Who doesn’t dream of having flawless teeth? There is nothing that can enhance your looks (and confidence!) like flashing a sparkling set of pearly whites. After playing professional rugby for the better part of a decade and dealing with teeth grinding, my boyfriend, Meyer, had seriously ground down teeth.
Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry in Cape Town is surprisingly affordable. I have already shared my experience with the incredible quality and value of cosmetic dermatology in Cape Town and dentistry is just as accessible.
Check out Dr. JJ Serfontein, the best cosmetic dentist in Cape Town!
Why Cape Town is Great for Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Africa might not be the first place you think of when you think about medical tourism, but it should be! Not only is Cape Town a gorgeous city, it is home to cutting edge technology and highly skilled professionals from around the world.
While it can definitely seem scary to go abroad for any kind of medical procedure, international cities like Cape Town are a prime option. Of course, it is essential to know where local doctors stand in terms of accreditation.
In South Africa, it is important to look for accreditation like SAAAD (South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry); SADA (South African Dental Association); and HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa).
Membership to DSD (Digital Smile Design); ITI (International Team of Implantology); and ESCD (European Society of Cosmetic Dentistry) is also a clear indication that your doctor meets the highest international standards.
Comparison of Procedures in US vs. Cape Town
If you are from the United States, you probably already know medical care is pricey stateside. Not only can you get the same quality of care in South Africa, you can get it for a fraction of the price.
Costs in South Africa are lower so you you can stretch your dollar further. Best of all, with the current U.S. dollar to South African rand exchange rate, you can get a better deal on everything here.
In Cape Town, you could be getting your cosmetic surgery done by the BEST in the game for half the price or less. In South Africa, you can get premium quality veneers and service for R8,000.00 to R11,000.00 ($590-$800) per tooth. In the United States, you will pay $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
Meyer’s Experience with Dr. JJ Serfontein
Meyer had an incredible experience with Dr. JJ Serfontein. He was our pick for a dentist because he travels extensively and is on top of the latest cutting edge technology.
He was conscientious about preventing damage and creating long-term solutions while finding the best way to give Meyer his dream smile. While many old school dentists still use porcelain or even metal for crowns, Dr. JJ Serfontein recommended a type of ceramic called Lithium Disilicate (“Emax”).
This prevented the need for root canals and possible tooth loss in the future. While porcelain has been the new gold standard for years, Dr. JJ Serfontein uses Lithium Disilicate because it is far stronger than porcelain.
Lithium Disilicate can be used at a thickness of 0.3 mm rather the 2.5 mm for porcelain. This is a big deal because it means far less loss to the tooth structure which keeps your mouth healthy and strong.
Meyer got Emax Lithium Disilicate veneers on top the top and bottom, as well as a gum lift to create ideal proportions for his face and mouth. After the procedure, he was given a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding from affecting his new veneers.
Since his smile makeover, the difference has been like night and day. Not only is his smile amazing, it has done wonders for his self-confidence.
He has a toothy grin in every pic and loves his smile, which makes it such a worthwhile investment.
Thanks for the article. Are you a resident in Cape Town or a tourist?. I am considering having my teeth done in Cape Town but am worried that the level of care post might not be satisfactory. How long would you need to stay before you are healthy enough to fly back home ?
Hey Lee! We are residents of Cape Town so it wasn’t an issue for us. My best advice is if this is a major concern for you—I would talk to the dentist or opt for getting it done somewhere closer to home.
I am a bruxer too and hope to have the same treatment your boyfriend did when Covid finally allows us to travel again (I’m a South African overseas). Do you mind sharing how much all the work cost in total, in Rands? Oh and did he only need veneers on the front teeth or the back as well? I looked on Dr. Serfonteins website but he doesn’t mention prices, which is a bit ominous. I just need a ballpark so that I can start saving! 🤣 Thanks.
Hey Katrien! I’d suggest reaching out to him and saying you found him through my blog. Veneers are typically charged per tooth, so it truly varies. Meyer has FULL veneers for both top and bottom (something like 16 teeth). So I can’t give you a ballpark on what it would cost. Some folks have “lumineers” that are like covers for your teeth, which is another option. Talk to him and see what would work best for your situation and your budget!