Dreaming of getting a smile makeover but don’t want to spend all your savings doing it?
Going after that perfect smile you’ve always wanted shouldn’t break your bank account. However…
Major dental work isn’t cheap in the US. Smile makeovers range in price from $15,000 to $60,000 depending on the procedures needed. Ouch.
Luckily there’s a better way.
Affordable alternatives exist that can provide the results you’re looking for at a tiny fraction of the cost. And…
- They use the same quality materials as your local dentist
- They’re performed by trained, experienced professionals
- And they can save you thousands of dollars
What you’re about to learn:
- Why Smile Makeovers Are So Expensive
- Why Dental Tourism is Becoming More Popular
- How To Find Cheap Alternatives Without Sacrificing Quality
- Questions To Ask Before Booking Any Procedure
Why Smile Makeovers Are So Expensive
Before diving into cheap alternatives let’s talk about the US dental system first.
Smile makeovers consist of many different procedures tailored to specific dental goals. Some common treatments included in a makeover are veneers, crowns, implants, teeth whitening and gum contouring.
Each of these procedures are expensive on their own.
Porcelain veneers can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 a tooth. Dental implants? Between $3,000 and $6,000 a tooth. And that doesn’t include any orthodontic work, whitening or other procedures that might be needed.
On top of expensive procedures most insurance companies consider smile makeovers an elective treatment. There’s typically little to no coverage because it’s “cosmetic.”
Needless to say, going through with a smile makeover in the US can leave your wallet feeling anything but healthy.
According to ValuePenguin, out-of-pocket costs made up 38.9 percent of all dental spending in the United States. That’s nearly 4 times more than the out-of-pocket cost for general healthcare.
This has created a huge barrier for people who want or need dental work done. Many are left either postponing care or skipping it altogether.
Why Dental Tourism is Becoming More Popular
But here’s the thing…
There’s a workaround that millions of Americans have discovered. You don’t have to pay American prices to receive American quality dental work.
Dental tourism in Mexico is the fastest growing way to get affordable dental care. Patients travel across the border to access the same smile makeover procedures at savings of 50% to 70%.
Let’s look at some facts.
An estimated 1 to 1.5 million Americans visit Mexico each year specifically for dental care. That’s not a trend. That’s astronomical.
There are several reasons why dental procedures are so much cheaper.
- Lower overhead costs allow clinics to operate at much lower prices.
- Competition is strong among clinics servicing international patients. They have to offer great quality at low prices to stay in business.
- The exchange rate works in your favor too.
But don’t think that “cheap” equals bad in this case.
Mexican clinics use the same technology, materials and implant systems you’ll find in the US. Many import their materials directly from the US as well. Dental offices in Mexico often have Mexican or international dentists who graduated from US dental schools.
You get the quality without the hefty price tag.
How To Find Cheap Alternatives Without Sacrificing Quality
Great dental work isn’t cheap anywhere. But affordable dental work that doesn’t skimp on quality is out there.
Start with research. Dig into the background of the clinic and specific dentist who will be working on you. Quality clinics will have international accreditations as well as be members of the American Dental Association or Mexican Dental Association. These certifications aren’t meaningless — they have to adhere to strict safety and cleanliness standards to earn them.
Then move on to reviews from actual patients. Not the nice things they write on the clinic’s website. Look for reputable review sites and see what others have said about their experiences.
A good dental clinic will also offer consultations before any work begins. They’ll go over your goals, examine your teeth and make recommendations about your specific situation.
Here are some red flags to avoid.
Any clinic that:
- Doesn’t provide you with a treatment plan
- Is unwilling to show you credentials or certifications
- Quotes you a price that seems too good to be true
- Pressures you to book immediately
Price and quality go hand in hand. Balance is key.
Questions To Ask Before Booking Any Procedure
Before agreeing to any major dental work make sure to ask the following questions.
Get the specifics of your treatment. Some dentists price procedures separately and leave consultations or x-rays out of the quote. Make sure you know exactly what’s included in the price quoted.
Ask about materials used. All dental materials aren’t created equal. Make sure the clinic uses quality brands that offer longevity and a natural look. Don’t be afraid to ask what brands they use for implants, crowns, veneers and other cosmetic dentistry work.
Inquire about aftercare. If dental work is being done abroad there needs to be a clear understanding of how aftercare works. A good clinic will have detailed instructions and offer remote consultations after patients return home.
Consider overall costs. Think about the total price to get dental work done. Flights, accommodations and time off work are all things to factor in when pricing international dentistry. Many people still end up saving a few thousand even after factoring these things in.
Also check with your dental insurance to see if they cover any out-of-network or international procedures.
Wrapping Things Up
Investing in your smile is always a good decision. But that shouldn’t mean investing all of your savings.
Thankfully affordable alternatives are available to those who know where to look. Dental tourism grants millions of Americans the opportunity to get high-quality dental work for realistic prices. Taking a holistic wellness approach to major health decisions means looking at all available options.
Just remember to do the research, ask questions and know what you’re signing up for.
Let’s review…
- Dental work in the US is expensive and not typically covered by insurance
- Dental tourism allows you to save 50-70% on those same procedures
- Clinics abroad use the same brands and materials as your local dentist
- Do your research on the clinic. Verify their credentials and read the reviews
- Factor in additional costs if you travel abroad for your procedure
Making smart health and wellness choices is about being informed. Now that you know there’s a better option you’re one step closer to that dream smile.
