Dental Crowns in Mexico: Brief Information about Dental Procedure Steps, Costs, and Benefits
It is a scientific fact that smiling and laughing make us happy. And a healthy smile can make us feel even more satisfied since it profoundly affects our appearance and face shape, help us to enjoy our favorite food, and communicate easily.
How to maintain a good mouth condition and look good if you have deep tooth decay or other dental issues?Dental crowns are a robust solution to restoring damaged teeth and protecting the weak ones from cracking. They can also help to enhance our attractiveness and give us a choice to make a new smile look more aesthetic and natural.
Each year, over one million patients choose Mexico for dental tourism. Nothing is surprising that Mexico has plenty of benefits for medical tourists amidst excellent values both for dental services, accommodation, food, and entertainment. Hence, choosing Mexico for dental, patients unite their medical treatment with the remarkable journey to the country with its warm climate and ancient sites.
Here is a brief guide with answers to the most popular questions about dental crowns in Mexico — what is a crown itself and what the procedure looks like, which crown materials are the most reliable, how to find a trusted clinic, how much it will cost, and more.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown or a cap is a medical solution for a damaged or missing tooth, which helps return the chewing abilities and aesthetic appearance of your teeth. The procedure of dental crowns installation in Mexico includes the appointment and visit to the dental office, where a local dentist will examine the patient’s mouth and make a conclusion on dental treatments. It may contain a root canal treatment, dental filling, installation of a dental bridge or a tooth crown, dental bone grafts, or jaw surgery. All these up-to-date methods and techniques are applicable in Mexico.
Dental crowns are made of a wide variety of materials which determines their appearance, stability, lifespan, and costs. Thus, there are porcelain crowns, gold crowns, cerec crowns, porcelain fused to metal crowns (pfm crowns), zirconia crowns, etc.
How can you get which dental crowns type is the most suitable for you? Explore all options that are available in Mexican clinics and have different characteristics, namely:
- All porcelain crown. This type is the most acceptable among those patients who prefer to install dental crowns instead of dental bridges or other dental work. It is an optimal choice for the dental restoration of front teeth since that kind of dental crown looks like natural teeth. All porcelain crowns also called all ceramic, have a higher price than metal ones or porcelain fused to metal crowns, but they are alloy-free and allergic-free. It is crucial for patients who are sensitive to alloys and may have side reactions. Such dental crowns are not recommended for back teeth restoration as they may be damaged due to the higher bite strength.
- Metal crown. Dental crowns are made of steel or other alloys, giving them extraordinary strength. This dental crown has the most affordable cost and may last a lifetime. Despite their lasting, metal crowns cannot match the color of natural teeth and therefore are typically used to restore posterior teeth.
- Porcelain fused to metal crown (PFT). It is a combo of two types, as mentioned earlier — a crown with the metal inner ability and a porcelain (ceramic) outfit. Thus, the strength of metal crowns and the highly-aesthetic appeal of porcelain crowns. This type has a more reasonable cost than all porcelain crowns but has the same visual characteristics and longevity. However, it should be considered that the inner metal part of the PFT dental crowns may be visible, affecting your smile and self-confidence.
- Zirconia crown. Zirconia crowns are the most acceptable alternative to porcelain fused to metal crowns. They also give the patient a pleasing smile and teeth that are similar to natural ones. One of the prominent advantages of this type of a dental crown is the possibility of a one-day installation. Mexico’s dentists provide this kind of dental treatment, arranging a root canal treatment and other dental work, which includes the creation of a final crown, a change of its shape, and artificial tooth structure at the in house dental lab during one visit to the dentist. The fact of short procedure term and natural appeal make such dental crowns more preferable for patients, despite the price that may be higher compared to other dental crowns.
- Gold crown. Such metal crowns are made entirely of gold or gold alloy. It is considered the most long-lasting solution to restore teeth, which withstands heavy pressure while patients chew and, thus, has the most substantial protection from cracking. The cost of such a crown is more expensive than a ceramic crown or a metal one since it is made of more valuable material.
