4.9 from 27 verified reviews
I'm smiling because I now finally have a great smile that I'm proud to show off to the worldAdrian, UK, 14 05 18Fantastic!
I needed 19 crowns in total - 10 upper and 9 lower. I also required 8 fillings replaced with white composite to replace the current amalgam fillings in place.
The whole process was virtually pain-free as I had enough anesthetic to stun an elephant! The initial injections were softened with the use of an anesthetic gel which meant I didn't even feel the actual injections taking place. There was a very slight discomfort when he anaesthetised my lower teeth, but this was only slight and only for a few seconds. The only thing that I found to be a bit 'interesting' was the smell of burning teeth as they were being ground down during preparation. Nowhere within my research had this been mentioned. Had I have known, I would probably dab a bit of Vicks under my nose so I didn't smell it.
Day 1 - Was the initial preparation of the teeth and prior to starting, molds were taken of my existing teeth so that temporary acrylic teeth could be made. Day 1 was a long day and I think I was I the chair for about 3-4hrs in total, but I wasn't in any pain.
Day 2 - It was considerably shorter and molds were taken of my gums and what was left of my teeth. Again - no pain except a little discomfort.
Day 3 - The frame that the teeth would be built upon was test fitted. A small amount of discomfort was felt as my gums were a bit painful and teeth stumps were a bit sensitive - but again, it was incredibly short (under a minute in reality).
Day 4 - The actual teeth were fitted - they looked fantastic and I was incredibly overwhelmed with happiness.
Day 5 - Final check and the bite was adjusted / gum shield provided for sleeping. I then had 12hrs and an overnight to kill before my return back to the UK.
I simply could not stop smiling, anyone who made eye contact got a smile in return, and I'm still smiling now. I'm smiling at the cost, I'm smiling at the quality, I'm smiling at the great experience I had and most of all - I'm smiling because I now finally have a great smile that I'm proud to show off to the world. I had been planning to get my smile sorted and had contacted several dentists within the UK who were recommended for this type of work. I've always been embarrassed about my smile but the cost of repairing it was always astronomical at home.
I thought I needed at least 2 implants as well as 18 crowns, as that's what the UK dentists told me I needed. I had prices ranging from the "Oh my god - how much!" to "Really? - What planet are you from!".
I'd heard from a few friends at work about the treatment they had received overseas for a fraction of the cost so started doing my research. I came across Activ Dental and Dr. Peter Haidekker as part of that research.
I contacted the clinic and then entered into correspondence with Sylvia who I have to say was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole process.
Dr. Peter Haidekker was the only guy who told me I didn't need implants as the crowns could be bridged so I didn't need the extra costs. That spoke volumes to me about the guy and his integrity.
The next step was to research him personally and the quality of his work. All I could find were positive reviews, plus the information and before and after photos sent by the clinic to me. I'm naturally skeptical so rather than just believe what was sent to me, I decided to have a short break in Budapest, and call in to meet with Sylvia (Patient co-ordinator) and Dr. Peter.
I was immediately taken for a panoramic x-ray and then had a discussion with Peter as to what he thought was the best way to restore my smile. I felt immediately confident in the guy and his abilities, his ability to explain and talk to me in English allayed any concerns I had about translation being an issue.
He also gives me a quick teeth polish whilst I was there and the inspirational part - this was all free! My decision was made there and then to use Peter especially as the cost was quoted €5800 - a considerable saving against the price back home. The quote also covered the cost of a hotel and transfers, so the only addition to this was the cost of the flights. I gave her dates of when I'd like the treatment, and she confirmed an apartment for me (the normal hotel they use was full. In fairness, I only gave her a weeks notice!) and then kept me up to date via either email or text/WhatsApp.
I was met at the airport and transferred to my apartment and Sylvia was there when my transport to return me to the airport arrived. She was there with me every time I went to the surgery and if her role was to put me at ease, she did that exceptionally well but that's no surprise given that she is a lovely woman and incredibly interesting to talk to. She also has a bit of a sweet tooth, so ice cream at Gustos over the road directly opposite is a treat for her!
The actual clinic itself is housed in the 4th floor of a building that looks fairly communistic so don't expect anything flash and modern, but once you get in the actual room, it's clean and hygienic and modern equipment is used. Add to this that Dr. Peter is extremely skilled and you're at ease almost as soon as you sit in the chair.
Budapest is a fantastic city to explore. It's clean, friendly, safe, has lots of street art and fantastic architecture and the prices are cheaper than the UK for a beer/meal etc. The clinic is in the middle of the city and virtually next door to the basilica. You can explore most of the city attractions on foot. I never needed to use public transport and saw everything I wanted to see.
I'm genuinely struggling to find anything negative to say about the whole experience and the only improvement suggestion I could make is to have something on the ceiling above the chair to keep you interested - boring ceiling tiles could easily be swapped for a flat-screen TV with subtitles, or an interesting photograph/poster at least.
I'd very happily recommend the services of both Sylvia and Dr. Peter.