A Practical Guide: On Getting Dental Implants
Snap-on, All-on-4, and All-on-“X” Dentures in Mexico
1. What are All-on-4s and All-on-“X”s?
All-on-4 is a dental procedure where four to eight dental implants anchor a permanent appliance that replaces all 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 with a prosthesis that allows you to use your teeth immediately. You can get All-on-4s or All-on-“X”s (X can be 6 or any number of implants) in Mexico and save significant amounts, 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, 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 C.T. 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 $70,000.00 and $100,000.00 for All-on-4s in the U.S. The cost for quality All-on-4s placed by an experienced Implantologist in Mexico averages around $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 (both arches). So you are considering 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 essential, but be sure you understand what you’re paying for and 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, compare apples to apples. U.S. dentists often quote only part of the expense, so be sure any quote 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 clinics where you can stay in the U.S. and cross the border for treatment). Our blog post, 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 clinics in Mexico since 2016. We have helped thousands of patients get affordable, safe, high-quality dental treatment in Mexico. We have a high 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 each patient’s requirements and work with them to find the best Mexico dentist and dental clinic 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 Mexico and trying to fix this on your own? Will you 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 precisely why people use Beyond Borders Dental. We carefully vet our dental clinics. 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 clinic that was cheaper and that we trusted to provide you with this complex treatment, we would be referring you to that clinic.
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 considerable interest in having All-on-4s dental treatment done in Mexico. However, the very first question that comes up is whether it is safe to get dental work in Mexico. There is a lot of misinformation about 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 clinics operate. Therefore, you can be assured that Beyond Borders Dental only recommends safe clinics in areas that consistently provide safe, high-quality dental treatment to U.S. travelers.
5. Do your doctors and staff speak English?
Yes, all of our clinics are staffed with fluent, English-speaking doctors and staff. In addition, our dental clinics are in well-known dental tourism areas, such as those with easy access to the U.S./Mexican border or established tourist destinations, and provide dental work to frequent American tourists. 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 or no, depending on where you go and who you see for your All-on-4 procedure. That is why having a trusted source to refer you to dental clinics with an extensive record of high-quality treatment is essential. We carefully monitor our patients’ experience and have regularly visited our Mexico dentists to inspect their labs and investigate the parts and brands they use for 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. The regulations are 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 vetted through our extensive qualification process and 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 can 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 for the highest quality work; our clinics meet that standard continuously.
8. Are dental clinics professional and use the same hygienic techniques as American dentists?
Yes, otherwise, why would Americans keep going to Mexico? We visit the dental clinics we recommend to assure our patients that the clinics meet our exacting standards. We fully recognize that high hygiene standards 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 safely and comfortably, as our many testimonials reflect.
9. Do Mexican clinics use modern, high-tech equipment for dental implants?
Our vetted clinics are 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?
An Enhanced Driver’s License (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 to get dental treatment in Mexico?
A State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or passport is sufficient for border towns. If you travel to our dental clinic in Mexico, Cancun, or Playa del Carmen, you need a valid passport and a visa. Flight attendants usually hand them out upon arrival before customs are cleared at the airport.
12. Is a dental implant more painful 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 that our approved dental clinics use water 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.
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. Due to government subsidies, Mexican dentists carry less student loan debt than U.S. dentists. 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?
Thousands of people travel to Mexico (and other foreign countries) for dental work every year. This is because you can save thousands of dollars on affordable, quality dentistry, and getting appointments with Mexican dentists is easier. Another reason people come to Mexico is because they can get dental treatment done faster and, better yet, get a vacation out of it.
16. Is it easy to access dental care in Mexico?
Some of the most popular locations for dental tourism are in Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, and India. Mexico is by far the closest and most convenient option for Americans. It is the cheapest and closest location to travel to. You can take a flight or even drive across the border and save on airfare if you live nearby. In addition, some of our clinics are located in the border towns of Mexico.
17. What are some benefits of using a referral agency for dental care in Mexico?
Before booking an appointment, going through a reputable dental referral agency or doing thorough research is essential. An independent referral agency such as Beyond Borders Dental has no allegiance to anyone but you. Referral agencies should have done due diligence before sending patients abroad for dental or medical work. They can also answer questions, give you general advice/recommendations, and are your point of contact if you need help. We advocate on your behalf and ensure everything is going as planned, and our referral services are always free.
18. If your services are free to me, how do you get compensated for your referral services?
We get asked this question all the time. We are compensated directly by the dental clinics. The dental clinics 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 clinics use certified anesthesiologists. 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 clinics 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 clinic but is needed, they will bring them to their clinic.
22. Can I get the same dental procedures in Mexico?
If you’re traveling abroad for dental work, it’s essential 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. Many seniors choose Mexico to care for their teeth as they age. Mexico is an excellent option for seniors, with up to 75% savings on major dental procedures like dental crowns, implants, and root canals. Our testimonials confirm the satisfaction of 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.
25. Are other dental specialists available in Mexico?
If you need an orthodontist, endodontist, or implantologist, you can schedule an appointment with them for the same visit in the same clinic. For example, in one of our dental clinics, 30 trained, full-time dentists are practicing in all modalities of dentistry.
26. As an American, will I be treated well in Mexican dental clinics?
As a dental tourist, you will be treated with the highest level of respect and work. Several thousand Americans visit Mexico yearly for dental tourism, which is quite the norm.
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 clinic, but we put you first, and so this is something we promise you.
28. Should I take cash 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 some money for incidentals throughout your time in Mexico. Most tourist destinations and areas that see many Americans take credit cards and often U.S. dollars. 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?
You might need to return for a few visits for extensive dental work. 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, 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 clinic 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 include a vacation from 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 Mexico City, Cozumel, Cancun, or Playa del Carmen. Other locations are being added as we find dental clinics in Mexico that meet our stringent requirements. If you need help deciding, please check out our blog about choosing your destination, Border-Crossing versus Vacation Medical/Dental Tourism. But whether you lounge on the beach in Playa del Carmen or take a weekend trip to Mexico using our U.S.-based border Mexico dentists, you’ll 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 inform us that you will need assistance filing a claim.
35. Is it more accessible to drive or fly to Mexico?
You can quickly drive to El Paso, Texas, and park if you live in Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona. If you want to go to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, there are direct flights from many U.S. cities. Once you arrive in Cancun, the dental clinic 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 on a comprehensive in-clinic examination. This is very important because much information is collected during a physical exam, 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 internal review shows our clients are happy at an even higher rate. This exceeds satisfaction with U.S. dentists.
38. Why is getting quality dental treatment and implants in Mexico so affordable?
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 focus on their schooling (instead of working multiple jobs and taking classes simultaneously). On the other hand, the typical U.S. dentist leaves school with over $200,000.00 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 clinic for your personal needs and oversee the entire process of getting dental work in Mexico. We’re your ambassador if needed, and our referral services are always free to our patients. You’re responsible for your travel to/from the destination city. If you need hotel accommodations, we can help with recommendations to save you money and assure you will be comfortable at a reasonable rate. Local transfers to/from 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 more extended 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 the best course of action. 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 clinics compensate us directly for screening patients.
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 clinics in our program. We interview 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 ensure that the clinics 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 in the U.S., and you can save up to 75% based on the procedure.
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 clinics 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 big company sending patients to thousands of unvetted dental clinics everywhere; we’re an independent referral agency for a minimal selection of dental clinics we trust. We help screen patients, answer questions, and guide them through the process from A to Z to get personalized, accurate information. We also personally use the same dental clinics for our treatment!
44. How do dental offices in your program compare to dental clinics in the U.S.?
The Mexican dental clinics we work with are modern and clean. While they may sometimes be appointed more modestly than American dental offices, most patients are pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness, quality, and comfort they see in our dental clinics in Mexico.
45. Who does the actual dental procedures in your clinics?
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 clinics in Mexico, all the procedures are done by trained, experienced dentists.
46. What must I 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 using this link Request a Quote 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 email you to send these. Then, your case will be forwarded to one of the clinics 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 case. You’ll then have a ballpark figure of costs, so you can make more price comparisons if you like. We can often arrange a TeleDentistry conference consult with your dentist for more extensive dental work.
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.
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 don’t want to travel internationally, our office in Ciudad Juárez is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you want to add a tropical vacation to your travel plans, our dental clinics in Cancun and Playa del Carmen are perfect. We can help you with this decision.
49. Can I get additional medical or cosmetic services in Mexico?
We prioritize providing top-quality dental care in Mexico. Although we know there are excellent doctors in plastic surgery and other medical services, we only provide referral services for dental care.
50. Can I bring a friend or family member to my dental appointment?
If you’re nervous about traveling abroad for dental care or want to be accompanied, we encourage you to bring a friend or family member. Therefore, on a case-by-case basis, they will allow a friend or family member to be in the clinic with you, but please talk with them in advance so they can take protective measures to protect everyone.
If you have questions or need additional information, please Contact Us or Request a Quote to send us your dental inquiry, and we’ll get back to you.