Why Would I Need Dental Crowns?
There are many discussions about whether dental crowns are needed in each case. The easiest way to decide is to take a consultation with a dentist. And the simple answer is the following:
- if your natural teeth have dental issues like a small cavity, you need a filling;
- if you have damaged most parts of your tooth, you have missing teeth, or a few teeth, it is when a dental crown is a must.
Patients must discuss all concerns about dental crowns and their installation before the procedure at dental offices. The dentist will examine your mouth and give a recommendation on the dental process and the type of crown that will suit you the most.
Considering all the dentist's recommendations, the patient makes its own decision. Therefore, be aware of circumstances when it is better to choose a dental crown:
- Extensive decay is one of the reasons a dental crown must be covered on your tooth to protect it from complete damage. Just a filling may not cope with the problem.
- If the natural tooth is cracked, it is an indication for installing a dental crown. The filling does not save it, and you may have more significant dental issues in the future.
- You have a dental bridge, and a tooth crown will help to hold it.
- Dental implants must be covered by teeth crowns. Thus, it is not an option but a must have a constant crown within the implant installation process.
- The problems with the bite or aesthetic issues also may be solved with the help of crowns. You can choose the natural-looking crown that will serve you as your own tooth and look the same or even better.
In these cases, dental crowns will be the most reliable and straight-out solution to protect your teeth while restoring their structure and enhancing their appearance. Dental crowns also fix such problems as discoloration or tooth shape changes.
Is It Safe to Get Crowns in Mexico?
Mexico is a trendy destination for medical tourism. The outstanding points are that superior quality of services, cultural specifics, and rates attract more and more persons there each year. Approximately 1.2 million people visit this country for treatment. Almost 60% of these patients come there for dental tourism to take high-quality crowns. Moreover, average prices in Mexico are 70% lower than in neighbouring countries, including the USA and Canada, which makes the country even more appealing.
Is the cost why people prefer to go to Mexico for dental work? Affordable dental crowns are only one benefit of making dental crown installation procedures in Mexico. But there are other reasons you should put your eyes on Mexico to get full mouth restoration there. These causes are as follows:
- Top dental clinics. According to Bookimed, there are over 35 dental clinics in Mexico providing the full range of major dental work. It includes dental or metal bridge installation, dental implants, treatment of root canal, teeth whitening, front teeth restoration, wisdom teeth extraction, periodontal disease treatment, dental crowns of all types, etc. All Mexican medical centres are equipped with the high-end machinery and apply the world's best practices to provide excellent services. Moreover, all these services are available in one centre. So there is no need to visit other dental clinics — all procedures will be accomplished in one place and even on the same day to get complete dental treatment.
- Certified personnel. All medical staff of Mexican clinics are highly recognized by the leading dental authorities, speak English fluently, and have considerable experience in dental procedures. Mexican dentists are members of the American Dental Association and are gaining certification training to provide standardised services at a very high level.
- Top-ranked materials and innovation. All stages of dental procedure in Mexico — examination, treatment, follow-up — suppose applying the latest technologies. Digital x-ray and CT scanners, piezoelectric surgical scalpels, and more. Most Mexican clinics are equipped with the CEREC crown system (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), which makes it possible to install cerec crowns with ease and comfort for the patient. It gives the advantage of taking same-day crowns without needing temporary crown installation and waiting for tooth reshaping in the laboratory.
But to obtain trustworthy dental services at Mexican clinics, it is better to get the assistance of medical providers. They will help to explore all options and get safe dental crowns in Mexico. You can submit a request on the Bookimed website, and our team coordinator will contact you to help find the modern medical clinic in Mexico with the highest rate of feedback from verified patients. We will also assist you in arranging the medical trip to Mexico from the appointment at the clinic to the moment of returning home.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Crown in Mexico?
Before scheduling the visit to Mexico for the dental crowns procedure, clarify how much time the clinic needs to improve your smile and put the crown in place. This timeline may vary from clinic to clinic and depends on the dentist's qualification and the type of dental crown you choose to install.
