Dental Work in Mexico: Costs & Safe Travel Tips Guide

Cost of Dental Work in Mexico

The cost of dental work in Mexico is 40% to 80% less compared to the US and Canada.

For example, all-on-4 dental implants will cost you only about $8,110 in Mexico. In the US, you have to pay $24,000 for the same. This price includes implants and a hybrid denture.

The table below has a breakdown of dental work prices in Mexico.

Dentist Prices in Mexico

Procedure*	Mexico	US	Inclusions
Titanium implant	$790	$5,000	Single implant
All-on-4	$8,110	$24,000	With hybrid denture
All-on-6	$10,210	$28,000	With BHI Implants
All-on-8	$12,600	$35,000	With fixed hybrid denture
Zygomatic implants	$2,500	$30,000	-
Same-day Implants	$1,500	$5,000	With crown
PFM Crown	$210	$1,100	-
Full Porcelain Crown	$395	$1,800	-
E-Max Crown	$425	$2,000	-
Zirconia Crown	$480	$3,000	-
Porcelain Veneer	$450	$2,500	-
Zirconia Veneer	$490	$1,400	-
Full Denture	$450	$2,000	Composite/Porcelain
Root Canal	$320	$1,500	Any Tooth
Tooth Extraction	$60	$300	Simple
Tooth Extraction	$190	$650	Surgical
Laser Teeth Whitening	$200	$1,500	-
Bone Graft	$420	$3,000	Per unit
Sinus Lift	$700	$2,500	-

*Prices may vary with the complexity of a case. Contact us for a custom quote.

All-Inclusive Mexico Dental Tourism Packages

We know it can be difficult to plan your stay, ground transport, and recovery, all while getting a dental procedure. These packages cover consultation, treatment, stay, and ground transport to make things easier.

How To Pay for Dental Work in Mexico?

Mexican clinics are well equipped to handle international patients as the top destination for dental tourism. To make your experience smoother, many clinics accept convenient methods of payment like-

• Cash- You can pay in both USD and Pesos, the local currency, at most clinics in Mexico. While there is no limit on how much cash you can take with you to Mexico, anything over $10,000 needs to be declared with Mexican customs upon arrival.
• Credit/Debit Card- You can pay with your card at most Mexican clinics, but watch out for a 2-5% extra charge as some banks levy a charge on foreign transactions.
• Bank Transfer- Many Clinics in Mexico accept payment through bank transfers. American services like Zelle are also widely accepted to help international patients have a comfortable experience.
• PayPal- Some clinics also accept PayPal, a familiar and secure platform for international tourists.

Payment methods can vary from clinic to clinic. Contact our team to guide you through all the available options.

How Do I Choose a Reputable Dental Clinic and dentist in Mexico?

This list of the top dentists in Mexico  can help you choose from some of the best in Mexico. They have been shortlisted on the basis of high patient satisfaction, experience and modern facilities.

Contact our team to help you choose a dental clinic that fits your needs.

Before & After Dental Work in Mexico

Patient Reviews & Testimonials

Read dental tourism reviews from real patients sourced from reliable sources like Google. Real experiences can help you set the right expectations for your visit.

Top Dental Procedures in Mexico

There are a range of popular Dental procedures offered in Mexico. These include-

• Dental Implants: Dental implants in Mexico are made of titanium and surgically placed in your jaw to restore function and enhance aesthetics.^[1] The procedure usually requires 2 trips, and the healing period lasts around 3 to 6 months. 

 

• Dental veneers: Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover your teeth to enhance their appearance. ^[2] Veneers in Mexico usually take 3-5 days. However, many clinics use CEREC technology to offer same-day veneers.

 

• Dentures: Dentures replace missing teeth, helping you chew, speak, and smile more comfortably.^[3] Dentures in Mexico are generally done over a two-week trip, including consultations, impressions, fittings, and adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

 

• Root Canal: A root canal in Mexico treats infection or damage within a tooth's pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.^[4] The actual procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes. It requires two visits—one for cleaning and another for sealing and restoration.

