50 Things You Should Know About Getting Implants, Snap-on’s All-on-4’s Permanent Dentures in Mexico

1. What are All-on-4s?

All-on-4 is a dental procedure where four to eight dental implants are used to anchor a permanent appliance that replaces all of the teeth. This can be done in various ways, but typically two implants are placed at an angle toward the back of the upper or lower arch and two implants are placed toward the front of the arch. A new set of dentures is then made to fit these implants, which are secured to the implants. Finally, your dental implants are stabilized together with a prosthesis that allows you to use your teeth immediately. You can get All-on-4s in Mexico and get significant savings, as expert dentists have done this procedure in Mexico for decades.

2. How much does All-on-4s in Mexico cost?

Many factors go into the costs for All-on-4s. Dependencies include but are not limited to tooth extractions, the strength and structure of the jawbone and whether you will need bone grafts, the quality of material used, and other considerations. But at every step, getting All-on-4s in Mexico will save you money. Additional costs may include a dental CT scan, implant parts, bone grafting, anesthesia (if needed), or other services; you can save 50-75% getting implants or All-on-4s in Mexico. While costs in the U.S. for All-on-4s vary from city to city, the average dental patient can expect to spend between $70,000 and $100,000 for All-on-4s in the U.S. The cost for quality All-on-4s placed by an experienced Implantologist in Mexico averages around $25,000 to $30,000 (both arches). So you are looking at significant savings getting All-on-4s at one of our carefully vetted and approved dental offices in Mexico. But beware! In any country, including the U.S., researching and comparing prices is important, but be sure you understand what you’re paying for and what you are getting. Not all dentists use the same quality of dental materials, and not all doctors are equally skilled or experienced. Regardless of what treatment or procedure you are considering, be sure you compare apples to apples. U.S. dentists often quote only part of the expense, so be sure any quote, whether from a U.S. or Mexico dentist, includes all fees. Be sure to consider travel costs and the time to go to Mexico (of course we have border-town dental offices where you can stay in the U.S. and cross the border for treatment). Our blog, Is the Lowest Price the Best Price is a good starting point.

3. Who is Beyond Borders Dental and why should I use their services?

Beyond Borders Dental is a U.S.-based concierge dental referral agency. We have been referring dental patients to our select group of dental offices in Mexico since 2016. We have helped thousands of patients get affordable, safe, high-quality dental treatment in Mexico. We have a 5-star rating on Google My Business and have been featured in news articles, television reports, and dental journals. Recently, we were highlighted in the Forbes travel article on dental tourism.

Our services are provided at no cost to our patients, and we take the time to understand the requirements of each patient and work with them to find the best Mexico dentist and dental office for their treatment needs.

If you make your decision based solely on price, you need to consider two things: First, why is it cheaper, and second, what are you going to do if something goes wrong when you get home? What if you spend tens of thousands of dollars (but save a little money) and the work is inferior or you have problems? Are you going to go to Mexico and try to get this fixed on your own? Are you going to try to sue them in a Mexican court of law? And why is it cheaper? Are the dentists qualified? Do they use internationally recognized and dependable brands of implant parts? This is exactly why people use Beyond Borders Dental. We carefully vet our dental offices. We review their credentials and certifications. We visit their labs and inspect their materials. And most importantly, we are your advocate in the unlikely event you have an issue when you return home. If there was a dental office that was cheaper and that we trusted to provide you with this complex treatment, we would be referring you to that office.

4. Is it safe to go to Mexico for All-on-4s dental work?

Because so much money can be saved getting dental treatment in Mexico, there is a huge interest in having All-on-4s dental treatment done in Mexico. But the very first question that comes up is whether it is safe to get dental work in Mexico. There is a lot of misinformation when it comes to the safety of traveling to Mexico for dental treatment. But the fact is that tens of thousands of U.S. patients have received high-quality dental work in Mexico, and if you know where to go, it is very safe. Of course, parts of Mexico are not recommended for tourists, but border towns and popular tourist cities are safe and cater to foreign dental patients. In addition, we closely monitor the locations where our approved dental offices operate. Therefore, you can be assured that Beyond Borders Dental only recommends safe offices in areas that have consistently provided safe, high-quality dental treatment to U.S. travelers.

5. Do the Mexican dentists and staff speak English?

Yes, all of our offices are staffed with fluent, English-speaking doctors and staff. In addition, our dental offices are in well-known dental tourism areas such as those that have easy access to the U.S./Mexican border or established tourist destinations and are providing dental work to American tourists who visit frequently. They are very used to working with Americans and meeting their dental needs.

