When considering dental crowns, cost plays a significant role in decision-making. With dental treatments in Australia often being expensive, many patients look for affordable dental treatments overseas, with Bali being a top choice. The dental crown cost in Bali is significantly lower than in Australia, attracting those who want to save money while enjoying a tropical getaway.
But is getting a dental crown in Bali truly worth the savings? Beyond the upfront cost, several factors must be considered, including quality, durability, follow-up care, and potential hidden fees. Before deciding, it’s essential to compare the amount you’ll spend in Bali versus Australia and evaluate whether the dental work will meet your long-term needs.
Dental Crowns in Bali: A Budget-Friendly Choice or a Costly Mistake?
Many dental clinics in Bali advertise great prices for dental crowns, often starting from 250 AUD per tooth, depending on the materials used and the specific clinic’s pricing. This price is significantly lower than in Australia, which appeals to patients seeking a more budget-friendly option. Some clinics also offer additional dental work packages, such as veneers, fillings, extractions, and teeth whitening, which may seem like a cost-effective solution. However, many patients don’t realise that the advertised prices don’t always include hidden fees for essential services, such as consultations, temporary crowns, or adjustments.
If a patient requires a root canal treatment before a dental crown, this can also increase the expected amount, adding to the total cost. Many patients end up requiring several visits due to poorly fitted crowns, resulting in additional per-visit expenses that may not have been anticipated.
Additional Costs in Bali That You Might Not Expect
When undergoing dental treatments in Bali, there are often extra expenses that go beyond the base price of a dental crown. These can include:
- Initial consultation fees: Many dental clinics charge for a consultation, which starts from 50 AUD per visit. Unlike in Australia, where some clinics offer a free consultation, it is usually an additional cost in Bali.
- Filling cost: If a tooth needs additional fillings or other preparation before the crown procedure, this increases the final cost.
- Temporary crowns: Some clinics impose additional charges for a temporary crown while the permanent one is being prepared, increasing the total cost.
- Teeth cleaning: A recommended step before getting a crown to remove plaque or bacteria, which is often not included in the base cost.
- Additional visits for adjustments: Since many Bali clinics cater to tourists, some patients report needing several visits due to poor initial fittings, resulting in additional charges.
- Complications with the jaw: If your jaw has structural issues, additional procedures may be necessary, further increasing costs.
These extra expenses, along with travel and accommodation costs, can make the overall savings far less significant than they initially appear.
Dental Tourism: A Tempting Bargain or a Risky Gamble?
Dental tourism refers to travelling to another country to undergo dental treatments, often in search of affordable dental treatments compared to those available in one’s home country. Countries like Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have become hotspots for dental tourism, offering seemingly great prices on procedures such as dental crowns, dental implants, veneers, root canal treatments, and teeth whitening.
The appeal is undeniable—patients are drawn to the idea of receiving high quality dental treatment at a fraction of the cost, often combined with a holiday experience. However, while the price list may look appealing at first glance, dental tourism comes with significant risks that can outweigh the initial savings.
Why Is Dental Tourism Not Always a Good Idea?
While the promise of great prices and a tropical getaway may seem appealing, there are several risks that can turn what appears to be a cost-saving decision into an expensive and stressful experience. Many patients who travel overseas for dental work—whether for dental crowns, veneers, or even procedures with a high dental implant cost—often find themselves facing unexpected complications, additional expenses, and limited options for follow-up care. Before choosing dental work abroad, it’s important to understand the potential downsides that may outweigh the initial savings.
Lower Quality Materials and Standards
Many overseas dental clinics claim to offer high quality dental services, but in reality, their procedures may not meet Australian healthcare standards. In some cases, cheaper materials are used for dental crowns, fillings, or implants, leading to faster wear and tear, breakage, or even infections.
Limited Follow-Up Care
If a dental crown or dental implant is poorly fitted, or if complications arise after the procedure, returning to the overseas dental clinic for corrections is impractical and expensive. In Australia, your dentist can easily perform follow-up care, ensuring any issues are resolved without needing multiple visits abroad.
