Equal Quality with a Different Cost If you’re from the USA and you’re visiting this website, you’ve probably discovered that dental care is outrageously expensive in the USA.  As a dentist from the USA, I had my doubts about the quality of care in Costa Rica. I did my homework. Here’s what I discovered. In Costa Rica, dentists and specialists are trained with the same criteria as dentists in the USA and Canada. In Costa Rica, dentists are required to attend a 5-year dental program. The program in the USA is only 4 years. In Costa Rica, specialists are trained in the same high quality programs in the USA or other countries. Costa Rican clinics use ADA approved materials and the same materials your dentist probably uses. For most patients that choose Costa Rica, they discover that the quality of care is equal if not better than dental care in the USA. The bottom line is that you get better or equal quality dentistry from highly skilled dentists, specialists and staff for a fraction of the cost. How can Costa Rica dentists offer such low prices? It simply costs less to do business in Costa Rica. Lower staff salaries, lower income taxes, lower product […]

When choosing a clinic for dental implants in Costa Rica, many patients focus only on price. Most clinics offer similar pricing for implants, with a range of only $100-$200 in difference per implant. If patients are only focused on price however, they will miss out on providers that promise better processes, reduced pain and higher quality results. But quality isn’t simply about paying more for materials. Partnering with a reputable dental lab is also critical. Dental clinics with onsite dental labs ensure an improved patient experience by offering faster results, improved communication and quality control. There are significant differences in dental technology that separate leading clinics from the rest of the followers. For example, not all dentists use “surgical guides” to aid in making highly precise placement of dental implants. A surgical guide is a device that is produced from digital images of a patient’s teeth and bone structure. The device fits over the implant area and controls the precise location, angle and depth of drilling for insertion of dental implants. This is a recommended approach because it both minimizes the amount of surgery required and speeds healing. Using a surgical guide avoids many of the complications that sometimes happen […]

The maxillary sinus is a cavity located within the cheek bone. It is a pyramid shaped, growing space with a membrane lining the sinus called the Schneider Membrane. The ends of the roots of the upper back teeth are close to the maxillary sinus and in some cases, even inside of it. The maxillary sinus helps in moisturizing and heating up the air when breathing, also playing an important role in vocal resonance and diminishing the weight of the head. A baby’s maxillary sinus is almost nonexistent; as opposed to an elder person whose sinus is expected to be large. The maxillary sinus’ volume in an adult is 15mL, growing an average of 2mm per year. The natural process of sinus enlargement is called pneumatization. Who needs a Sinus Lift? After losing one or more teeth in the upper jaw, the maxillary sinus grows in size even further from the normal limits. This is because the bone in the sockets reabsorbs itself when there are no longer teeth to support, but implants need bone to support them. X-rays allow the visualization of the remaining bone’s thickness. A minimum of 5mm is required to consider placing dental implants; otherwise, the case […]

Lumineers are a modern way of getting dental veneers and preserving the tooth structure. This modern addition for cosmetic dentistry is an exclusive product of the DenMat Lab. Lumineers are a very thin type of a porcelain dental veneer, comparable in thickness to a contact lens. The approximate thickness for this type of veneer is of 0.2mm although it may vary according to each case. A dental veneer is a highly polished layer of porcelain or composite that is bonded to the surface of the front teeth, to improve aesthetics. They deliver great results when teeth appear stained, worn or chipped, with structural defects or in unflattering positions. Lumineers can also fix all of these conditions when the patient’s case allows it. It is possible to remove Lumineers , and the teeth will look just like before. How does it work? The method for a common veneer is to grind down the enamel surface (outer white layer of teeth), to make space for the veneer to be placed. Anesthesia is commonly needed for this part of the procedure. The veneer is built in a dental laboratory, and on a further appointment, after a few aesthetic checks, it is finally bonded. […]

Dental Fillings If you have teeth…you probably have a filling. In the past, the most popular material for fillings was silver (amalgam). However in recent years there has been controversy about the safety of silver amalgam fillings. Let’s take a closer look at the reality of amalgams so you can decide whether to remove them or not, or consider getting new fillings made with today’s recommended materials. Amalgams are metallic alloys. The majority of the alloy is made of silver and tin, while copper and mercury exist in minor quantities, among other materials. Mercury represents a health hazard because it is poisonous when introduced into the air or blood. Free mercury can be in the form of vapor or liquid droplets. The greatest danger of mercury toxicity comes when the vapor is inhaled. This can occur when the dentist is mixing the alloy. Also, some people can be allergic to mercury, however this condition is very rare. To minimize exposure, amalgams come in pill form. A machine mixes the content without opening the pill. When the dentist accesses it, the mixture is ready to be placed in the tooth. Dentists also use techniques to isolate the tooth that is being […]

Dental crowns refer to the area of the teeth that are visible when we smile. Hidden beneath the gums is the root, and like a king’s crown, the dental crown is located on top of each tooth. Crowns are responsible for cutting, crushing and tearing up the food when we eat, while keeping the bite from collapsing when teeth have contact on one another, not to mention the ever important task of maintaining a proper facial profile. When a tooth is lost, other teeth will naturally start to fill the space it creates, causing bite and position problems. Anatomically, a tooth is divided into two parts: the root(s) and the natural crown. Natural crowns are exposed to bacteria and debris in the mouth, and are therefore prone to decay when oral hygiene is poor. Roots can also become affected, leading to periodontal problems. When natural crowns are extensively damaged, fillings are no longer the preferred treatment due to a higher probability of fracture. False or manmade crowns then become the treatment of choice. False crowns are classified according to their extension, which is dictated by the amount of crown damage. Classification is as follows: ½ crown ¾ crown 4/5 crown […]

When natural teeth are extensively damaged but the root is not decayed, the only way to restore the function and aesthetics is by placing dental crowns. If one or more adjacent teeth are missing, other teeth will naturally start to fill the space it creates, causing bite and position problems. Space can be reduced when crowns have large cavities at the margins. Therefore crown placement is important to preserve the integrity of the dental arch. Crown placement procedure follows a series of steps: The dentist will take impressions (molds) of your current teeth and register your bite. The tooth is ground down, and a more accurate dental impression is taken so that the crown can be built on this cast. Also color for the final crown is chosen. In the lab, the metal core for the crown is built. If the crown chosen is a full ceramic crown, then it is created immediately. Porcelain crowns are handmade using brushes, different colors and baking the porcelain multiple times in special furnaces. The metal core is usually tested on the tooth to ensure a good fit. Porcelain is applied on the metal core. Final crown is glued to the tooth to ensure […]

Not every patient is a good candidate for receiving dental implants. There are many factors your dentist will consider after a careful evaluation of your case. But here are some details you might want to know: 1. Available Jawbone Space Regardless if you are getting implants in the upper or lower jaw, there are vital structures that must be protected such as the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. This is why there has to be sufficient bone height to place the implant(s). This consideration requires x-rays and your dentist will be responsible for assessing the space availability. 2. Smoking If you are a smoker, you might want to consider quitting for a while. Smoking adversely affects the healing process of the bone and tissue. You should be able to discuss with your dentist about this matter if you’re serious about getting dental implants. 3. Location Not all locations in the jawbone are suitable for implants. There could be irregularities of the bone and other structures keeping your from being a good candidate. Also, different locations have different success rates. The evaluation done by your dentist will help you find the […]

It’s no secret that dental implants are less expensive in Costa Rica than in the United States. In general, dental costs in Costa Rica are 50% to 70% lower than the costs in the US. This is one of the reasons why Americans are flying to San Jose, the capital of this Central American country, to get their dental care. But what if you only need one dental implant? While the dental implant costs less, the trip to Costa Rica involves traveling to the country twice, with the usual costs associated, such as plane tickets, hotel rooms, and meals. This question is not as simple as it seems. Dental implant prices can vary widely in the United States from area to area and from dentist to dentist (general practitioners tend to refer patients to oral surgeons, periodontists, or prosthodontists, who will charge more). Also, the material of the crown will affect its price. Obviously, the best materials will be more expensive. Having said that, let’s put some numbers to it. The average cost of a dental implant in the United States involves the implant, which will vary from $2,000 to $3,000, plus the abutment and crown, which can vary from […]

