Dental care is expensive and often inaccessible in most western countries. For self-paying Americans, dental tourism in Mexico provides an affordable solution.
Dental Care in Mexico: Save up to 70% on U.S. costs!
In this article, learn if going to Mexico for your next dental appointment can be the right choice for you!
Dental Work in Mexico Review
Overview
Dental work in Mexico might be the perfect option for you if the high cost at home is getting in your way.
Here we discuss important things to know before considering a trip down south of The Border!
Journal of Anthropology sums it up rather well when it comes to reasons for avoiding Mexican dentistry.
It states that many U.S. patients are unsure of how the healthcare system works there.
On top of that, they believe it to be dangerous, unregulated, and pre-modern. [1]
Then how is it that people are still going to Mexico for dental treatment? Moreover, thousands return with a bright smile and huge savings to brag!
You should know that Mexican healthcare providers intend to provide the best of services.
They achieve this goal by bringing the following into action: [2]
- Making procedures at par with U.S. biomedical standards
- Creating facilities that shadow U.S. counterparts
- Facilitating access to the Mexican healthcare system
Dental tourism in Mexico enables people to access affordable dental care. Still, some of the questions that you face as a medical tourist are:
✅ Why choose Mexico for dental work?
✅ Is dental work in Mexico safe?
✅ What are some dental destinations in Mexico?
✅ Can insurance be used in Mexico?
Also, even with the promise of quality, you find yourself asking, “are dentists really cheaper in Mexico?”
If you travel by flight or opt for a long drive, is it worth the trip, considering additional expenses?
To answer that and more, let’s begin by comparing the treatment prices!
Cost of Dental Work in Mexico
If you are here, it means you know that the prices of dental work in Mexico are cheaper than in the US. Still, how much is dental work in Mexico?
The cost of dental work in Mexico is less than those back in the U.S.
For instance, the cost of a titanium implant in the U.S. is $5,000, while only $900 in Mexico.
A full porcelain crown costs less than $600 in Mexico, about 1/4th of the U.S. cost.
One can expect savings of 70 to 90% with dental care in Mexico.
Check the cost comparison table below. It outlines the costs for the same procedures in the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico.
Variables like the brand of the prosthesis are kept similar or with negligible price-value differences for a fair comparison.
Dental Work Cost Comparison (USD)
| Procedure | USA | Canada | Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium Implant | $5,000 | $4,600 | $900 |
| Zirconium Implant | $6,000 | $5,520 | $1,500 |
| Mini Dental Implant | $1,500 | $1,350 | $450 |
| All-on-4 Implants | $24,000 | $22,000 | $12,475 |
| All-on-6 Implants | $28,000 | $26,000 | $14,255 |
| Full Porcelain Crown | $2,000 | $1,840 | $567 |
| Porcelain Veneer | $2,500 | $2,300 | $567 |
| Full denture (per arch) | $2,000 | $1,840 | $965 |
| Root Canal | $1,500 | $1,300 | $250 |
| Bone graft (per unit) | $1,200 | $1,100 | $385 |
| Sinus lift | $2,500 | $2,300 | $1,500 |
| Laser Teeth Whitening | $1,500 | $1,380 | $350 |
| Simple Tooth Extraction | $300 | $270 | $95 |
 |
|||
*Prices may vary with the complexity of a case.
Even a full mouth reconstruction cost in Mexico is significantly less. One expects to pay 45,000 to 60,000 USD in the United States.
However, these are up to 70% less in Mexico. Find the cost of full mouth restoration using All-on-4 implants in Mexican cities below:
| All-on-4 Cost in Mexico (Both Jaws) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Los Cabos | Cancun | Los Algodones |
| $18,000 – $19,000 | $14,000 – $18,000 | $17,000 – $18,000 |
| Mexicali | Mexico City | Monterrey |
| $14,000 – $15,000 | $12,000 – $21,000 | $18,000 – $24,000 |
| Playa Del Carmen | Puerto Vallarta | Tijuana |
| $17,000 – $18,000 | $16,000 – $18,000 | $16,000 – $24,000 |
Besides lower costs, the prosthetics brands are also comparable. DentaVacation recommended clinics use globally recognized brands.