Hidden Fees and Additional Costs
Many patients underestimate the hidden fees associated with dental tourism. The initial price list may seem affordable, but once you factor in consultations, temporary crowns, travel expenses, and accommodation costs, the overall expected amount can be much higher than anticipated.
Risk of Infection and Poor Hygiene Standards
In Australia, strict infection control protocols are in place to prevent the spread of disease. Some overseas dental clinics may not adhere to the same level of hygiene, increasing the risk of infections, pain, and even serious complications requiring corrective dental work.
Lack of Legal Protection
If complications arise from your dental treatment overseas, obtaining compensation or legal support can be extremely difficult. Australian dental clinics are governed by strict regulatory bodies, ensuring patient protection and accountability—something that may not be available when undergoing dental work in another country.
Additional Travel-Related Risks
Travelling for dental procedures means you may have to fly back home shortly after surgery, increasing the risk of complications such as swelling, infection, or improper healing. Procedures like dental implants, extractions, or root canal treatments require post-operative care, and air travel can interfere with proper recovery.
Is Dental Tourism Ever Worth It?
While dental tourism may seem like an attractive option for those seeking an affordable price, the risks involved often outweigh the potential savings. High-quality dental treatment is an investment in your long-term oral health, and cutting corners by opting for cheaper, less regulated treatments abroad can lead to greater expenses, complications, and unnecessary stress in the long run.
If you are considering dental work, it’s always best to consult a qualified dentist in Australia to discuss affordable payment plans, dental insurance options, and long-term treatment solutions that prioritise safety and quality over short-term savings.
Dental Crowns in Australia: What’s the Real Cost?
In Australia, the starting price for a dental crown is 1,500 AUD per tooth. While this may seem costly compared to the dental crown cost in Bali, the price reflects the high quality dental treatment, the use of latest technology, and the expertise of skilled dentists and experienced dentists.
One of the biggest advantages of getting a dental crown in Australia is the reliability of the high-quality dental materials used in the procedure. Australian dental clinics follow strict safety and hygiene regulations, ensuring that patients receive longer dental work that provides better oral health benefits.
Unlike in Bali, where some dental clinics may use lower-cost materials to keep prices low, Australian dental treatments prioritise long-term durability. While the expected amount may be higher upfront, it helps prevent the need for early replacements or repairs, ultimately offering better value over time.
Why Are Dental Crowns More Expensive in Australia?
There are several reasons why dental crowns cost more in Australia compared to Bali:
Premium Materials: The crowns made in Australia are crafted from superior materials, such as porcelain or zirconia, which are designed to last 10 to 15 years.
Strict Hygiene Standards: Australian dental clinics follow strict infection control procedures to ensure patient safety, reducing the risk of complications.
Advanced Technology: Many dental clinics use cutting-edge digital scanning and 3D printing technology to create perfectly fitting dental crowns.
Dental Insurance Coverage: Some patients can reduce out-of-pocket costs through dental insurance, making treatment more accessible.
Follow-Up Care: Unlike in Bali, where follow-up care is difficult for overseas patients, Australian dental clinics provide ongoing support, ensuring any issues with a crown can be addressed promptly.
These factors contribute to the higher cost, but they also ensure that patients receive high-quality dental treatment that lasts longer, is safer, and is ultimately more cost-effective in the long run.
Is It Worth Getting a Dental Crown in Bali?
While Bali offers great prices on dental work, the risks of hidden fees, lower quality materials, and lack of follow-up care make dental crowns in Australia a safer and more reliable option. If you are looking for long-lasting, high-quality dental treatments, it is worth considering the benefits of receiving care in your home country, where patient safety and high quality dental treatment are prioritised.
If you’re considering a dental crown, it’s best to consult a trusted dentist in Australia to discuss your options and create a personalised treatment plan that ensures optimal long-term results.
Contact us at MyHM Dentist at (02) 9158 6379 to book your consultation today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- Colgate. (n.d.). What is dental tourism? Colgate. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/what-is-dental-tourism
- Dental Board of Australia. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental crowns. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
- American Dental Association. (n.d.). Infection control and sterilization. ADA. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/infection-control-and-sterilization
