Having a perfect set of teeth is not a distant dream anymore. Thanks to affordable lumineers in Costa Rica, that saves your hard-earned money. Costa Rica is one of the top dental destinations in Latin America.[1] Want to know why is dental tourism booming here? Read ahead to find out more!
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain veneers customized to fit each tooth of the patient.[2] They are only 0.3 mm in contrast to 1.5mm thick regular veneers.[3]
They provide a permanent cosmetic solution to stained or damaged teeth.[4]
Set of 6 Lumineers
Lumineers for Esthetic Smile
Lumineer is a registered brand of Den-Mat Holdings LLC.[5]
But how much do these veneers cost? Are they affordable in Costa Rica? Let’s scroll down & see!
Cost of Lumineers in Costa Rica
The price of lumineers in Costa Rica varies from $425 to $600. On the other hand, the same procedure might charge you $1,000 in the US & $1,400 in Canada.
Similarly, the lumineers cost in Australia & New Zealand may be around $1,300 & $2,050, respectively. Thus, creating a huge gap between dental veneers price in Costa Rica & at home.
From the table below, you can clearly conclude that veneers in Costa Rica save you nearly 65%. Isn't that a huge amount to retain?
| Country | Cost (Per Unit) |
|---|---|
| Costa Rica | $425 - $ 600 |
| United States | $800 - $2,000 |
| Canada | $800 - $2,000 |
| United Kingdom | $900 - $1,200 |
| Australia | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| New Zealand | $1,850 - $2,250 |
*Prices may vary as per the case complexity.
Note: Not every partner clinic in Costa Rica uses Lumineer brand. But they do use a similar technique.
They fabricate their own veneers in in-house labs & customize it for each case. They call them Smile Veneers or First Fit Veneers. Lumineers might be overpriced in your land, but they are economical in Costa Rica.
Why are Lumineers Cheaper in Costa Rica?
There are myriad reasons owing to the cheaper lumineers or porcelain veneers in Costa Rica. The living cost here is around 37% low than in most American states.[6]
Besides, you get first-class healthcare facilities at 1/3rd of the US cost.[7] Moreover, short flights of ~4 hrs 32 mins from the US make it easily accessible. Also, you save substantially[9] by boarding popular airlines for ~ $144. [8]
Costa Rica: Easy to Reach
Quality Lumineers in Costa Rica
Do you still want to know why Costa Rica is in demand? It's because of:
- High-rated dentistry | Quality treatment
- Geographical Proximity | Short plane ride away
- All-inclusive packages | Pick up/drop-off & stay
- Captivating landscapes | Charming tourist spot
- Affordable dental care | Budget-friendly for uninsured
Captivating View in Costa Rica
Porcelain veneers fall in elective cosmetic procedures, so insurance companies do not provide cover for them.
Therefore, millions of Americans reach Costa Rica in search of affordable dentistry abroad.[10] You can visit San Jose, Liberia, Jaco, or Playa Del Coco to have a wonderful dental experience.
3 Step Procedure for Lumineers in Costa Rica
Getting Lumineers is a painless and minimally invasive procedure.
Diagnosis | Treatment Plan
A dentist analyzes their patient's needs, oral status, color & smile line.
Then, they share a proper treatment plan. For this, they may require:
- Photographs
- Radiographs
- Teeth Models
Pictures to Predesign a Smile
Preparation | Impression
Depending on the case, Lumineers might not always demand trimming of tooth surfaces. 2 methods include:
I. No-Prep Technique:
- No reduction of tooth structure
- Veneer thickness is 0.2-0.7 mm
II. Minimal Preparation:
- 0.3-0.5 mm tooth reduction is done
- Usually indicated in misaligned teeth
Good News: Anesthesia is not needed in any of the techniques.
Teeth impressions are taken to make models. The lab uses them to make custom Lumineers.
Teeth Impressions
Cementation | Bonding
Firstly, the clinician cleans the tooth surface with a polishing paste.
Then, they bond the lumineers to the front teeth in a sequence: central incisors > canines > lateral incisors.
Lastly, the dentist removes extra cement using floss & completes it by final curing (for a few secs).
Note: Usually, it takes 3 visits to complete. However, Lumineers can also be done in just 2 visits by combining 1st & the 2nd sitting.
Source: IOSR Journal[11]
Lumineer is a very simple procedure. So, are you curious to know whether you are a good candidate for it or not? Let’s check it out!
When Do You Need Lumineers?