Dental implants are popular with both patients and dentists thanks to the benefits they offer, which typically last for a lifetime. Unfortunately, many American patients seeking affordable implants in Costa Rica get discouraged when they learn that the procedure to get dental implants typically takes several months and requires two trips to Costa Rica. This is because after the first visit and surgery, a patient might have to wait up to six months to get the second part of the treatment. As a result, American patients might decide that the procedure is not worth the time or the trouble. They may choose to “make do,” hoping they can “get by” without the teeth they are missing or settle for a less desirable procedure such as a bridge that involves grinding down healthy teeth. However, this is usually not a good decision. First of all, a missing tooth creates the risk of losing even more teeth for one or more reasons. Absent teeth leave a gap that may cause other teeth to shift and move their position. The changes in tooth position may also cause malocclusions (changes in the bite), which may lead to the fracture of other teeth. Also, teeth […]

Getting porcelain veneers is one of the most popular dental treatments for improving the beauty of your teeth. It is a relatively simple procedure that results in an amazing, beautiful smile. Veneers allow dentists to modify the shape and appearance of the front teeth and allow patients to whiten their teeth permanently. Veneers are like fake nails for teeth because they are a thin, whitish layer of composite or porcelain that changes the appearance. However, veneers are carefully customized for you and they are generally made out of porcelain or ceramic. The Veneers Procedure 1. Your dentist will evaluate if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers or composite veneers. Dental models (molds) of your teeth will be taken for further study of your case. 2. Once your case is approved, shape and color must be chosen. 3. The next step is to grind down the superficial layer of enamel on your existing teeth in order to make space for the veneer. The color choice is also reconfirmed at this stage. In some cases, veneers can be placed without the need to grind down the surface. 4. A mold of your teeth must be taken so that the veneer […]

Full mouth reconstructions (also called full mouth restorations) are a complex series of dental procedures typically used for people who have lost all or almost all of their teeth. One of the primary purposes of full mouth reconstruction is to restore a patient’s lost chewing ability. Nevertheless, a full mouth restoration also carries significant psychological benefits for the patient. These benefits should be considered as part of the overall value of this dental work. There are dramatic difference in prices for full mouth restorations, with pricing often predicated on where you live. The US and Canada have some of the highest prices in the world. There are significantly more affordable high-quality options in Costa Rica. Many patients report a drastic increase in their self-esteem after a full mouth restoration. Of course, since teeth are an important feature of the face, any patient that goes from no teeth to restored teeth will look better and this is a major factor in the positive outcomes people report. People feel better because they look better. In addition to being able to eat nearly any type of food—a happy result of having strong new teeth that are permanently affixed to implants that have become […]

For many people, a full-mouth restoration (also called a full-mouth reconstruction) is nearly miraculous. Full-mouth restorations are complex procedures that restore a patient’s full chewing capacity, while providing the patient with a complete set of beautiful, functional teeth. A full-mouth restoration makes it possible for someone with a mouth that is painful or disfigured with diseased, missing or damaged teeth—whether from trauma or neglect—to be made healthy and whole again. Unfortunately, not everyone can qualify for a full mouth restoration. Your dentist may require you to take some tests to establish the viability of the procedure. In addition, he or she will talk to you about your oral condition, your general health condition, and the lifestyle that you lead, in order to establish whether you can obtain a full-mouth restoration. In some cases, some changes will be asked of you, for example, to stop taking a certain medication or to explore with your doctor the possibility of taking a different one, modify, stop, or start an exercise program, or to make a change in diet. By far, the most common factor that may disqualify a patient is smoking. Smoking before, during, and after the procedure greatly increases the chances of […]

When a patient loses many teeth, All-on-6 solutions and their related procedures, All-on-4 and All-on-8, are perhaps the most effective treatments for restoration. They are permanent, feel and look like real teeth and are stable and strong. However, it is just natural for patients to wonder about the price of the procedure and whether it is covered under their dental insurance plan. Well, the answer is yes and no. Most dental insurance policies do cover All-on-6 dental solutions. However, they almost never cover the whole treatment. At best, the dental insurance policy works as a “discount coupon” that will reduce the cost of the procedure. Exactly how much the reduction in cost would be will depend greatly on your specific dental insurance. Unfortunately, even with the discount, many people find that they are unable to afford the procedure. This is the main reason why All-on-6 solutions are still rare in the United States. Instead, many people of modest means are either encouraged to obtain dentures instead or they just go without any treatment at all. We recommend that every patient consult with their insurance company and your dentist about what the actual cost of the procedure will be for you. […]

Full mouth restorations are exactly what they sound like: a group of dental procedures that fully restore teeth for people that have lost all or almost all of their teeth. Full mouth restorations are perhaps the most customized of dental solutions. Each patient is different and there is no standard treatment that is used for every single case. Each patient has to be evaluated by a dentist and then a course of action, typically involving several procedures is set. What procedures will be selected will depend greatly on many factors, including the number of teeth lost, the level of damage to the teeth, whether any remaining teeth are worth saving, the placement of both the lost and the remaining teeth, the structure of the jawbone, as well as any other health conditions or lifestyle choices that may affect the procedures, such as diabetes or smoking. Here’s a list of the most common procedures involved in full mouth restorations. Dental Implants Dental implants are the best way to restore lost teeth. They are a type of artificial screw that’s inserted into the jawbone. The material of the screw eventually fuses with the bone and gives the implant strength and stability. When […]

All-on-4 dental implant solutions are one of the most complete solutions for patients with extensive tooth damage or missing teeth. However, there is no solution that can be applied to every person in every situation. This article will help you weigh the pros and cons. Before deciding whether to get an all-4 dental implants solution or not, take a moment and consider the advantages and disadvantages that this type of solution offers you. If you have questions or doubts, or just need more information, feel free to consult one of dentists found on this site. Advantages Dental implant solutions are extremely stable. In fact, dental implants are almost as stable as natural teeth. Dental implants are literally integrated into your jawbone. They allow you to move your mouth naturally, both in speech and chewing, without any worry that anything might come out of place. Dental implants are durable and resistant. All-on-4 dental implant solutions will allow you to eat any type of food you want. There is no need to avoid certain types of food. Dental implants are easy to maintain. Implants don’t require much more care than regular brushing and one or two visits to the dentist per year […]

What is Cosmetic Dentistry Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental procedure that strives to improve the appearance of the teeth. Many dental boards don’t accept cosmetic dentistry as a dental specialty, although many dental schools and professionals specialize in the area. In almost every country, a person needs to be a certified dentist in order to practice cosmetic dentistry. Also, cosmetic procedures can be combined with other dental procedures that aim at restoring the functions of the teeth. Treatments that are done for restoration purposes typically fall within this mixed category. There are many procedures practiced in cosmetic dentistry. The most common ones are: Teeth Whitening: A procedure that returns discolored teeth to their natural color. Teeth Reshaping: A procedure that removes part of the enamel from teeth that have received damage in order to improve their appearance, often paired with restoration procedures. Bonding: A procedure that uses a quick-hardening dental material to reconstruct part of a tooth. The material can then be subject to shaping. Bridge: A device that is used to replace teeth by putting the replacement teeth on a structure that is attached to the teeth on each side of a gap. Veneer: A procedure that applies […]

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, when left unchecked, it can lead to the loss of several teeth. Bridges are one of the solutions for replacing lost teeth, especially if the gaps are close to each other. Dental Bridges A bridge is a dental prosthesis that consists of one or more replacement teeth attached to the natural teeth on each side of the gap. It is preferred sometimes to implants because it doesn’t require surgery or waiting several months. However, unlike implants, a bridge often requires the side teeth to be reduced or adapted, which might not be convenient if the side teeth are healthy and in good condition. Bridges that are attached to implants are also popular these days. There are several types of bridges. The most common ones are: Traditional Bridge It is the most common type of bridge. The bridge is attached to the side teeth and it has a crown or other type of restoration that replaces the missing tooth. Cantilever Bridge A cantilever bridge is very similar to a traditional bridge, except that it’s attached to only one of the side teeth, typically because there is no other tooth on the […]

