At L.A. Cosmetic Dentist, we know that Cosmetic Dental care can be expensive.  But there are ways to both save money and to get the great care you seek, so please don’t worry.  One of the most important points to remember is that you have options!

Cosmetic Dentistry is a dental specialty, and there are wide variances in prices charged between the specialists who serve as Cosmetic Dentists.   So, one way to find some good alternatives is to look to the organizations that accredit them.   Choosing an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Cosmetic Dentist s gives you an easy way to differentiate between dentists and dental clinics and compare them on an even footing, “apples to apples” so to speak.  And since their standards are so high, patients are almost assured fantastic results.

AACD Cosmetic Dentists are highly regarded by many as the best Cosmetic Dentists in the world.  And it’s true, good things don’t come cheap.  Their prices are nearly always going to be higher than those of general dentists, but you will not regret paying the extra money.  Nevertheless, the least expensive AACD Dentist can still be kind of costly.  Fortunately, there are a few Cosmetic Dentists who have this Accreditation and you can be treated by them at about the same price you would pay to see a General Dentist in Los Angeles!

That is why many L.A. residents these days are deciding to travel to Costa Rica to visit an AACD Accredited dentist there!  The prices are MUCH lower and the level of care tends to be equal or better.  Why?  Because labor costs, rents and insurance in the U.S. are much higher, and Dentists in Costa Rica compete for business so they strive to provide a much higher level of personalized care and service. So, while there are travel costs that must be considered, many people are opting to head South, spend a few days/weeks in Costa Rica, and return home with their beautifully restored smiles.

Dental Tourism isn’t new.  People have been traveling abroad with some degree of regularity for years, and not just to Costa Rica.  Mexico boasts a pretty strong dental tourism market too, but it will be more difficult for you to find a Cosmetic Dentist of the same caliber and quality there.  And there are other considerations too, such as Costa Rica’s clean air, water, and its safe environment.

Most people these days believe Mexico has some challenges ahead of it to bring their drug cartels and gangs into check, so why take a chance when you can travel a little further and go to the Switzerland of Central America!  Costa Rica has been proudly serving Dental Tourists for more than fifteen years and Dental Tourism has grown rapidly the past five years.

Dental tourists come in all shapes, sizes, ages and colors.  If you are wondering if YOU may be a good dental tourism candidate, please drop us an email.  We will gladly help you determine if traveling overseas is right for you.  There are many considerations such as how to finance your care.  Some people hold insurance plans which permit them to receive dental care abroad, but most patients pay with a credit card.  Sometimes cash discounts can be negotiated, and we can assist you in this area if you would like us to serve as your advocate.  The difference could mean thousands of dollars in some cases.

Costa Rica and Mexico are not your only choice.  There are dentists available in Thailand, India, Vietnam and several countries in Europe.  But all of them will require a larger budget and more time.  And there will not be any AACD Cosmetic Dentists available there either.  It is a pretty exclusive club that has less than 400 members worldwide, and it remains concentrated in the Western Hemisphere.

If you would like our assistance in choosing a dentist, please email us at info@lacosmeticdentist.com and we will respond with lightning speed to assist you!

If you prefer not to travel, and to find a Cosmetic Dentist in L.A., we understand.  That is why we make available on this site a list of all the Best Dentists in L.A.  There are lists of Accredited AACD Cosmetic Dentists, General Cosmetic Dentists and General Dentists.  We are confident that you can find the right dental care specialist to help you achieve your dental objectives and to give you the smile you have always dreamed of having.

If you decide to stay in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas to complete your dental care at this time, remember that there are many options available to you in the future.  If you ever require lots of dental work, and you are looking for quality care at an affordable price, you may find dental tourism to be the best solution.