Lumineers are contact lens-thin shells that best reproduce a brighter smile.[12] They are recommended in:[13]
Indications
- Badly shaped teeth
- Unnatural bridge/crown
- Mild gaps between teeth
- Stained/discolored teeth
- Minor tooth cracks
Lumineers are advertised as the answer to most esthetic needs. But they might not be suitable for everyone. For instance,[14]
Contraindications
- Loose teeth
- Large teeth gaps
- Night grinding, nail-biting
- Damaged outer tooth layer(enamel)
When do You Need Veneers/Lumineers?
Lumineers Vs. Veneers
You might have heard of veneers. But do you know how are they different from Lumineers?[15] See the table below:
| Lumineers | Veneers |
| Ultrathin: 0.3 mm thick | Relatively thicker: upto 1.5mm |
| Are potentially reversible | Bond permanently to teeth |
| Need less time & visits | Takes more time & visits |
| Less/no trimming | Slight trimming done |
| Demand extra care to stay longer | Last longer for ~ 15 years |
| More translucent, more natural & comfortable | Less translucent & natural |
| Pain-free, so no anesthesia is needed | Might require anesthesia to avoid sensitivity |
| Cannot be used in severe discoloration | Masks severe discoloration better |
| Less visits might incur less expenses | More visits might incur more expenses |
Advantages of Lumineers
Lumineers are popular as cosmetic coatings among international patients. They offer the following benefits:[16]
- Painless | No need to numb
- 2 sittings | Quick to apply & remove
- Great color stability | Excellent esthetics
- Minimal or no tooth scratching | No sensitivity
- Need no temporary cover | High patient acceptance
Disadvantages of Lumineers
Though more beneficial, Lumineers have a very few drawbacks such as: [17]
- Adds to thickness | Might look bulky
- Ultra-thin | Can’t mask severe staining
- Overcountouring | Periodontal problems
- Not appropriate for all cosmetic problems | Limited use
Aftercare of Lumineers
To improve the longevity of lumineers, adopt good oral practices including:[18]
Immediate Post-Op Care
- Do not eat or drink dark-colored items
- Don’t take too hot/cold eatables to avoid any sensitivity
Routine Care after Lumineers
- Brush & floss regularly
- Avoid grinding of teeth (wear a nightguard)
- Refrain from chewing hard & sticky candies
- Do not bite on a pen, pencil, or any hard objects
- Do not miss your dental visits for follow-ups & cleanings
- Reduce the consumption of dark-stained food or liquids (tea, coffee, red wine)
Is Costa Rica a Safe Country for Dental Tourism?
Yes. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America.[19] Americans and Canadians call it a retirement destination for its healthcare & tourism.[20]
With the lowest poverty rates in Latin America, its steady growth & open policies make it a global leader.[21]
Safety Aspects As a Tourist
Facts to Know!
- Costa Rica is one of the best Green Countries in the World.[22]
- In 2021, 64% of foreign visitors were from the States.[23]
- Over 1.3 million US citizens entered Costa Rica annually in the past few years.[24]
Costa Rica is at a “level 1” country, the safest level credited by the U.S. State Dept.[18]
But, security concerns are obvious as you plan your travel.
Costa Rica is Safe for Dental Trip
We hope the following points will help you plan your trip well.[25]
- Avoid traveling solo after dark
- Hold your passports and cash close at hand
- Keep an eye while withdrawing money from ATMs
- Have your hotel’s & country’s embassy numbers handy
- Homicides are not common, though petty crimes may follow
- Exercise precautions in some Costa Rican provinces (Limon, Liberia city, San Rafael, the Pavas, & hospital areas in San Jose)
Crime can happen anywhere in the world. So, be extra vigilant as a traveler.
Safety Aspects As a Dental Patient
Now, we will tell you what our top-rated partner clinics in Costa Rica have for you.
- Proper sterilization (autoclave)
- Friendly & English-speaking staff
- Safe financing options: Cash, credit/debit cards, bank transfer, PayPal
- Free pick up/drop off facility & hotel arrangements with amenities @ special price
- High-end technology: CEREC Primescan, MC Xl & Speedfire Oven, Microscope, Scanora 3D imaging
Scanora 3D Imaging
CAD-CAM Technology
Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranks #14 in the best places to travel in 2023 as per U.S. News.[26] If it's not on your bucket list, add it now. Click below to read helpful travel tips:[27]
- Carry a passport valid for duration of stay
- No visa is required for a stay of less than 90 days
- Return ticket or proof of next country travel
- Proof of funds - atleast $100/ month (till stay)
- Bring copy of identification and immigration status
Note: Dial 911 for emergency services in Costa Rica.
The best mode to reach Costa Rica is by plane. Most travelers fly into:[28]
- International Aeropuerto Juan Santamaria (10 miles from San Jose)
- Daniel Oduber Airport (in the northern town of Liberia).
