financing

We found that some of our patients wanted to look great and improve their confidence but the affordability was an issue. Some patients are unable to afford the upfront cost of a medical procedure, or where medical aid does not cover the entire cost of the procedure. That is where medical financing comes into play. You can now afford to look amazing whilst paying monthly installments rather than the whole amount in one go.

Payment plans are affordable and flexible, and amounts are financed to suit your needs. The payment terms range between 6 and 36 months, ensuring that all levels of affordability are catered for.

There are no early settlement penalties, and pre-payments are accepted in order to try fast track the payment of the facility.

You can now have your cosmetic procedures done straight away and pay later! We are affiliated with Medfin Dental Finance. Please contact us to find out more.

The Cost of Dental Implants in South Africa

The cost of dental implants in South Africa is very affordable as compared to doing the same procedure in the UK, USA, Canada or Australia.

We have long been told that we only get one set of permanent teeth and it has to be properly taken care of to last a lifetime. Often times, this is not the case and due to many circumstances teeth will be lost or removed during one’s life. Luckily, dental implants are around to solve this dilemma. Together with a combination of a screw and crown, a lost tooth can be replaced. They are one of the most expensive treatments in dentistry along with one of the most invasive. Unlike most cosmetic treatments though, they do not only serve an aesthetic improvement to the mouth but are functional as well, making them a necessity. Let’s take a look at what exactly they are and the cost of dental implants in South Africa.

the cost of dental implants in south africa

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants basically take the place of the root of a tooth, once it is gone. They provide the foundation for an attachment. This attachment is a dental crown which has all the functions and looks of a real tooth. Several factors leads to a person losing their teeth like

Injury– a tooth can be injured to the point of no repair such as in the case of a deep crack. In this case, a dentist has no option but to remove the tooth

Decay– is a leading cause of trips to the dentist. Usually fixed by dental fillings, if the decay has been left without professional intervention, it will eat its way into the entire tooth.
Gingivitis – is when bacteria makes its way into the gum area. Tooth loss occurs when this bacteria destroys the tissue around the toot

The cost of dental implants in South Africa allows for people to get a permanent replacement tooth without having to first sell an arm and a leg. A single dental implant can be set into the mouth. Previously the only option to a missing tooth was to have a dental bridge placed over it. With the cost of dental implants in South Africa being what is, a person who has lost all of their teeth can also be able to afford to replace the lot. The previous solution to this scenario was dentures. These are not a permanent solution as they are removable. Dental implants are a permanent addition to the mouth and with proper care can last for a lifetime. Dental implants may be expensive but come with the following benefits.

Maintenance will be the recommended norm of brushing, flossing and twice yearly dentist visits. They last a lifetime if these are adhered to, meaning no replacements such as with dentures.
There is the ability to speak better without the worry of dentures falling out or having an ill-fitting one making your words unclear.

The appearance is much more natural since they are fixed into your mouth. It is much more comfortable since it is bonded into your jaw. Dentures slide out of position and can make eating quite uncomfortable

Facial features are kept intact and will not droop as much since the implant is there to provide some support.
The implant also provides support to the bone where the tooth had previously been. Without this tooth, the bone can lose its strength and deteriorate. Dental implants help prevent this bone loss

The process of getting dental implants requires several steps, done over a period of months. Once the dentist accesses that the patient is a candidate and has a healthy mouth, the titanium screw can be placed into the bone socket. An incision is necessary here and can be done through local anaesthesia or through conscious sedation. It will take several weeks for the implant to become securely attached to the jaw and will depend on the healing capacity of each patient. Once secure, a connector will be attached to the implant. Its purpose is to hold the crown in place. The crown is the final step of the implant process. A custom crown is designed to be fitted onto the implant.

Cost of dental implants in South Africa

The cost of dental implants in South Africa is very affordable as compared to doing the same procedure in the UK, USA, Canada or Australia. It costs almost half the price and you are getting a wonderful holiday in the sun. Replacing a tooth with an artificial one may seem like a futuristic treatment that would eat away at your bank account but this is surprisingly not the case. The cost of dental implants in South Africa lies with many factors and a final figure can only be given once a dentist accesses the mouth and lays out a plan of action. Prices start from R8 000 per implant placement. The more dental implants one requires the cheaper it gets and it also depends on the manufacturer that you choose.

Locals will find the cost of dental implants in South Africa quite within reach. If not the case, then a payment plan can be put into place to make the cost of dental implants in South Africa easier on the pocket.

The cost of dental implants in South Africa is not just comparable with international prices but significantly lower. With the exchange rates, many overseas patients find that the cost of dental implants in South Africa is attainable at a bargain price. The country is a famed spot for plastic surgery treatments. People get the same results at the highest quality at a fraction of the price that they would pay back home. Cosmetic dentistry is joining this rank. There is not much down time in recovering after getting dental implants so a lot more time can be spent roaming the beautiful country? The low cost of dental implants in South Africa means you can extend your budget into a longer trip and tour that much more.

Lower pricing is not to say that you will not have access to the best dental professionals around. South Africa continually produces world class medical experts and the dentists are no exception. At Silver Oaks, our new offices boast state of the art facilities. We even have our own on-site lab to perfect your smile. Dr Roy Huson has had placed in excess over 2000 dental implants- all with excellent results.

Click here to learn more about our dental implant procedures or Call Us Now to book your appointment.