Cheap Dental Work In Mexico - Buyer Beware

Feb 28
07:54

2011

Andy G. Cooper

Andy G. Cooper

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Dental tourists are saving thousands by getting their teeth fixed in Mexico. But before you book your flight there are some things you should know.

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You've probably seen the ads: "Cheap dental work in Mexico - save thousands!" (Or variations on that theme).

And you really can save a ton of money by getting fillings,Cheap Dental Work In Mexico - Buyer Beware Articles crowns, implants and other procedures done in Mexico, where dental tourism is booming.

Price are definitely enticing, particularly for the 40-plus per cent of North Americans that don't have dental insurance. For example:

* Checkups are usually free.

* You pay only $40-$60 on average for composite white fillings that U.S. and Canadian dentists routinely bill $100 or more.

* A standard porcelain crown fused to base metal can cost as little as $200 in Mexico compared with $800 or more north of the border.

* A full set of dentures can cost $500 or less compared with Canadian and U.S. dental offices charging $1,500 and up.

Some Mexican dental offices offer U.S. and Canadian patients cheap hotel accommodation and free shuttles to and from the nearest airport. It's not unusual for such patients to book a week-long stay during which they get several crowns, fillings and other work done AND enjoy a hot vacation. Some Mexican practises have their own labs so they can make a crown the same day or within 24 hours.

A final selling point: Some dentists in Mexico are U.S. trained and many of those who got their certification in Mexico regularly go to the U.S. for advanced training.

Sounds too good to be true?

Well, you do need to do your homework before jumping in your car or booking a flight and dropping into the first dental office you see in the land of the sombrero. Though some dental offices have very high standards and the same high-tech equipment as their U.S. and Canadian counterparts, others are definitely "no frills".

Here's your must-do checklist:

1. If you have dental insurance check with your provider to see if they'll cover treatment in Mexico. A surprising number of North American insurers do now cover Mexican dentistry. If your insurer does, see if they'll provide recommendations.

2. Get a written quote for work you want to have done so you can compare it with what your U.S. or Canadian dentist will charge. Most Mexican dentists will email you a quote.

3. Go online and visit Mexican dental websites and read the testimonials you'll find from Americans and Canadians who've had treatment there.

4. See what guarantees your Mexican dentist offers about the work they perform. If a crown or implant fails within a few months what will they do about it?

5. Be aware that Mexico does not require its dentists to carry expensive malpractice insurance - so you are on your own in the rare event you suffer a disabling stroke or other life-threatening event while undergoing treatment.

Though cheap dentistry always requires a "buyer beware" approach, thousands of patients report good results from treatment south of the border.