 

• Braces: Braces can straighten teeth and correct any bite issues you might have, enhancing both appearance and function.^[5] Treatment duration varies based on individual needs; you'll typically need multiple visits. Read more about Cosmetic Dentistry in Mexico.

 

• ​Crowns and bridges: Bridges and Crowns in Mexico replace missing and damaged teeth with false ones.^[6] They typically involve two visits over 2–3 weeks. Many clinics also use CAD/CAM technology to allow same-day crowns and computerized crowns in Mexico.

 

• Sinus lifts and bone grafts: These build up bone in your jaw to get it ready for implants. Bone grafts in Mexico are generally done in one visit before placing implants.

Explore Full Mouth Restoration in Mexico.

Which is the best place in Mexico for dental work?

The best place in Mexico for dental work depends on your needs and preferences. Mexico has no shortage of options for dental care. It's cities are popular for their cultural proximity, high-quality services and budget friendly prices.^[7]

Here are some of for the best cities to choose from for:

Dental Tourism in Mexico

Mexico treats more than one million cross-border dental patients every year.^[9] The country is a go-to dental destination for Americans and Canadians. Here are the most common ways patients travel to Mexico for dental care -

Many Americans drive to Mexico through border cities like Los Algodones, Tijuana and Nogales. You can also cross the border in a rental car or even walk across.

For those who prefer not to drive, public transport options like trolleys and buses are also available. Explore dental work in Nogales.

However, if you’re traveling to coastal (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Playa Del Carmen) or inland areas (Guadalajara, Mexico City), flying is the best choice. Driving, on the other hand, can take up to 48 hrs.

Driving Across the US-Mexico Border

It is the most popular & cost-effective entry point for US patients. Here’s everything you need to know:

• Peak Hours: Mornings (6 AM–10 AM) and late afternoons (4 PM–8 PM) are busiest.
• Real-Time Waiting: Use the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website^[12] or app for updates.

 

The table below shows the driving distances from the US cities to nearby Mexico border towns.

Driving From the US to Mexico

Nearest American City	Mexican Border Towns	Port of Entry	Distance & Time*
San Diego, CA	Tijuana	San Ysidro & Otay Mesa	18.2 miles (24 mins)
Yuma, AZ	Los Algodones	Andrade Port	11.5 miles (21 mins)
Laredo, TX	Nuevo Laredo	Laredo International Bridge I, II, III, IV	8.3 miles (16 mins)
Calexico, CA	Mexicali	Calexico West Port	28.7 miles (32 mins)

*Avoid crossing on weekends or holidays to minimize wait times

Walking Across the Border

Many border crossings have secure parking lots near the pedestrian entry points. You can park your car on the US side and walk across the Mexico border for dental work. This avoids traffic, long wait times & need for Mexican Auto Insurance.

Once at the border, you will need to present the following documents:

1. Passport or passport card (wallet-sized ID for land travel): original and photocopy.
2. FMM (stamped at the border): for stays longer than 7 days. It can be obtained online or on the border.
3. Valid driver’s license.
4. Mexican auto insurance (mandatory).
5. Vehicle registration (not expired).
6. A TIP (Temporary Import Permit) is required for foreign-plated vehicles entering Mexico. Purchase it online, at a Mexican Consulate, or a Banjercito office at the border. It costs $400 USD and is refundable.

After crossing the border, you can take the free shuttle service offered by our clinics. Alternatively, you can drive your own vehicle, as our clinics are just 2 blocks away from the border.

Flying from US to Mexico

Flying is a much faster and more convenient option. Direct flights from many US cities to popular coastal destinations usually take only 2 to 6 hours.

To get from the US to Playa del Carmen, fly to Cancún International Airport (CUN). From there, you can take a bus or taxi or rent a car to Playa del Carmen.