These include Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer, and more.
So, with savings up to 70% on treatment cost itself, would you still question the trip’s worth?
If this is not enough, find out some more reasons to choose this popular dental tourism destination.
Save 70% on dental work. It's your turn!
Claim your FREE quote!Why Choose Dental Work in Mexico?
Huge Savings
- Dental treatment in Mexico allows 70% savings on the U.S. price. Many clinics also offer free-of-cost consultation.
- With the lower Cost of Living, a Mexican city also offers cheaper food, lodgings, and overall stay. [3]
Proximal Location
- US-Mexico border cities like Tijuana, Los Algodones actively promote dental tourism.
- Even places like Los Cabos, located in the south of Mexico, are short-flights away.
Tourist-Friendly
- Dental destinations in Mexico like Cabo, Cancun, Tijuana are safe to visit. [4]
- Mexico has something for every kind of tourist. It has thrilling cities, various beaches, great food, and relaxing stays!
High-Quality Care
- Clinics are up to date with state-of-the-art technology. They also use international prosthetic brands.
- Recommended dentists are well-qualified, licensed, and members of internationally recognized dental associations.
Is Dental Work in Mexico Safe?
- Treatments are as safe as in the U.S. [5]
- Clinics follow international sterilization protocol.
These conform to the sterilization protocol set by OSHA.
No medical treatment is 100% risk-free, even in the U.S., and dental care in Mexico is no exception.
However, choosing the right clinic can boost up your success rates to over 90%.
A simple effort to help change your results from unsatisfied to satisfied patients is picking the right Dental Clinic! Seems obvious, right? It is!
However, many make the mistake of not researching well before deciding to cross the border for new teeth!
But worry not! We have done that bit of research for you and shortlisted some of the best clinics in the safe Mexican regions.
So, dig right in and check each location’s highlights, safety, and recommended clinic.
Dental Destinations in Mexico
Explore excellent dentists in the US-Mexico border and many other Mexican cities.
People choose a place based on ease of travel, clinic reputation, potential savings, and tourist attractions.
Below are the top locations for the best dental work in Mexico, find your fit!
The arch of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Finding a dentist abroad can be an overwhelming task so to make it easier for you we have curated a list of the best dentists in Mexico at our top destinations, so keep reading to know more!
Dental Work in Mexico
Best Clinic in Cabo, Mexico
Work Experience
- Head dentist: 30+ years of experience
- Technician: 35+ years of experience
Highlights
- Convenient location – 20 min drive from Cabo airport
- Speedy treatment with State-of-the-Art Facility
- 10-year warranty for implants
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Internationally accredited and trained Dentists
Speciality
- Implantology
- Restorative Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
Location Highlights
How to Reach Los Cabos?
- International Airport: Los Cabos International Airport Airport
- Code: IATA: SJD; ICAO: MMSD
Tourism Attractions
- Beaches: Lover’s Beach, Divorce beach, Playa Chileno
- Other famous spots: Land’s End (El Arco), Puerto Los Cabos Golf Course
- Things to do in Cabo: Whale watching, Bird watching at San José Estuary
How Safe is Cabo?
- According to Travel State Gov. US, there are no travel restrictions for Cabo. [6]
- Safety Index: 68; Overall risk: Medium -Travel Safe Abroad. [7]
Best Clinic in Cancun, Mexico
Work Experience
- 160+ yrs of combined education and practice
- Head Dentist: 30+ years of experience
Highlights
- Within 20 minutes drive Cancun Airport
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
- 5- year Warranty
- Certified nutritionist on staff
- Languages: Spanish and English
Accreditations and Certificates
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Mexican Dental Association
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Location Highlights
How to Reach Cancun?
- International Airport: Cancún International Airport Airport
- Code: IATA: CUN; ICAO: MMUN
Travel Tips
- Always carry documents like FMM, Passport
- USD accepted at multiple stores
- Using the bus is a convenient way to travel in town
- Taxi does not have a meter; general rates posted in most hotels
How Safe is Cancún?