Normally, dental crowns in Mexico take two visits to the dental clinic, which involves some stages:
- Tooth treatment and preparation. It takes about an hour to finish this stage and make all necessary operations. The dentist may remove the old filling that does not serve anymore or treat the decay to prepare the tooth for the crown. Then, your doctor will make the crown impression, and you will get the temporary crown till the next visit.
- Crown preparation. The permanent crown will be made at the dental laboratory while you take a temporary crown that protects your tooth. It may take from 2 days to two weeks. As was mentioned above, some of the best dental clinics in Mexico have special equipment which helps to skip this step (waiting for a final crown creation in the lab). The constant crown may be made during the first visit to the dentist. It makes it possible to shorten the period of dental crowns installation and save your time.
- Permanent crown placement. The last stage is the final installation of a permanent crown, replacing the temporary one. This step includes the matching of colour and shape of the new crown and then cementation into the place. This stage needs approximately one hour; after that, you will appreciate your new smile.
A dental crown installation in Mexico may last from one day to a few weeks. To organize your time and expenses, you should consider this and discuss all questions with the dentist before the trip.
You may contact the Bookimed coordinator, and we will help to select an option that will suit your expectations, time possibilities, and budget.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Mexico?
The price is the most common cause why thousands of people choose Mexico for dental procedures, especially dental implants and crowns. The crown cost in Mexico varies greatly, depending on:
- the material it is made of;
- the tooth size and shape;
- , the number of missing teeth;
- dentist and other dental team members' qualifications and fees;
- additional services you may need during the crown placement.
Discussing all these before beginning the dental crown installation would be best.
The dental crown cost in Mexican clinics is much cheaper than in the USA and Canada, which are the closest to Mexico. Check the table below to compare the prices for dental crowns in these countries:
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Dental crown types
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The average cost in Mexico
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The average cost in the USA
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The average cost in Canada
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Metal crowns
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$100
|
$800
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$800
|
|
Porcelain fused to metal crowns (pft crowns)
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$180
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$1,500
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$1,200
|
|
Ceramic crowns
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$350
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$2,000
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$1,800
|
|
Zirconia crowns
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$450
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$2,200
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$1,900
|
|
Cerec crowns
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$500
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$2,500
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$2,200
|
|
Gold crowns
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$600
|
$3,000
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$2,500
|
Obviously, dental crowns cost in Mexico is five times lower compared to the USA and Canada. And this does not affect the quality of dental procedures at all. You will get a perfect smile at the best price without hurting your mouth and wallet.
Besides, other oral procedures in Mexico are also lower in price. For instance, you will get a dental implant in Mexico for only $800, while the same procedure in the USA will cost you $2,500 and $2,200 in Canada. Average denture cost in Mexico ranges from $300 to $500, while from $1,000 to $15,000 in the USA, and similar costs in Canada. Approximate dental bridge cost in Mexico is $400, in the USA — $2,000, in Canada — $1,500. Some Mexican clinics offer special dental programs and discounts — ask Bookimed to explore more.
Where to Get Dental Crowns in Mexico?
The proximity of the Mexican border to the USA makes this country attractive to American citizens who want to take excellent dental procedures and visit a new country with a rich cultural heritage and nature. For instance, the flight from San Diego (USA) to Mexico City takes approximately 3 hours and costs almost $100. Even if you add an average Mexico dentist prices to this sum, the crown cost in Mexico will be much more fair compared to the USA.
So, where may you go to take your profit from dental crowns in Mexico? There are a few cities you can choose for dental tourism:
- Cancun. It is one of the most popular destinations for affordable dental prices and vacation appeal. The city is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, with numerous picturesque spots to spend time in. Moreover, it has a vast dental network with innumerable centres and dentists providing the full spectrum of services.
- Playa Del Carmen. This town is another beautiful place to combine vacation with dental care. It is located between Cancun and Tulum and has dozens of delightful beaches. Dental centres in Playa Del Carmen have high-end medical facilities and provide the best quality services for a rock-bottom price. Their dentists have a considerable background working with foreigners, especially from the USA and Canada.