6. Will I get quality dental implants for All-on-4s from a highly-trained dentist in Mexico?

Well, maybe yes and maybe no, depending on where you go and who you see for your All-on-4 dental work. That is why it is important to have a trusted source to refer you to dental offices with an extensive record of high-quality treatment. We carefully monitor the experience of our patients and have made regular site visits to our Mexico dentists to inspect their labs, as well as investigate the parts and brands they use for their All-on-4 components. This is our most important commitment to those who trust Beyond Borders Dental. Unfortunately, dental tourism has become so popular in the last two decades that many dentists are not qualified to provide All-on-4s or have limited experience with the extensive treatment necessary for All-on-4s. And regulation is not as rigorous as in the U.S. This can give dental work in Mexico an unfairly negative reputation. But this is not the norm. If you go to a licensed, experienced dentist, especially dentists that are vetted through our extensive qualification process and our on-site visit, you can receive high-quality work and save a lot of money. To understand our vetting process, visit the What About the Quality page.

7. Can you give me a quote for All-on-4s in Mexico so I compare it with other quotes?

Absolutely, and we encourage our patients to do just that. The more information you collect and understand about your options, the easier it will be to make the best, most informed decision for you. The most important thing to remember is to compare apples to apples because there is much misleading advertising. Thousands of patients have trusted Beyond Borders Dental to find the best dental work at the most affordable price. Remember, the lowest price may not be the best price. The best price is the lowest price for the highest quality work, and our offices meet that standard every day.

8. Are dental offices professional and use the same hygienic and sterilization techniques as American dentists?

Yes, otherwise, why would Americans keep going to Mexico, right? We make our own site visits to the dental offices we recommend to assure our patients that the offices meet our exacting standards. We fully recognize that high standards of hygiene are imperative to ensure safe dental work.

The safety and health of our patients have always been a top priority for Beyond Borders Dental. That’s why we vetted our dental offices even before the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, our 4-Step Evaluation Process has consistently done the work you receive both safely and comfortably, as our many testimonials reflect.

9. Do Mexican offices use modern, high-tech equipment for dental implants?

Our vetted offices are well equipped with some of the latest diagnostic equipment, i.e., X-ray machines, 3D cone beam digital imaging, and sophisticated ZirkonZahn systems to produce perfect dental prostheses.

10. Do I need a passport to get dental treatment in Mexico?

A State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) provides travelers not only a license to drive but also proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and re-entering the United States borders.

An EDL qualifies as a REAL-ID that can be used for domestic air travel in the U.S. However, an EDL cannot be used for international air travel, nor can it be used for domestic air travel within the borders of certain countries. For more information, visit the U.S. Passport Service Guide.

To return to the U.S. from Mexico at border-towns, you must present a passport or an Enhanced Driver’s License with a copy of your birth certificate or a passport at the border.

11. What about a visa; do I need one for Mexican dental treatments?

A State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or passport is sufficient for border towns. If you travel to our dental office in Cozumel or Cancun, you definitely need a valid passport and a visa, which are handed out by flight attendants or upon arrival before clearing customs at the airport.

12. Is a dental implant a more painful procedure than a tooth extraction?

All surgical procedures involve a certain degree of pain, and a certain level of anesthesia is given during dental implant procedures. Patients generally experience a mild level of discomfort and complain of mild pain once the anesthesia wears off. The pain level also depends on whether it is a simple tooth implant or a bone graft procedure.

13. What about water filtration systems?

If you’re worried about getting sick from drinking water in Mexico, you will be happy to know that our approved dental offices use water that is filtered through sophisticated treatment systems to keep it safe and potable.

14. Does the lower cost of dental implants in Mexico equate to lower quality?

No one wants to compromise on healthcare quality by taking a cheaper route, and you shouldn’t need to. In the U.S., some of us were raised to believe that higher costs equal higher quality. This is not the case with dental work in Mexico. Cost-cutting does not mean they’re using lower-quality ingredients. From porcelain crowns to metal posts and dentures, our approved dentists use the same materials in your mouth as you would if you received dental work in the U.S.

It’s simply that in a country like Mexico, the cost of living is significantly less compared with the United States and Canada, making it much more feasible for dentists to own and operate a practice. In addition, dentists in Mexico are not required to pay for malpractice insurance. Mexican dentists also carry less student loan debt than U.S. dentists due to government subsidies. They repay these subsidies with one year of free service after school. I hope this explains the lower cost without any suspicion.

