Embarking on a quest for the perfect smile leads many to consider dental veneers, and Colombia is emerging as the premier destination for this transformative procedure. We’ll unveil the reasons why Colombia stands as the best country to get veneers abroad, ensuring your journey to a brighter smile is as informed as it is inspiring.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural teeth and can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, such as:

• Teeth that are stained and can't be whitened by bleaching.

• Chipped or worn teeth.

• Crooked or misshapen teeth.

• Uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth.

The purpose of veneers is primarily aesthetic; they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. They also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. The translucent quality of modern porcelain veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.

Porcelain Veneers or Composite Veneers?

Understand the big difference between these two types of veneers.

The Appeal of Dental Tourism

Dental tourism refers to the practice of traveling abroad to receive dental care. This concept has gained popularity as patients seek cost-effective alternatives to local dental treatments, which can be prohibitively expensive in some countries. These savings are often substantial enough to offset the cost of travel and accommodation, making the overall expense of dental vacation less than the treatment alone in the patient's home country.

Beyond the economic aspect, dental tourism also provides an opportunity to combine necessary dental care with the experience of travel. It allows individuals to enjoy a holiday in a different locale, experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and attractions, all while addressing their dental health needs. This can make the potentially stressful experience of dental work more pleasant and is especially appealing to those who may need to undergo extensive procedures that require recovery time.

Why Colombia is the Best Country to Get Veneers

Colombia has been steadily building a reputation as a hotspot for cosmetic dentistry, drawing patients from around the globe. This rise in prominence is due in large part to the combination of highly skilled dental professionals and the use of cutting-edge technology in its clinics. Colombian dental practitioners often train internationally, bringing a wealth of knowledge and innovative techniques back to their home country. The standards of dental clinics in Colombia are stringent, with many facilities boasting state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to rigorous hygiene protocols.

Moreover, Colombia offers these dental services at a fraction of the cost typically found in North America and Europe, without compromising on quality. This affordability is partly because of the lower cost of living and operational expenses in Colombia. This combination of high standards, expert care, and affordable prices makes Colombia an attractive destination for anyone looking to enhance their smile through cosmetic dentistry.

Cost of Veneers in Colombia

Priced in USD.

Additional Procedures

Gum Shaping

For optimal aesthetic outcomes, gum reshaping may be necessary for some patients. This additional procedure typically costs between $250 and $500 USD.

Teeth Whitening

In some instances, patients may opt for veneers on the upper visible teeth and choose teeth whitening for the lower set to achieve a harmonious look. Since the whitening effect gradually diminishes over time, maintenance treatments will be necessary. A standard teeth whitening package includes 3 sessions, with each session priced at $100 USD.

Dental Health Treatments

Before veneer application, any pre-existing dental conditions, such as gum disease or tooth decay, must be addressed. Treating these issues will incur additional costs. Moreover, if the teeth designated for veneers are excessively crooked or misaligned, porcelain crowns may be necessary instead. Porcelain crowns are more costly, typically by an extra $100 per tooth, compared to porcelain veneers.

Aftercare

Porcelain veneers do not require any special care beyond good oral hygiene practices. Composite veneers will need maintenance every once in a while as the resin stains and chips. Brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist for regular check-ups are important to maintain the health and longevity of your veneers.

Additional Costs to Consider

When planning a dental trip, it's crucial to consider extra expenses beyond the dental work. Despite these additional costs, patients often save significantly, enjoying substantial savings and the added bonus of a vacation.

Flights

Airfare will be a primary consideration, and prices will vary depending on the time of year and the origin of the flight. 

Hotel

Accommodation options range widely, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels, each providing a different slice of Colombian hospitality and comfort. We share recommended hotels near our offices in our free quotes.

Food

Food expenses can be managed on a spectrum as well, with local eateries offering delicious and affordable meals, while upscale restaurants provide gourmet experiences.

Tourism

Exploring the vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and historical landmarks of Colombia is an integral part of the experience, which also incurs costs such as entry fees and local transportation.

How to Get Veneers in Colombia

1. Get a Free Quote Online

The first step is a free online consultation. If you haven’t already, please upload 5 photos of your teeth and answer a few questions. We’ll respond shortly to confirm you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers and share a personalized, detailed treatment plan.

Dr. Julio Oliver will review in Cartagena, Dr. Johana Ossa in Medellin, Dr. Liliana Porras in Bogota, and Dr. Juan Fernando Uribe in Cali.

2. Plan Your Trip to Colombia

Once you’re happy with your quote, start thinking about dates. Before you book, be sure to check with us to ensure we have availability. We have offices in Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota, and Cali.

To confirm your appointment, we’ll need your flight and hotel information. This is instead of a deposit and helps coordinate your free dental transportation.

3. Fly to Colombia

Upon arrival, we’ll pick you up from the airport and handle all of your dental related transportation needs. This includes hotel check in, to and from each appointment, and back to the airport.

4. Tooth Preparation

During your first appointment, your dentist will confirm your treatment plan by examining you up close. When both of you are ready to proceed, tooth preparation begins. This process typically requires the removal of a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of your teeth to make space for the veneers. The amount of enamel removed is usually less than a millimeter (0.3mm) and is roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be fitted.

5. Impressions and Temporary Veneers

After the teeth are prepared, your dentist will make an impression or mold of your teeth. This mold is used to create your custom veneers in our dental lab. The fabrication process takes a few days depending on the quantity of veneers you get. In the meantime, we’ll place temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth.

6. Veneer Fabrication

Your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the porcelain veneers are custom-made for your teeth. During fabrication, color shading can be adjusted to match your surrounding teeth for a natural look.

7. Fitting of the Veneers

Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you will return to our dental office for fitting. Before the porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, your dentist will temporarily place them to examine their fit and color. We will then remove and trim the veneers as needed to achieve the perfect fit.

8. Bonding

To prepare your teeth to receive the veneers, your dentist will clean, polish, and etch them. Etching roughens the teeth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneers, which are then placed onto your prepared teeth. Once positioned correctly, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the veneers, which activates chemicals in the cement causing it to harden quickly.

9. Final Adjustments and Follow-Up

After your full set of veneers in Colombia are bonded in place and the excess cement is removed, your dentist will make any necessary final adjustments. You may be asked to return for a follow-up visit a day or two after to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneers and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

Maintenance

Porcelain veneers do not require any special care beyond good oral hygiene practices. Brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist for regular check-ups are important to maintain the health and longevity of your veneers.

This process is not reversible due to the enamel removal, so it's a commitment that should be considered seriously. 

Work Guarantee

Assuming you take proper care of your teeth, our dental work is guaranteed through an industry standard warranty of 1 year for porcelain work. This ensures work is properly manufactured and installed. 

In the rare case of an issue, we will redo the work for free. We will not pay for return airfare or hotel. We will not reimburse work done by another dentist.

Conclusion: Colombia is the Best Country to Get Veneers

Colombia stands out as a leading destination for those seeking top-notch dental veneers, combining affordability with expert craftsmanship in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Patients are not only assured of receiving care from highly qualified professionals using state-of-the-art technology but also enjoy the added benefits of Colombia's rich cultural tapestry. With the promise of significant savings even after factoring in the pleasures of a Colombian vacation, the allure of dental tourism here is clear. From the initial consultation to the final adjustments of your veneers, every step is managed with the utmost precision and care, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience.