The border city of Tijuana in Mexico is home to affordable yet quality cosmetic dentistry. Clients from the USA and Canada frequently travel across borders to save up to 70% -80% in dental procedures.
| Procedure | Our Price* |
| Dental Veneers | $275~325 |
| Dental Implants (incl. laser therapy if needed) | $699~800 |
| Crowns (Zirconium/E-Max All Ceramic) | $500~550 |
| Bridges (porcelain fused to metal bridge) | $160~180 |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | $5,000 to $8,000 |
| Bone Grafting | $300 to $600 |
*Note: Prices are subject to change. Fill in the quote form on the right for the latest information.
Payment Options
Cash or Cashier’s Check (make sure you follow the exact instructions provided by the case manager)- Credit Cards
- Dental Loans
- Online Payments/Transfers
- PayPal
Why Choose TJ, Mexico?
The biggest factor here is cost. The total expenses of travelling, lodging and treatment in Tijuana add up to much less than the treatment cost alone back in the United States or Canada. Following are the reasons for the huge differences in prices
- Cost of living in Mexico is much less than that in the US or Canada
- Labor costs are much lower as compared to those back home
- Wide availability of dentists makes for further competitive pricing
- The need for the physician to buy malpractice insurance is minimal. The practice of arbitration is preferred over litigation that does not add to the cost of treatment in Mexico
- The amount of student debt to be paid by the dentist is also quite insignificant and even nil in some cases
All these factors ensure that the resultant prices are low yet there is no compromise on the quality of services rendered.
US vs. Mexico (average price comparison)*
Other Factors That Favor Tijuana
Quality Care at TJ Dental Center
- TJ Dental Center’s dental team comprises of Esteban Ramirez and Dr Marco Antonio Valle Ibarra, two highly skilled doctors practicing in Tijuana
- They have a combined experience of more than 50 years
- For a complete overview of the doctors’ qualifications and credentials in their own words click…
Dr Marco Antonio Valle – Cosmetic Dentist Tijuana – Mexico
High Grade Materials by Trusted International Brands Such as
Some of the brands we use to ensure good quality treatment are:
- Megagen®
- AnyRidge®
- Nobel Biocare®
- Invisalign®
Pain-free Dentistry1
We also offer pain-free dentistry to minimize discomfort and ease dental anxiety. For this purpose TJ Dental Center provides:
- Safe sedation through tablets at no extra cost. The effect lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours
- Intravenous sedation (IV), extra cost of which depends on the amount of anesthesia used and the duration of the procedure
Well in Reach
Tijuana is close to the border and is a preferred destination not just for oral but various medical procedures as well.
- There are minimum language barriers as many of the citizens are bilingual
- In comparison to inner regions of Mexico, this town is culturally more similar to North American cities; therefore, tourists feel at home
Getting There
One can choose any of the following routes to reach Tijuana.
Flying to San Diego
- The most preferred way to travel is by flight to the San Diego International Airport (closest to the border)
- TJ Dental Center provides free pick and drop facility to its clients from the airport*
- San Ysidro Port of Entry(approximately 20 minute drive from the San Diego airport) is the most popular way to get across the border and is operational 24/7
- One can either take a taxi or a cab or a bus from San Diego airport terminals 1 and 2 to reach the Tijuana border crossing
- The blue line trolley at the America Plaza Station (10 minute drive from the airport) that connects to the port is also an option
- At the border crossing, one can also take the pedestrian route from San Ysidro (USA) crossing to walk into Mexico.
*Applicable on select packages only. Contact for more details.
Road Trip to Mexico
Many individuals living in American cities close to the border prefer to travel to Tijuana by car. One can either park on the US side of the border crossing and simply walk across or choose to cross the border in their own vehicle (please note below the related details).
Direct Flights to Mexico
Direct flights to Mexico are also available, although not practical in most cases. (You may require an FMM form if you choose to enter Mexico by air)
Documents Required For Easy Entry and Stay*
- A valid US or Canadian passport for individuals travelling by plane or car or foot (no visa is needed)
- Individuals travelling to Mexico in their own vehicle require documents such as:
- Vehicle registration with originals and 2 copies
- Valid US, Mexican or Canadian driver’s license
- Mexican auto insurance (US policies do not apply across borders)
- Permit from your auto rental company (many US based car rental companies clearly mention in their contracts that their vehicles are not allowed to cross into Mexico. You are advised to confirm the same and pay any charges that may apply)
*In case you wish to commute beyond the border zone by car, you will have to obtain a temporary import permit for your vehicle. The border zone has been defined as the area up till 25km from the border.