15. Is it common to travel to Mexico for dental tourism?

Tens of thousands of people travel to Mexico (and other foreign countries) for dental work every year. This is because you can save thousands on affordable dentistry, and it is easier to get appointments with Mexican dentists. Another reason why people come to Mexico is that they can get dental treatment done faster, and better yet, get a vacation out of it.

16. Is it easy to access dental work in Mexico?

Some of the most popular locations for dental tourism in Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, and India. Of these, Mexico is by far the closest and most convenient option for Americans. It is the cheapest to travel to and the closest location. You can take a flight or even drive across the border and save up on airfare if you live close to the border. In addition, there are several of our offices in the border towns of Mexico.

17. What are some benefits of using a referral service for dental treatment in Mexico?

Before you book an appointment, it’s important to either go through a reputable dental referral agency or do thorough research on your own. An independent referral agency such as Beyond Borders Dental has no allegiance to anyone but you. Referral agencies should have already done due diligence before sending patients abroad for dental or medical work. They also can answer questions, give you general advice/recommendations, and are your point of contact should you need help. We advocate on your behalf and make sure everything is going as planned, and our referral services are always free to you.

18. Since your services are all free to me, how does Beyond Borders Dental get compensated for your referral services?

We get asked this question all the time. We are compensated directly by the dental offices. The dental offices that work with us benefit by having us refer patients and saving them a lot of time by screening each patient and answering questions. If a patient decides to use our offices, we oversee every step to ensure everything goes smoothly.

19. Is getting dental implants in Mexico pain-free (as dentistry can be)?

Most dentists in Mexico offer anesthesia options like in the U.S., including full sedation. In addition, our dental offices have trained anesthesiologists on staff. The procedure is not painful because it is performed under local or general anesthesia, and after the numbness wears off after the procedure, patients report mild pain levels.

20. Do Mexican dentists use the same materials as U.S. dentists?

From porcelain crowns to metal posts and dentures, our approved dentists use the same materials in your mouth as you would if you received dental work in the U.S.

21. What if I need more than one specialist?

Our offices have dentists trained in all industry specialty fields and are equipped with all the necessary diagnostic equipment. If you need more than one specialist, they will be in the same office, so everything is done in one place. In rare cases where a specialist is not in the office but is needed, they will bring them to their office.

22. Can I get the same dental procedures in Mexico?

If you’re traveling abroad for dental work, it’s important to know that you can get all the same dental treatment options in Mexico as you can in the U.S.

23. Why is Mexico such a popular destination for dental tourism among seniors?

Seniors often live on a fixed income and delay much-needed dental treatment due to high costs. This is why many seniors choose Mexico as their destination for taking care of their teeth as they age. With savings of up to 75% on major dental procedures like dental crowns, implants, and root canals, Mexico is a great option for most seniors. Our testimonials confirm the satisfaction of our many patients who have traveled to Mexico for dental treatment.

24. Can I get cosmetic dental procedures in Mexico?

Absolutely. The doctors who do veneers, whitening, and bonding are specially trained and certified in cosmetic procedures. So you typically can save quite a lot of money on these procedures as well.

25. Are other dental specialists available in Mexico?

If you need an Orthodontist, Endodontist, or Implantologist, you can schedule an appointment with them in the same visit, in the same office. For example, in one of our dental offices, there are 30 trained, full-time dentists practicing in all modalities of dentistry.

26. As an American, will I be treated well in Mexican dental offices?

As a dental tourist, you will be treated with the highest level of respect and work. Several thousand Americans visit Mexico each year for dental tourism, so this is quite a norm. You are the lifeblood of some Mexican cities’ livelihood. Please take a look at our blog on the cultural differences between visiting U.S. dentists and Mexico dentists [PUT LINK HERE]

27. Do dental services in Mexico come with a guarantee?

Our vetted-approved dentists guarantee their treatment and services for up to four years. If something is not right, you can go back and have it corrected at no additional cost. However, this is not an option at every Mexican dental office, but we put you first, and so this is something we promise you.

28. Should I take cash with me when traveling to Mexico for dental work?

It’s always a good idea to have some cash when you’re traveling. Typically, you pay cash or credit card for services rendered during an appointment, but you’ll still want cash for incidentals throughout your time in Mexico. Most tourist destinations and areas that see many Americans take credit cards and often U.S. dollars as well. We don’t suggest carrying a large sum of cash.

29. Can I get medications in Mexico after my dental work?

Many Americans fill non-narcotic prescriptions in Mexico. And if your dentist prescribes pain medications or other prescriptions, you can visit a Mexican pharmacy and fill your prescription at a reduced rate before you head home. Savings can be substantial.

30. How many trips to Mexico will I need for my dental work?

If you need extensive dental work, you might need to come back for a couple of visits. Still, in many cases, the cost will be much lower than if you paid for the same work in the U.S. Once we have discussed your proposed treatment plan with you, we can advise you on the travel requirements.

31. How will I find my way around once I arrive in Mexico?

Local transportation is complimentary for patients. We will offer you a list of hotels our patients use, and transportation to and from your hotel to the dental office is also complimentary. We oversee every detail to make your trip easy, safe, and comfortable. That’s what we do and why so many people have trusted Beyond Borders Dental.

32. What about travel insurance?

Since dental tourism often includes flights and hotels, it’s a good idea to be prepared with travel insurance.

33. Can I make a vacation out of my dental tourism to Mexico?

That depends on whether you have the additional time. If you don’t, you can visit our border locations and be back home quickly. If you’re going to be a “dental tourist,” you might as well enjoy the “tourist” part, and enjoy one of our beautiful tourist destinations for your Mexico dental treatment in Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Cancun, or Playa del Carmen. Other locations are being added as we find dental offices in Mexico that meet our stringent requirements. If you need help deciding please check out our blog about how to choose your destination, Border-Crossing versus Vacation Medical/Dental Tourism.  But whether you lounge on the beach in Cozumel or take a weekend trip to Mexico using our U.S.-based border Mexico dentists, you’ll get to enjoy the festive Mexican culture, food, and people.

34. Will my dental insurance cover my treatment in Mexico?

In some cases, yes. Just be sure to check with your insurance provider before you travel and bring copies of any forms they require filled out for you to make a claim. It’s also good to let us know in advance you will need assistance with filing a claim.

35. Is it easier to drive or fly to Mexico?

If you live in Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona, you can easily drive to El Paso, Texas, and park. The Juárez dental office drivers to get you to/from El Paso to the office at no charge. If you want to go to Cancun, there are direct flights from many U.S. cities. Once you arrive in Cancun, the dental office representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel; all local transportation to/from your hotel and to/from your dental appointments is complimentary.

You don’t have to plan it. However, if you work with a dental referral company, part of their services should include helping you arrange everything.

36. Can I get a price estimate before I go to Mexico for dental work?

Beyond Borders Dental can help you get a free price quote. Keep in mind that our dentists use various sources of information. They use dental X-rays and 3-D cone beam C.T. scans, consider the patient’s desired outcome, and most importantly, base their final decision after a comprehensive in-office examination. This is very important because so much information is collected during a physical examination, including examining each patient’s facial structure. Most price quotes we give our patients are within 10 to 15% accuracy, but the in-person examination will determine the best course of treatment.

37. So, are Americans happy with their dental treatment in Mexico?

According to a report commissioned by Families U.S.A., a Washington advocacy group for health-work issues, “About 90 percent [feel] the dental work they had received in Mexico had been good or excellent.” Our own internal review shows our clients are happy at an even higher rate. This exceeds satisfaction with U.S. dentists.

38. Why is it so affordable to get quality dental treatment/ dental implants in Mexico?

This is explained above (salary scale there, cost of living, rents, staff costs). Further, dental school is subsidized by the government in Mexico. This contributes to lower costs and dentists who could really focus on their schooling (instead of working multiple jobs and taking classes at the same time). On the other hand, the typical U.S. dentist leaves school with over $200,000 in loans in many cases. Guess how he is going to pay those loans back?

39. What is included in your referral services?

We’re here to help you find the best dental office for your personal needs, and oversee the entire process of getting dental work in Mexico. If needed, we’re your ambassador — and our referral services are always free to our patients. Of course, you’re responsible for your travel to/from the destination city. If you need hotel accommodations, we can help with recommendations and lodging partners to save you money and assure you will be comfortable at a good rate. Local transfers to/from airports and dental appointments are always complimentary.

40. What if I can’t afford the procedure I want?

In some cases, more than one option is possible, or the procedure can be spread over a longer period to give you more time to save the money you need. Another option is to consider a personal loan or try our lending affiliate to see if they can help you. But, ultimately, you must decide for yourself what the best course of action is. We’re here to help you research and collect accurate information so you can make an informed decision. We’re here to help educate and guide you—and there’s never a fee for our referral services; the dental offices compensate us directly.