Direct routes from the US cities are:[29]
- Chicago, IL (ORD) to San Jose (SJO)
- Denver, CO (DEN) to San Jose (SJO)
- Houston, TX (HOU) to Guanacaste (LIR)
- Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJO) & Guanacaste (LIR)
- Newark, NJ (EWR) to San Jose (SJO) & Guanacaste (LIR)
Flight Map, Costa Rica
Airlines with Direct Flights: Jet Blue, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, American Airlines
If you are going to/from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), you can either rent a car or book local transport.
| Rental Cars | Private Transport |
|---|---|
|
|
Colon is the Costa Rica’s official currency. Nevertheless, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in here.
You can go to currency exchange booths in the San Jose Airport, but the best way is to use the ATMs for local currency.
Useful Tip: Bring dollars for local shopping & get colons as a balance.[30]
Spend leisure time in this tiny tropical paradise of Central America.[31]
- Guanacaste - Sightseeing gold coast
- Jaco - Beachside retreat, foggy rainforests
- Nicoya Peninsula - Beaches, recreational tours
- San Jose - Vibrant capital with cultural attractions
- Poerto Viejo De Talamanca - Funky bamboo bars, Caribbean cuisines
Wildlife in Costa Rica
Beach in Costa Rica
Not to miss eating!
- Exotic fruits - Pejibayes, mamon chino
- Fresh fish, black beans and rice, coffee
Reviews: Lumineers in Costa Rica
Carmela Giamp, CanadaLumineers, Costa Rica
Highly Recommended!
The dentists and their staff are very professional and extremely kind. I regained my confidence with a beautiful bright smile again.
Madeleine P, USAFull Mouth Reconstruction, Costa Rica
Vey Comfortable!
I feel very comfortable with this clinic. It’s been two years since the work was done, and I have no complaints!
FAQs: Lumineers in Costa Rica
Dental veneers price in Costa Rica, especially for Lumineers, ranges from $425 - $600 per unit. Patients usually request 6 to 8 veneers for smile symmetry, thus multiplying the cost to ~ $2,550 - $3,400.
Similarly, a full mouth restoration in Costa Rica with 12 Lumineers can cost nearly $5,100. You can compare the prices of different sets of Lumineers in the table below:
| Lumineers | Costa Rica | US | Canada |
| Per unit | $425 | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Set of 6 per arch | $2,550 | $6,000 | $8,400 |
| Set of 8 per arch | $3,400 | $8,000 | $11,200 |
| Set of 12 per arch | $5,100 | $12,000 | $16,800 |
Depending on the number of teeth visible when you smile, you can have 6, 8, or 12 veneers. It is important to define symmetry during cosmetic procedures in Costa Rica.
Therefore, the most popular option is to get a set of 8 Lumineers in the upper arch.
Usually, dentists in Costa Rica recommend a 1 to complete the Lumineers.
They usually require 2 visits only. However, the intervals between veneers may vary because they are custom-made in the lab.
The Lumineers are applied by cosmetic dental experts. So, the results are successful. They are bonded well to the tooth surface, so you don’t have to worry about them.
Make sure to follow the dentist’s post-op instructions to avoid them chipping or popping off.
Conclusion
We want that you fly back home with the smile of your dreams. So, we at MTC help you choose clinics that offer budget-friendly Lumineers in Costa Rica.
MTC makes your journey of few miles easier & fruitful!
References
1. Tourism Review: Dental Tourism is Flourishing in Costa Rica
2. academia.edu: Lumineers- New Era of Restorative Dentistry
3. JAMDSR: Lumineers Veneers - A Clinical Case Study
4. Trademark Elite: LUMINEERS United Kingdom Trademark Information
5. Expatistan: Cost of living in Costa Rica compared to United States
6. CNBC: Dental tourism in Latin America...
7. Skyscanner: Cheap flights from United States to Costa Rica
8. CRC Daily: How has Costa Rica’s medical tourism industry been impacted by Covid?
9. Tico Times: 1 million people visited Costa Rica in 2020
10. IOSR Journal: Lumineers- New Era of Restorative Dentistry
11. PubMed Central: Minimally Invasive Laminate Veneers
12. moh.gov.sa: Lumineer
13. Very Well Health: What’s the Difference Between Veneers and Lumineers?
14. Smart Asset: How to Retire in Costa Rica...
15. World Bank: The World Bank In Costa Rica
16. International Citizens: Is Costa Rica Safe for Expats & Travelers?
17. state.gov.: U.S. Relations With Costa Rica
18. travel.usnews: Why Go To Costa Rica?
19: travel.state.gov: Costa Rica
20. USA Today: How to Travel to Costa Rica
21. Vacations Costa Rica: Flights to Costa Rica: The Ultimate Guide
22. travel.usnews: Free Things To Do in Costa Rica