Travel and Stay Precautions
- Driving on your own is not advisable as the road signs are in Spanish
- Be aware of your surroundings and heed to travel warnings (issued by US Department of States – Bureau of Consular Affairs) that remain in place until the situation changes
- Conviction for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines.
- Carrying firearms, daggers or knives is illegal; possession of firearms is a crime for which no bail is available.
- Taking US fruits (apples and oranges) and meats across the border is prohibited by law. A fine of $50 to $1,000 is levied on whoever fails to declare any agricultural items
- Although rare in public transport, commuting in daylight is advised to avoid robberies and misconduct with passenger
- It is recommended that you don’t leave valuables unattended, carry minimum cash or a credit card and use hotel safes to avoid thefts, pick-pocketing and snatching
- While re-entering the United States from Mexico, you will have to declare any agricultural products or livestock you are carrying with you; failure to do so may carry fines to the tune of $1,000. Click here for more information on permissible items.
Health Precautions
- Always prefer bottled water and beverages to tap water or open liquids as they may not be potable
- Use mosquito repellants, sprays, protective clothing and avoid (dirty) places with stagnant water to prevent illnesses such as Chikungunya and Dengue fever
- Keep a copy of the prescription for any medicines that you may carry for personal use
- Purchase of controlled medications requires prescription from a licensed Mexican physician. One can get all the related information on the website of the Mexican Federal Communication For Protection Against Health Risks
Having learned about the essentials to put up in Tijuana, the next step is to understand the meaning and different types of cosmetic dental procedures available here, their suitability criteria, pros and cons and the post treatment regime.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
It consists of all those dental treatments that focus on enhancing the overall appearance of a person’s teeth and not necessarily the function.
One can enhance or change the color, positioning, shape or size and alignment of the teeth too. Cosmetic dentistry requires specialization, training and experience to ensure complete client satisfaction.
“Resolved, that cosmetic dentistry be defined as encompassing those services provided by dentists solely for the purpose of improving the appearance when form and function are satisfactory and no pathologic conditions exist.”- Definition by the American Dental Association.
Treatments offered by TJ Dental Center
| Dental Veneers Custom made ultra-thin laminates made from porcelain. Bonded directly to the teeth to close gaps, fill cavities, enhance shape or lighten the tooth that is un-responsive to whitening procedures. |
Dental Implant It is an artificial root made of titanium metal. The surgeon inserts it into the jawbone of the patient to support an artifical tooth/crown/bridge to replace one or more missing teeth. |
| Crowns Also called a cap, it is an artificial restoration that is made of a strong material such as porcelain or ceramic. Crowns can be fit over damaged, discolored or broken tooth to imitate their look as well as function |
Bridges These are used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is basically a false tooth that is fused together with adjacent crowns. A bridge can be held firmly in place by your own teeth or implants. |
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the entire head. Orthognathic Surgery forms a part of it and deals strictly with over & under bite and deformity of jaws such as malocclusions and skeletal disharmonies. |
Suitable Candidates for Cosmetic Dental Procedures
| Procedure | Suitability |
| Dental Veneers | • Recommended for individuals with overall good oral health as the teeth should be able to withstand preparation • Ideal for patients with misaligned, broken or injured teeth • Appropriate for clients with discolored teeth that are unresponsive to bleaching |
| Dental Implants | • Ideal for patients with one or more missing teeth • Suitable for individuals with overall good health • Ideal for persons with adequate bone density & required gum strength(hybrid dental implants such as All-on-4 may be recommended for people with inadequate jawbone) |
| Crowns | • Advised for persons with strong gum tissue as the crown may need to rest upon it • Ideal for individuals with broken and/or weak teeth • Preferred for missing, deformed &discolored teeth • Recommended for patients with moderate chewing force (to be ascertained by physician) |
| Bridges | • Suitable for clients with one or more missing teeth • Ideal for persons that have strong supporting oral anatomy • Candidates for dental implants are ideal for dental bridges |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery |
• Suitable for individuals with jaw disease or facial injuries |
Advantages and Risks
| Procedure | Benefits | Risks |
| Dental Veneers |
• Highly conservative approach to changing color, shape & size of the tooth
|
• Fair amount of time is needed to adjust to the new teeth
|
| Dental Implants |
• Ideal for ensuring long term health for patient
|
• Prone to failure in osseo-integration
|
| Crowns |
• Longest life expectancy out of all cosmetic dental procedures
|
• Time consuming procedure
|
| Bridges |
• Adds aesthetic look to the overall smile of client
|
• May cause additional stress on the supporting tooth/root
|
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | • Suitable for patients of all age groups • Helpful in correcting TMJ disorders and facial disproportion • Ideal for head and neck cancer patients that suffer from cysts, tumors and infection in the jaw • Computer-assisted surgery is now possible for better outcomes • Enhances the patient’s overall quality of life |
• May result in post-operative mood shift • Can cause blood loss and infection (extremely rare) • Possible nerve injury and temporomandibular joint degeneration (extremely rare) |
Post-procedure Maintenance2,3
| Procedure | Advised Oral Care Regime |
| Dental Veneers | • Avoid any staining foods and beverages such as red wine, tea and coffee • Brushing twice daily, floss and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash |
| Dental Implants | • Avoid smoking • Maintain basic oral hygiene • Take special care while maneuvering the toothbrush around and on the implant supported structures • Perform regular plaque removal • Take timely professional assistance |
| Crowns | • Perform optimal and regular plaque control • Take special care while cleaning oral restorations to avoid pressure and imbalance • Seek timely professional assistance and checkups • Avoid excessive pressure on crown to prevent porcelain fracture |
| Bridges | • Maintain overall oral hygiene • Ensure timely review by a physician • Avoid foods that add pressure and may cause fracture to the prosthesis |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | • Maintain proper nutrition to ensure timely recovery as the function of the jaw may be temporarily impaired • Seek specialized counseling to overcome post-operative depression or mood swings |
References
1. Making patients safe and comfortable for a lifetime of dentistry: frontiers in office-based sedation. J Dent Educ. 2001 Dec; 65(12):1348-56.
2.
– Advances in dental veneers: materials, applications, and techniques. Núbia Pavesi Pini, Flávio Henrique Baggio Aguiar, Débora Alves Nunes Leite Lima, José Roberto Lovadino, Raquel Sano Suga Terada, and Renata Corrêa Pascotto
– Five-year clinical performance of porcelain veneers. Department of Operative Dentistry and Dental Materials, School for Dentistry, Oral Pathology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
– The use of dental implants to improve quality of life for edentulous patients. Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry, 94143, USA.
– Screw-retained crown restorations of single implants: A step-by-step clinical guide. Department of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine.
– The milled bar-retained removable bridge implant-supported prosthesis: a treatment alternative for the edentulous maxilla. St. Ann’s Dental Clinic, Manchester, United Kingdom
– Current concept in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Technological University of Aachen, Germany.
3.
– Porcelain veneers: a review of the literature. Department of Operative Dentistry and Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, Oral Pathology and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
– Comparison of Long-term Survival of Implants and Endodontically Treated Teeth. F.C. Setzer and S. Kim, J Dent Res. 2014 Jan; 93(1): 19–26.
– Dental implants: maintenance, care and treatment of peri-implant infection.Aust Dent J. 2003 Dec; 48(4):212-20; quiz 263.
– Oral health maintenance dental implants.
Kracher CM1, Smith WS./ Dent Assist. 2010 Mar-Apr;79 (2):27-35; quiz 36.
– Advantages and disadvantages of applying yttrium stabilized zirconium-dioxide post and core restorations. Fogorv Sz. 2014 Mar; 107 (1):9-13.
– Considerations on dental bridges’ stability and balance for mandibulary teeth with coronary-root amputation
C. Dăguci Luminiţa Dăguci, R. Popescu, Veronica Mercuţ, Marilena Bătăiosu, and Alma Pitru
– Orthognathic Surgery: General Considerations. Michael E. Debakey. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3805731/
– The maintenance phase of dental therapy.
Schmid MO/ Dent Clin North Am. 1980 Apr;24 (2):379-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6928837