- Mexico. Mexico City is the capital of the country, located in its central part. The city is famous for its beautiful landscapes and architecture, surrounded by mountains. Each tourist will find the activity to their taste, from visiting art galleries to discovering ancient pyramids. Dental centres in Mexico City bring international patients superior services with the best-expected result.
The next step after choosing the town in Mexico for dental procedures will be the selection of a clinic.
The cities mentioned above are the most attractive for dental tourists. And it is not a matter of fact to find a good clinic here. But how to select the right one that will meet your needs? Firstly, you should determine your requirements and desired outcome, and then do some research to investigate all pros and cons of clinics.
According to the Bookimed rating, there are top 3 clinics in Mexico, arranging the supreme dental services referring to the patients’ feedback. They are the following:
- Sani Dental Group Playa del Carmen. It is a modern dental clinic in Mexico with 40+ professionals and leading-edge devices. The clinic offers various dental services, including zirconia crowns installation, dental implant treatment, ceramic crowns placing, and more.
- Dental Clinic Cancun. This medical centre supplies services for foreign patients coming to Mexico for dental transformation. It provides diagnostics and treatment programs, covering porcelain crown installation, digital smile design, sinus lifting, etc. The clinic offers free airport transfer and accommodation in the hotel in its territory.
- Bokanova Dental Center. The dentists of this clinic have over 18 years of experience, showing their skill level. Bokanova Dental Center provides different services, including implantation and maxillofacial surgery, and has low-end crown costs. The following technologies are applied at the centre: 3D surgery modelling, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), etc.
How Long Do Dental Crowns from Mexico Last?
There is no exact answer to the question about the dental crown’s lifetime period. Basically, it may last from 10 to 20 years or even for your whole life in case you have proper care of it and maintain good oral hygiene.
The way of brushing your teeth, eating habits, or dental crown material and shape greatly influence the service term. For instance, the ceramic crown may serve less than the zirconia one due to the firmness of the substance it is made of, while the gold crown may stay with you forever. If you prefer hard meals, you may damage the crown. And if you do not use floss and do not brush it twice a day, you may shorten its period of functionality.
Here are the common points affecting the life of your dental crown:
- condition of teeth and gum;
- dental routine;
- irregular check-ups;
- wearing due to clenching or bruxism;
- injuries.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown?
Even though a dental crown may last forever, the term of its functionality may vary depending on how patients take care of it. Proper dental care is essential to prolong its durability.
Mexican clinics will guarantee it will last and serve you the best if you take the following steps:
- Make dental hygiene a day-to-day priority. We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing them before bed are mandatory rules. The same is for your crown as it covers your tooth, and the infection or bacteria may cause decay or gum issues which lead to tooth loss or crown failure. So do not forget to brush it for at least 2 minutes per session, and rinse the mouth.
- Visit the dental centre at least twice a year. Attending your dentist regularly means you will avoid problems both with your healthy teeth and crowns. There are issues when the dental crown must be replaced due to wearing, damaging, or cracking. The problems with gum or surrounding teeth may also cause difficulties with the crown. Only your dentist can determine the condition of your mouth, so do not miss the visit to the dental office.
- Avoid hard food and habits that may crack your teeth. If you are a lover of candies, caramels, or other hard products, there may be a disappointment for you. All of these may cause damage to your teeth and even the crown. So if you want to extend the lifespan of the dental crown, you must change your diet and food habits. If not, be ready to visit your dentist and replace the crown, as such food may damage it.
- Stop clenching. Stress or psychological issues may cause clenching and grinding of your teeth. But it may significantly affect your crowns and damage them. Besides, the pressure while clenching affects the opposing teeth, making it risky to be cracked. If you are conscious enough, please notice when you begin pressing your teeth and try to stop it. Some patients have a habit of clenching their teeth during the night; in such cases, a night guard may help fix the problem.
A dental crown installation is a life-changing event that benefits your health and well-being. Along with a vacation to admirable Mexico, you will gain a perfect smile and catchy memories.