- Cancun and Quintana Roo does not have travel restrictions [8]
- Safe Areas: Cancún Hotel Zone, Cancún Beaches, La Isla shopping village
- Avoid: Downtown Cancún, Outskirts of Cancún
Best Dental Clinic in Algodones, Mexico
Work Experience
- 35+ years of Clinic experience
- Highly experienced dentists
Highlights
- 5 min. from the Andrade border crossing
- State-of-the-Art Facility
- 5-year warranty for implants
- Bilingual and Co-operative staff
Awards and Accreditations
- Medical Tourism Association (MTA)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Location Highlights
How to Reach Los Algodones?
- Nearest Airport: Yuma International Airport Airport
- Code: IATA: YUM; ICAO: KNYL
Travel Tips
- Always carry your passport
- Best time to Visit: December to March
- You can park in the lot on the U.S. side and walk over
- Border crossing Andrade, California: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m
How Safe is Los Algodones?
- Known as the Molar City for being dental tourism hub [9]
- Americans find Los Algodones a relatively safe place in Mexico. [10]
Best Dental Clinic in Mexicali
Work Experience
- 44 years of Clinic experience
- Head Dentist 30+ years of experience
Highlights
- 25 minutes drive from the border at Calexico, CA
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Languages: Spanish and English
Accreditations and Certificates
- American Dental Association (ADA) Certified
Location Highlights
How to Reach Mexicali?
- Airport: General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada (MXL)
- Drive through Calexico: HWY-111 or California 98
Travel Tips
- Always carry documents like FMM, Passport
- Check waiting hours online for border crossing
- Holidays or evenings can have long wait hours at border
- USD are accepted at multiple stores
How Safe is Mexicali?
- The clinic is located in a very safe part of Mexicali
- Mexicali is one of the Safest Border cities of Mexico [11]
- Overall Risk: Medium; can be avoided with apt precaution. [12]
Best Dental Clinic in Mexico City
Work Experience
- 30+ years of Clinic experience
- Highly experienced dental team
Highlights
- 12 minutes drive from the Airport (MEX)
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Affiliated to international dental associations
- They implement ISO 9001 sterilization protocols
- Languages: Spanish and English
Accreditations and Certificates
Consejo Mexicano de Endodoncia (Mexican Council of Endodontics)
Location Highlights
How to Reach Mexico City?
- Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez
- Airport Code: IATA: MEX; ICAO: MMMX
Travel Tips
- March to May has a pleasant weather and attracts most tourists at this time.
- Mexico City is very colorful. Here you can indulge in a variety of activities. These include paying a visit to museums, parks, cantinas, etc.
- If you are an admirer of visual arts, you must visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City.
How Safe is Mexico City?
- The clinic is located in a very safe part of Mexico City.
- Mexico City is safe for tourists, [13] one should still make use of common precautions.
Best Dental Clinic in Monterrey
Work Experience
- 10+ years of Clinic experience
- Head Dentist: 15+ years of experience
Highlights
- Mexican board-certified dentist
- The building is wheelchair accessible
- Use of bio-materials and titanium implants, approved by the FDA, America and COFEPRIS, Mexico
- Languages: Spanish and English
Accreditations and Certificates
- Mexican Council of Periodontics (CMP)
- Mexican Association of Periodontics (AMP)
Location Highlights
How to Reach Monterrey?
- Airport: Monterrey International Airport (MTY)
- Nearest U.S. Airport: South Texas, Edinburg (EBG)
Travel Tips
- Most shopping centers operate between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday is usually considered the day off for most stores.
- One could tip 10% in restaurants and 1 to 1.5 USD for driver, hotel maid.
- June to mid-August is the hottest period in Monterrey.
How Safe is Monterrey?
- Monterrey is safe for tourists. [14]
- The clinic is located in a safe neighborhood.
- Avoid traveling solo at night in the city.
