How to find the best dentist in Colombia for veneers
Save thousands of dollars by getting your veneers in Colombia
Going to Colombia for your composite or porcelain veneers makes a lot of financial sense with the bonus of a vacation, but how do you decide on the best cosmetic dentist in Colombia for you?
Here are a few factors beyond just price to consider when searching for the best option for you.
Are you a qualified candidate for composite or porcelain veneers?
You should be sure you are a good candidate for this type of dental procedure. If you haven’t seen a local cosmetic dentist or filled out our free virtual consultation form, then please do so now.
Understand that just because you’re qualified for composite veneers, it does not mean you are a proper candidate for porcelain; the same goes for the opposite. Typically, pictures of your smile from different angles will be enough for a cosmetic dentist to know.
How long will your porcelain veneers or composite veneers last?
This is an important point to think about. Composite veneers can last up to 8 years while porcelain veneers can last up to 20.
This assumes you properly maintain your teeth. When comparing total costs, consider how much “utility” you will get, on average, per year.
Depending on your situation, a shorter period for composite veneers might be in order. Porcelain veneers last longer but require a larger financial commitment.
How much time do the composite or porcelain veneer procedures take?
The time it takes to complete these two types of veneers may be considered significant by some. Composite veneers can be done in 2 days while porcelain veneers will take 2-5 depending on the quantity of veneers procedure.
The reason why porcelain veneers take longer is due to the fact that the permanent porcelain veneers are sent to a lab to be custom manufactured. Composite veneers can be easily done in-house.
This can impact the days off of work you’ll have to take, the number of hotel nights you’ll have to reserve, the extra meals you’ll need to consume, and other factors associated with additional days.
What maintenance is needed for composite and porcelain veneers?
Another concern is the amount of maintenance needed for the upkeep of your veneers. Composite veneers tend to stain and chip easily. If you’re one who drinks a lot of coffee or red wine, or smokes, this may be a concern for you.
At a minimum, we suggest getting touched up at least once a year. Most cosmetic dentists around the globe can easily do this work so it’s not necessary to come all the way back to Colombia in the case of an issue.
You should know that each visit will be an extra so you have to factor that into the total cost when you are thinking about the big picture. On the other hand, porcelain veneers do not need any yearly maintenance at all. This a key advantages porcelain have over composite veneers.
Is there tooth shaving involved with composite or porcelain veneers?
Another point of contention between the two procedures is tooth shaving. There is no teeth shaving involved with composite veneers - with porcelain there is. It is very minimal though, at only 0.3 mm.
This is significantly less shaving than normally done for dental crowns. Some patients don’t like the idea of any shaving though and opt for the composites.
What is the difference in price between a composite veneer and the cost of a porcelain veneer?
To many, this is the most important factor when considering veneers. Composite veneers range from $200 - $400 USD per tooth in Colombia while porcelain veneers range from $460 - $800 per tooth.
Most patients get 20 veneers for a full smile makeover. That’s ten on top and ten on bottom, though you can always do 8 and 8. Some even just do the top row and then do some laser teeth whitening on the bottom to balance out the two shades of white.
Is there a consultation fee with this Colombian cosmetic dentist?
It doesn’t matter if it’s a physical or virtual consultation, at the end of the day, you’re really looking at the total cost of the procedure and the trip down. It doesn’t make a difference if the veneers at Place A are less than expensive than at Place B if the consultation cost makes up for the lower price.
In addition, a free consultation limits risk. You don’t have to spend your funds on a dentist you may not end up using.
Does the dentist in Colombia require an appointment deposit?
Some cosmetic dentists in Colombia ask for an appointment deposit in addition to services rendered. Though it may not be a lot of money (typically in the $500-$1000 range), this should factor this into the total cost as well.
Does the dentist in Colombia offer free airport pickup?
Understanding that you’re an international patient, many cosmetic dentistry professionals will gladly pick you up from the airport. Some will charge extra, others will do it for free. Make sure to consider this when picking the right dentist for your needs.
Check veneers reviews for your dentist in Colombia
Finally, you know the old adage, you get what you pay for. You should know the price isn’t everything. It is simply one of many considerations to tally. Be sure to look into the reputation of the Colombian cosmetic dentist and reviews of the practice.
Do they have an active Instagram account? Do they have a testimonial page with before and after pictures? Do they have credible video testimonials of their work? How about positive reviews on independent sites like Google Maps?
Speak with your dentist in Colombia or their office
Finally, have you taken the time to actually speak with the dentists you’re considering? Have you spoken with the office? What vibe do they give off? Do they speak English well enough? Are they responsive? You will be trusting this establishment with your oral health so you should be certain in their capabilities.