Dental implants are metallic posts that are inserted into the jawbone through dental surgery. After a while, they fuse with the bone, a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the implant can be used as an extremely stable base for something else, usually a crown. In some cases, several dental implants can be used as a base for a bridge. There are several types of dental implants. Your dentist can help you select the best one for your case, depending on your specific needs. The following are types of implants: Endosteal Implants Endosteal implants are the most common type of implant. They consist on a metal structure that resembles either a screw or a nail. They are typically made of titanium or ceramic. They are recommended in cases where the jawbone is healthy and strong. Subperiosteal Implants In some cases, the jawbone is not strong or thick enough to support an endosteal implant. In such cases, the dentist uses a subperiosteal implant instead. A subperiosteal implant consists of a metal frame that’s inserted under the gum tissue and attached to the jawbone. It has one or more posts that serve as a base for crowns or other structures. […]

Costa Rica is a recognized global center for high quality dentistry, with highly skilled dentists that utilize cutting edge dental technology. If you are looking for dental crowns at affordable prices, Costa Rica may be the place for you. A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that is placed over the tooth to cover the tooth in order to restore its shape and strength and improve its appearance. A dental crown might be a good option for you if you suffer from the following conditions: Cracked tooth: A dental crown will protect it from decaying or from breaking. Severely worn out tooth: A dental crown will protect the tooth from increased wear. When not much tooth is left: A dental crown covers the tooth. A crown will hold a dental bridge in the right place. A crown is used to improve the appearance of a tooth or cover a dental implant. A crown must be placed on a tooth or implant with a long dental root that will hold the gums and bone firmly. This root acts as pillar of the renovation. If the root is too short, the restoration might not be successful. Healthy gums are also significant […]

Cosmetic Dentistry We see fashion models and big movie stars posing for the cameras all the time. What do most of them have in common? The answer is…picture perfect smiles. All of us want to have straight white teeth. This is where “Cosmetic dentistry” comes in. Cosmetic Dentistry, by definition, is the term used to refer to any and all kind of dental work that is used with the aim of improving the appearance of one’s teeth. There have been some controversies regarding whether cosmetic dentistry is a formal specialty or not. Still, many dentists practice the art of creating the perfect smile and promote themselves as Cosmetic Dentists all over the world. Costa Rica however is the grand capital for cosmetic dentistry and has been a dental leader for many years. Costa Rica has thousands of cosmetic dentists who, with their extensive experience, have mastered the art of cosmetic dentistry. They also possess the latest equipment and technology needed to produce effective and beautiful permanent results. Costa Rica maintains strict dental care standards. Additionally, most dentists adhere to the strict sanitary and sterilization guidelines established by the American Dental Association in order to promote patient safety. As a result […]

Quality Porcelain Veneers People that suffer dental trauma or need work that requires drilling to the surface of the tooth may be prime candidates for dental veneers. While health benefits always take priority with your teeth, how your teeth look is important as well. When your teeth don’t look good, you feel self-conscious and you may have a hard time laughing or speaking in front of other people. In some cases, people even avoid smiling around others because of this embarrassment. Depending on your dental needs, porcelain veneers may be the best option for you, especially if the affected teeth are at the front, where they’re the most visible. Sadly, the rising costs of dental care in the United States make them unaffordable for many people, which is one reason why some of them visit Costa Rica for porcelain veneers. Other reasons many are delighted with Costa Rica for dental care are: the quality of the dental care is on a par with that of care in the US, the staff is typically fluent in English, and Costa Rica is an ideal vacation destination. What Are Veneers? A veneer is a “cover” for a tooth. It is used for both […]