Cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica is a feasible alternative for people intimidated by the high cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental implants and dental bridges in the USA. More than 100 million people in the USA lack dental insurance, and hence dental treatment abroad becomes an attractive, cost-effective option to such persons.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry in Costa Rica

• Cosmetic dentistry procedures like immediate load dental implants in Costa Rica cost only a fraction of the USA price and it does not involve any lowering of quality. You will save a neat 30-50% even if all related expenses like travel, stay, and a bit of a holiday are added up.
• Quality of dental care in Costa Rica is at par with what you expect in the USA.
• Board-certified cosmetic dentists in Costa Rica are established, reputed professionals with years of experience. They speak good English, so there are no communication problems.
• Cosmetic dentists in Costa Rica, like their counterparts in USA, use the latest computer-aided design and modeling software like 3D imaging.
• Costa Rica is also a beautiful place to visit with its tropical forests, mountains, and pristine beaches. It is also a safe country with a stable democracy, high level of education, and friendly people.
• US and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stay of up to three months.
• All major US airlines have regular nonstop Costa Rica flights from many US cities. It is easy for Canadians, too, to fly to Costa Rica because of good number of flights.

Disadvantages of Cosmetic Dentistry in Costa Rica

• You need to have more time in hand since you are traveling to another country and will need to stay as long as required to complete the dental procedure.
• Spanish is the most common language, though English is quite common. Not all cosmetic dentists and staff at dental clinics in Costa Rica may speak English. You will have to check this beforehand. However, staff at Medical Tourism Corporation’s network hospitals in Costa Rica speak fluent English and there are interpreters available, when required.

Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures in Costa Rica

Let us now look at some of the cosmetic dentistry procedures, and their costs in the USA. You can expect to save a substantial amount – 30-50% – if you get these procedures done in Costa Rica.

• Immediate load dental implants in Costa Rica are not only hugely affordable but also of the highest quality. Costa Rica orthodontists in tourist hospitals regularly work with medical tourists from the US, Canada, and other parts of the world.

• Porcelain Veneers in Costa Rica can be easily accommodated in a vacation, as they take about 1-2 visits only. Teeth veneers are extremely thin porcelain shells used on the front surface of front teeth to cover discoloration, chipping or minor misalignments. In the US, it generally takes $300 to $2,000 per tooth.

• Dental Bridges in Costa Rica will be a fraction of the cost in the US. Dental bridges are false teeth, used when there are one or more missing teeth. In the US, they are priced between $500 and $900.

• Dental Crowns in Costa Rica, along with a rejuvenating vacation, will truly add to your total makeover. In the US, the cost of a single dental crown can be between $800-$1,200.

Quality, dependable cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica is very affordable by US standards. When superb quality accompanies such huge savings, it becomes an option hard to look away from.

People who need to replace missing teeth have several options today, like dentures and dental implants. In this article we will compare dental implants and dentures: situations where one is preferable over the other and why dentures or dental implants abroad could be a good idea.

Comparison of Dental Implants and Dentures

Material:

Dentures are made of acrylic, cast metal, flexible plastic for base and plastic or porcelain for the teeth part.

Dental implants are made of titanium, a metal compatible with the human body.

Procedure:

Dentures take several appointments over three to six weeks. In the first appointment, impressions of the jaw and tooth structure are taken. Wax or plastic moulds are created and tried on. Final cast is made and fitted and adjustments made.

The tooth implant is placed in the bone socket. (Local anesthesia needed). It takes five to eight months to fix the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.

Comfort:

The denture can move and make clicking sounds when you eat or speak, so it may make you uncomfortable. Dentures in the upper jaw have better grip than lower dentures due to suction from roof of the mouth. Ability to chew is greatly reduced, compared to natural teeth.

Dental implants or implant-retained dental prostheses are very stable, as they have a root-like portion that fits into the bone socket, like natural teeth. People who have implant-supported artificial teeth can chew efficiently.

Where they are used:

Dentures can be used when you have lost many or all your teeth because of periodontal disease, tooth decay, damage, or aging. Dental implants can be used here too, but only if you have healthy jaw bone to support them.

Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth, either one or more. But may not be advisable for diabetics and smokers as osseo-integration might take longer.

What to expect once you have them:

Dentures will need to be re-aligned, re-based or re-made as your gums and jaw structure change with aging. Dentures are also subject to normal wear and proper oral hygiene is necessary.

With proper care, dental implants last a lifetime.

Why Dental Implants are considered Better than Dentures

• Dental implants enable firm placing of the prosthetic teeth. The tiny titanium screws act like the root of a natural tooth, so you don’t have to worry about the crown falling off.
• You can chew better with implant-supported artificial teeth.
•  Dental implants are made of titanium, which the body accepts. This has two advantages: one, it promotes healthy bone growth and second, this natural bone holds the implant firmly in place. The opposite happens with dentures, as pressure from the dentures causes disintegration of bone material.
• Some people may be allergic to some of the material like acrylic used in dentures whereas titanium used in dental implants is bio-compatible.
• Dental implants offer more options. It is possible to get your dentures fixed with mini dental implants.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• Dental implants are more expensive than dentures.
• Dental implants are more time-consuming. After the implants are placed, it may take anywhere from 3-6 months for osseo-integration to happen.
• People with a tendency to grind teeth may not be suitable for dental implants.
• If the bones have shrunk and are not in a condition to support the implant, the dental surgeon may advise bone graft for dental implants. This involves further cost, time, and surgery.
• Dental implants are an invasive procedure, and involves incisions and stitches. Though done under anesthesia, people with dental surgery phobia may not want to go for it.

Cost of Dentures and Dental Implants

There are different types of dentures including complete dentures, removable partial dentures and implant-retained dentures. The cost varies according to which of these you need, the different material used and the dentist’s fee. The cost could be anything between $300 and $2,500 in the US. Traditional dental implants cost in the range of $2,000 and $4,500 in the US. Low cost dental implants in Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, or India can save you about 60% or more of the US cost, with no compromise in quality. Plus, it offers you the chance to combine a tropical vacation with your dental treatment package.