41. How important is it to vet your dentist or dental referral agency?

The value of a reputable dental referral agency is crucial — this cannot be said enough. First, make sure you are going to a trained, reputable dentist. Then, read reviews and do thorough research. A reputable dental referral agency is happy to show you their patient testimonials. Beyond Borders Dental makes actual site visits to all dental offices in our program. We conduct interviews with the doctors and staff, review their credentials, tour the facility, observe sterilization procedures, and inspect their dental supplies. Most importantly, we monitor the satisfaction of our patients to assure the offices we recommend meet our stringent standards.

42. What is the cost of a single tooth implant in Mexico?

A single tooth implant will cost you significantly less in Mexico than it would in the U.S., and you can save up to 75% based on the procedure. To can get more details about the affordability and pricing comparisons, click this link.

43. How do I know I can trust Beyond Dental Borders and what you tell me?

It’s not a secret how easy it is to take advantage of unsuspecting people through deceptive marketing, especially on the Internet! We encourage you to do independent research about Beyond Borders Dental and dental offices in our program. When we answer questions or offer advice, we can also provide you with our resources to check that what we tell you is accurate. We’re not a corporate company sending patients to thousands of unvetted dental offices everywhere — we’re an independent referral agency for a minimal selection of dental offices we trust. We help screen patients, answer questions, and guide them through the entire process from A to Z to get personalized, accurate information. And, we also personally use the same dental offices for our own treatment!

44. How do dental offices in your program compare to dental offices in the U.S.?

The Mexican dental offices we work with are modern and clean. While they may sometimes be appointed more modestly than American dental offices, most of our patients are pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness, quality, and comfort they see in our dental offices in Mexico.

45. Who does the actual dental procedures in your offices?

In the U.S., dental assistants often do most of the procedures, and the dentist only does the final touches or more advanced procedures. However, in our dental offices in Mexico, all the procedures are done by trained, experienced dentists.

46. What do I need to do to get started with Beyond Borders Dental?

The first thing you need to do is provide us with some basic contact information to get you in our system; click this link to send us your inquiry, and we’ll get back to you via email, usually within 24 hours. If you have a dental plan, X-rays, or a Cone Beam CT scan, we will provide you with an email to send these. Then your case will be forwarded to one of the offices in our program for an initial assessment by a doctor. Then we will email an estimated cost for your dental needs, and if you like, you can speak with one of our patient care coordinators about your individual case. You’ll then have a ballpark figure of costs, so you make more price comparisons if you like. For more extensive dental work, we can often arrange a TeleDentistry conference consult with your dentist.

47. How affordable is a full-mouth dental implant in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can cut down on the cost of a single-tooth implant, so imagine the savings on a full-mouth dental implant. But cheaper implants can also compromise quality, which is unacceptable for Beyond Dental Borders, and we strive to ensure that our offices provide affordable and safe procedures. To read more about the affordability and pricing comparisons, click this link.

48. How do I decide which location in Mexico to choose?

There are pros and cons to different locations, but the quality of dental care is equally comparable. If you live close to a border town in the southern states or just don’t want to travel internationally, our office in Juárez is a great option. On the other hand, if you’re looking to add a tropical vacation to your travel plans, then our dental office in Cozumel is perfect. We can help you with this decision.

49. Can I get additional medical or cosmetic services in Mexico?

If you’re considering taking advantage of other medical services, talk with us. We have already started doing our due diligence to expand our services to include non-invasive cosmetic procedures and common plastic surgeries.

50. Can I bring a friend or family member to my dental appointment?

If you’re nervous about traveling abroad for dental care or just want to be accompanied, we encourage you to bring a friend or family member. Before the COVID pandemic bringing someone with you to the office was never an issue; however, for the protection and safety of everyone, our dental offices have COVID guidelines and protocols in place. Therefore, on a case-by-case basis, they will allow a friend or family member to be in the office with you, but please talk with them in advance so they can take protective measures to protect everyone.

Bonus Question: I’m extremely nervous about getting the COVID virus. What are your offices in Mexico doing to protect their patients?

This is a question we get asked all the time, and for a good reason — nobody wants to contract this virus, especially when traveling in foreign countries. We try to address these concerns by monitoring the situation globally and keeping our patients updated on our website; click this link. The good news is as far as we know, none of our patients have contracted the COVID virus and continue to take it seriously.

If you’d like to get a free assessment through Beyond Borders Dental, just click this link to get started.