Best Dental Clinic in Playa Del Carmen
Work Experience
- 35+ years of Clinic experience
- Highly experienced dental team
Speciality
- Dentures
- Implants
- Oral Surgery
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Restorations
- Endodontic Services
- Emergency Dental Services
Accreditations and Certificates
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Medical Tourism Association (MTA)
Location Highlights
How to Reach Playa Del Caramen?
- Step 1: Reach Cancun
- Step 2: Drive or take a ferry ride to Carmen
Travel Tips
- Located at only 1-hour South of Cancun
- Cancun and Playa have a similar Climate due to Proximity
- Cancun has a city-like vibe, while Playa Del Carmen is a beach town
How Safe is Playa Del Carmen?
- From US travel state gov, there is no travel restriction [15]
- Safety Index: 69; Overall Risk: Medium [16]
Best Dental Clinic in Puerto Vallarta
Work Experience
- 20+ years of Clinic experience
- Head Dentist 20+ years of experience
Highlights
- Located at the heart of Puerto-Vallarta
- Cutting-edge technology
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Free Wifi and Coffee
Speciality
- General dentistry
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Implantology
- Prosthodontics
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Oral surgery
Location Highlights
How to Reach Puerto Vallarta?
- Airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Airport
- Code: IATA: PVR; ICAO:MMPR
Travel Tips
- Best time to travel: April to June.
- Winter is the whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta.
- Airfare is also high during the winter season.
- It’s a good idea to negotiate a cab fare in PV.
How Safe is Puerto Vallarta?
- U.S. Travel Gov. suggests no travel restriction to Puerto Vallarta [17]
- Safety Index: 70; Overall Risk: Low. [18]
Best Dental Clinic in Tijuana
Work Experience
- 35+ years of Clinic experience
- Highly experienced dentists
Highlights
- 2.5 miles from the US Border
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Board Certified Dentists
- 5-25 Years of warranty on treatments
- Discounted Cash payments
- Near the Hotel Zone
Speciality
- Dental Crown & Bridges
- Dental Implants
- Tooth Extractions
- Bone Grafting
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Endodontics
Location Highlights
How to Reach Tijuana?
- Nearest Airport: San Diego; 15 min from Tijuana Airport
- Code: IATA: SAN; ICAO: KSAN
Travel Tips
- Always carry documents like FMM, Passport.
- Restrooms at shopping complexes may charge some money.
- Try the famous Fish Tacos when in Tijuana.
- Valid Mexican Car Insurance is required to drive into Tijuana.
How Safe is Tijuana?
- Very Popular: Most visited border city in the world. [19]
- Overall Risk: Medium; with commonsense and some precautions, one can travel safely in and out of Tijuana. [20]
- Avoid the first street; Zona Norte, and its notorious area; Calle Coahuila.
- Stick to Zona Centro and Avenida Revolucion.
Best dentists in Mexico
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8Education
Training in Harvard
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Crowns & Bridges, DenturesEducation
Universidad Tecnológica de México
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8Education
University of North Carolina
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, VeneersEducation
University of Guarulhos São Paulo- Certifications in DSD (Digital Smile Design) and SKYN Concept protocols in 2015
- Certified by the São Paulo Association of Surgeons in “Advanced dental implantology – surgical module”
- Member of the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry)
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Crowns & Bridges, DenturesEducation
Autonomous University of Baja California.
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Oral SurgeryEducation
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Guadalajara
Expertise
Aligners, BracesEducation
UNAM - Mexico D.F.Expertise
Ceramics and ImplantsEducation
Autonoma University Southeast
Expertise
Aligners, BracesEducation
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Expertise
Oral SurgeryEducation
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Expertise
Aligner, BracesEducation
The Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Oral SurgeryEducation
Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon
Expertise
Root Canal TreatmentEducation
The Autonomous University of Mexico
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Crowns & Bridges, DenturesEducation
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Expertise
VeneersEducation
University of Guadalajara
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Oral SurgeryEducation
University of Guadalajara
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Oral SurgeryEducation
University Michoacána de San Nicholas
Expertise
Cleaning, FillingsEducation
Autonomous University of Baja CaliforniaGet quality dentistry @ mindblowing price!
Book your appointmentDental Work in Mexico Reviews
Watch the video below to see what an ex-dental professional from the US had to say about dental work in Mexico!
Patient Review: Dental Work in Los Algodones, Mexico
Want to hear from more patients? We’ve got you covered!
Patient Review: Dental Work in Tijuana
Dental Work in Cabo Review
Patient Review: Dental Work in Cancun
Patient Testimonial: Dental Work in Merida
Patient Review: Dental Implants in Algodones
Patient Testimonial: Dental Work in Los Algodones
Conclusion
By choosing cheap dental work in Mexico, you can save up to 70-80% and enjoy a perfect vacation and tick it off of your bucket list.
Mexico has something for everybody, from great food and serene beaches to vibrant nightlife.
So contact us right away for all the details, and we will assist you in restoring your healthy smile.
FAQs on Dental Travel to Mexico
Some of the U.S. or Canadian dental Insurance compensate for dental work in Mexico.
Reimbursement may be at the “out-of-network” provider rate.
Still, our clinics in Mexico will help you prepare the paper-work to claim dental insurance.
Yes, you may have to present your passport while entering Mexico.
However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection mandates the need for a valid passport to enter back into the USA. [21]
For children below 16 years, they may re-enter with a birth certificate. [22] We strongly suggest using a passport as the I.D. to prevent any confusion.
A Mexico Tourist Card (or the FMM) is a standard arrivals card. It states that your purpose of visiting Mexico is ‘tourism,’ for 180 days or less.
As of January 2020, the fee is approx 30 USD. When traveling by air, you’ll get the card to fill at the airport. The cost of your trip covers the FMM fee here.
Pick the card from a Mexican consulate at your entry point if you plan to drive down. For this, you can pay at any nearest bank after you have arrived in Mexico.
- Duty-Free: 300 USD for each person
- Needs Declaration: Amount exceeding 10,000 USD
So, you can carry $10,000 cash in & out of Mexico.
You need to check with your mobile service provider. They can update you with services/plans that work in Mexico. Shopping malls and tourist places are good a place to buy Mexican sim cards. At airports, sim cards may be expensive. You can also order a ready-to-go Telcel sim card online from Amazon.
Getting dental work done in Mexico becomes easier with multiple payment methods.
One can pay their Mexican dentist via the following options and more:
- Paypal
- Wire transfer
- Credit or Debit cards
- Cash: USD or Local currency
- Checks: Personal checks, traveler’s checks, cashier’s check
FAQs on Dental Work in Mexico
Dental work in Mexico is cheaper than in the US due to lower labor and overhead costs. Have a look at the list given below to judge for yourself.
- Single titanium implant: Mexico $900; USA $5,000
- All-on-4 implants: Mexico $12,475; USA $24,000
- Porcelain Veneers: Mexico $567; USA $2,500
A full set of veneers in Mexico will cost you $4,800, while the same can cost you nearly $20,000 in the US.
The evident gap in the price will allow you to save 75% on your dental treatment.
A porcelain crown in Mexico costs $570, while the same will cost you $2,000 and $1,840 in the US and Canada, respectively.
As you can see, you can save up to 70% on your cost by choosing Mexico for dental crowns.
A Titanium Implant costs $1,500, while a Zirconium Implant costs $900 in Mexico.
While the same costs $5,000 and $6,000 respectively in the US. So you can save anywhere between 75%-80% on your dental treatment.
You need to check with your mobile service provider. They can update you with services/plans that work in Mexico.
Shopping malls and tourist places are good a place to buy Mexican sim cards.
At airports, sim cards may be expensive. You can also order a ready-to-go Telcel sim card online from Amazon.
Root canal costs $250 in Mexico, while the same procedure will cost you $1,500 in the US. Such a huge price gap will allow you to save up to 84% on your dental treatment.
The primary reasons for cost differences are: [23]
- Less overhead costs
- Eliminating the cost of malpractice insurance
- The difference in remuneration of health care workers