• Bus: ADO buses cost $10–$15 and take about 1 hr and 15 mins. You can buy a ticket at ADO counters in Terminals 2 and 3.
• Taxi: Costs $40–$90 and takes around 45 mins.
• Rental Car: Costs $40–$80 per day, and the drive takes about 51 mins.

The best way to reach inland areas in Mexico from other US cities is by flying. Here’s a flight table for popular routes:

Flights from the US to Inland Cities

Departure	Arrival	Duration
Dallas (DFW)	Merida (MID)	2.5 hrs
Los Angeles (LAX)	Guadalajara (GDL)	3 hrs
New York (JFK)	Mexico City (MEX)	5.5 hrs

DFW: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
JFK: John F. Kennedy International Airport
LAX: Los Angeles International Airport
MID: Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport
GDL: Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport
MEX: Benito Juárez International Airport

Traveling From Canada to Mexico

Americans are the most common visitors to Mexico. However, travel from Canada and other parts of the world to Mexico is becoming more accessible.

Flying is the easiest way to reach Mexico from Canada. Permanent citizens of Canada do not need a visa for entry. However, they must show their PR card and passport at the airport.

Non-permanent residents of Canada (e.g., those on a work or study permit) may need a visa for Mexico, depending on their nationality. If traveling through the US, a US transit visa is required.

See the table below for flights from Canada to Mexico:

Tip: You can opt for connecting flights via Dallas or Houston for smaller cities in Mexico, as they offer lower prices.

To reach Playa del Carmen, Canadians can fly to Cancún International Airport (CUN). From there, you can take:

• Clinic shuttle: $35 (round trip), taking around 1 hr.
• ADO bus: $10-15 USD (one-way), departing every 30 mins to 1 hr (travel time:  1.5 hrs)
• Shared shuttles: $20-30 USD (one-way) with a similar travel time of 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Cancun Airport Taxi Services: $45-$175 (one way); taking 1 hour.

You can always talk to our advisors to help you out with your travel plan.

Do You Need a Passport and Visa To Visit Mexico?

Yes. A valid passport is required at the time of entry into Mexico. Here are all the essential travel documents for flying to Mexico:

• Passport: must be valid during the length of your stay in Mexico.
• Tourist Form (FMM): Costing $40, it is required for stays longer than 7 days.
• Visa Requirements: Citizens from countries not on Mexico’s visa-exempt list must obtain a visa before traveling.
• US Transit Visa: Mandatory for travelers with a layover in the US en route to Mexico. This applies even if you're not leaving the airport.
• VisiTAX Code: It is proof of payment for the compulsory tourist tax in Quintana Roo. Required by foreign visitors traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum.

Note: Immigration will stamp your FMM, keep one part, and give you the other to keep during your stay.

Is Dental Work in Mexico Safe and Comfortable?

Yes. With the right choice of clinic, your experience with dental work in Mexico can be completely safe.

Our partner clinics in Mexico:

• Have a success rate of 90-92% on common procedures like dental implants.
• Are run by board-certified dentists who are trained in the US and Canada at reputed institutes like NYU.
• Adopt the highest safety and sterilization protocols for safe treatments
• Are located in posh areas near popular tourist destinations with police protection.
• They also offer private transportation to and from the clinic and have restricted access.

Watch these videos on clinics' sterilization standards to understand clinic safety protocols.

Also, check out what our patients have to say about the safety and hygiene of our Mexico clinics.

Do dentists in Mexico use anesthesia?

Yes, dentists in Mexico use anesthesia for your comfort and a pain-free experience. They use local anesthesia for most procedures, just like in the U.S. or Canada.

Sedation options are also available for more complex treatments. Learn more about Sedation Dentistry in Mexico.

Conclusion

Dental tourism in Mexico is a top choice if you are looking for affordable prices without compromising quality. Experienced dentists use modern tech to help you get your dream smile.