November 13, 2024 — Twin brothers John and Richard Garstones, from Derby in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, have returned home with new smiles and enhanced confidence following dental treatment at Elite Dental Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After struggling with various dental issues for years, the brothers’ trip to Vietnam marked a significant turning point in their lives.
John, who had lost most of his teeth due to severe dental problems and bone challenges, received dental implants along with temporary teeth. His treatment will be completed over two phases, with a follow-up procedure scheduled in six months to finalize the integration of his implants. Meanwhile, Richard, who had been relying on dentures for five years, now enjoys a full set of restored teeth, which has greatly improved his quality of life and sense of self-esteem.
The brothers, both long-time driving instructors in Derby, have been sharing their positive experience with their local community, especially with the Vietnamese workers who helped make their trip possible. John explained that the community, grateful for the Garstones’ driving lessons, had arranged their visas and flights as a thank-you gesture. “The girls threw us a small party when they got their learning permits and then decided to send us to Vietnam as a way of saying thanks,” said John. “They covered all the travel expenses, making the experience even more memorable.”
The brothers made their way from Derby to Broome, where they caught a budget flight with Singapore’s low-cost carrier, Scoot, to Ho Chi Minh City. With return tickets priced around 600 AUD, the brothers were impressed by how affordable the trip was compared to other destinations like Perth, Bali, or Pattaya. While they had visited places like Bali and Bangkok in the past, this was their first time in Vietnam, and they were pleasantly surprised by the level of care they received.
John remarked, “The facilities, staff, and treatment at Elite Dental Center exceeded our expectations. The prices were much lower than what we would have paid in Australia, and the quality of care was fantastic.” He noted that similar treatments in Perth would have cost tens of thousands of dollars, with additional expenses for travel and accommodation.
While considering other overseas options like Bali or Davao, John explained that the complications he faced with previous dental work led him to seek a more reliable solution. He felt that Vietnam provided the ideal balance of high-quality care at an affordable price.
During their initial days in Ho Chi Minh City, the brothers were also offered an attractive dental package from a clinic in Turkey via Facebook. Priced at $5,000 USD and promising to complete the entire procedure in just one day, the offer initially seemed tempting. However, after visiting Elite Dental Center and seeing the clinic’s professional facilities and personalized approach, the Garstones decided to stay in Vietnam. “We realized that a full mouth implant in just one day was unlikely, and we were also concerned about the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” John explained.
The Garstones are now eagerly anticipating their return in six months to complete John’s treatment. As always, Richard will accompany his brother, continuing their lifelong tradition of facing life’s adventures together.
Nguyen Diep Kim Thuy, Business Director of Elite Dental Center, expressed her excitement about the Garstones’ visit. “John and Richard are our first clients from rural Australia, and we are thrilled to see more Australian seniors choosing our clinic for their dental care needs,” she said.
The brothers’ story is a testament to the growing trend of medical tourism, with Australians seeking affordable, high-quality dental care abroad, especially in countries like Vietnam where treatment costs are much lower than at home. The Garstones’ restored smiles are a shining example of how accessible dental care can make a world of difference.
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