How Much Is the Cost of Dental Crowns in Mexico?
Are you considering dental crowns in Mexico? The cost of these restorations can vary depending on the type of crown and where you receive treatment. Read this guide to learn more about the pricing of dental crowns in Mexico and how to get the best deal.
Have you been putting off getting a dental crown due to the excessive costs in your home country?
Tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians would agree that getting dental crowns in Mexico is a practical and wise alternative. Crossing the border lets you save an average of 50% – 70% as compared to the US. Apart from the dental crown cost factor, there is no difference in the quality of dentistry in Mexico — provided you go to a qualified, experienced dentist.
Let’s explore the cost of dental crowns in Mexico and what you need to know before traveling to Mexico for dental work.
How Much Do Crowns Cost in Mexico vs. the US?
Cost is the most influential factor in getting dental work in Mexico. By crossing the border, you are already cutting a big chunk of about 50 – 70% off your total bill.
To give you a point of reference, we listed a table of average prices for dental crowns in Mexico and the US.
Types of Crowns | Cost of Dental Crowns in Mexico | Cost of Dental Crowns in US |
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crown | $335 | $1,300 |
Porcelain Crown | $480 | $1,800 |
Zirconia Crowns | $560 | $2,050 |
Temporary Crown | $60 | $450 |
The cost of dental work in the US can quickly multiply. For instance, getting a root canal and crown can cost around $3,550 per tooth in the US. In Mexico, you can get the same treatment for only $880.
More complicated procedures, such as full mouth crown rehabilitation, can run up to tens and thousands of dollars.
Why is there a big difference in cost between US and Mexico?
You may be asking, “Why are dental crowns so much cheaper in Mexico?”
Here are the other reasons dental crowns are less expensive in Mexico than in the US:
- Lower labor costs
- Lower office rent
- High competition between Mexico dentists drives prices down, especially in dental centers like Los Algodones, Mexico.
- Mexico dentists are willing to charge less for the same quality of service
- Mexico dentists aren’t saddled with enormous college debt compared to their US counterparts
- Dental crown materials and laboratory work is less expensive in Mexico
- Mexican dentists don’t make as much as their US counterparts. The average income of a US dentist is $180,000 per year. The average income of a Mexican dentist is $30,000 per year
Mexican dental clinics pass on these savings to their US patients.
Cosmetic or Restorative: Which Type of Crown Are You Getting?
Cosmetic and restorative crowns are two classes of restoration to repair damaged teeth. The difference between the two lies in their purpose and cost.
Cosmetic dental crowns correct cosmetic issues like misshapen, discolored, or chipped teeth.
Cosmetic crowns include All Porcelain Crowns, Emax Crowns, and Zirconia Crowns.
Restorative dental crowns are for restoring the functionality and structure of a tooth. These types of crowns include the cosmetic crowns mentioned above and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Depending on the aesthetic preferences, strength, and oral health, your dentist in Mexico will recommend one of the following types of crowns:
DENTAL CROWN TIP: Many dental clinics in Mexico offer competitive prices and quality service. Do your due diligence to find one that fits your needs and budget. At Dayo Dental, we've selected the top 5% of dentists in Mexico to provide you with the best dental care at an affordable price. Each Mexico dentist is prescreened and hand-picked based on stringent criteria.
1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFMs)
PFMs have been used successfully for over 50 years, and their durability has been extensively evaluated.
Advantages:
- Matches the color of your teeth
- These are the cheapest of all the other crowns
- Primarily used to restore teeth in non-visible sections of the mouth.
The average cost of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns in Mexico is $335.
2. All Porcelain Crowns
All-porcelain crowns are the most widely used type of crown for their natural look and metal-free composition. They strike the perfect balance between durability and affordability.
Advantages:
- Ideal choice for people with metal allergies
- No black hue around the gumline
- Provides the best natural teeth color match
- Ideal for front teeth restorations
The average cost of all-porcelain crowns in Mexico is $480.
DENTAL CROWN TIP: Some dentists in Mexico may advertise for same-day crowns. It’s important to ask your dentist for samples of the crowns they’ve produced. Some same-day crowns can be low-quality because of the rushed process. And some same-day crowns could be of good quality if manufactured by sophisticated millings machines such as CEREC.
3. Zirconia Crowns
The strongest type of dental crown material is the Zirconia crown. Given the superiority of the material itself, you can expect the cost of these crowns to be higher than the other two.
Advantages:
- Unlike porcelain, zirconia can withstand wear and tear without chipping
- Zirconia restorations can tolerate biting forces and bruxism
- Stain-resistant, biocompatible, and metal-free
The average cost of Zirconia crowns in Mexico is $560.
DENTAL CROWN TIP: You can bring a reference photo of your ideal smile. Your dentist will have the best outcome if you give them a clear indication of what you want. They can also advise the best crowns for your specific situation.
4. Emax Crowns
The Emax crowns are a type of all-ceramic restoration made of lithium disilicate. These crowns combine the strength and aesthetics of porcelain with the affordability of PFMs.
This is one of the most common crowns used in Mexico.
Top cosmetic dentists in Mexico use emax crowns for front and back teeth restorations.
Advantages:
- Great aesthetic
- Resistant to chipping, cracking, and breaking
- Lightweight and metal-free
- Requires minimal preparation
Other Factors that May Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
When you pay for a dental crown, you are paying for the overall treatment and not just the material cost of the crown. These cost components include the following:
1. Materials
Materials range in quality, aesthetics, durability, and price. Your Mexico dentist will decide which materials to use based on your oral health, budget, and specific needs.
DENTAL CROWN TIP: Ask your dentist for a sample of the crowns they use, especially if you want cosmetic crowns. Low-quality crowns look like chicklets. High-quality crowns have good translucency that matches your natural teeth.
2. Training and Experience of the dentist
If you are receiving multiple crowns to replace missing teeth, your dentist will recommend a dental implant. A periodontist or oral surgeon has advanced training and experience in implant placement. This could cost you more than a general dentist.
DENTAL CROWN TIP: It's best to go for a prosthodontist if you need full mouth crown restoration. They specialize in complex cases and know the most up-to-date techniques for creating an ideal restoration.
3. Location and number of the tooth
The more crowns you need, the higher the cost. Your dentist may also determine the cost of your crowns based on the complexity of each case.
DENTAL CROWN TIP: Get multiple opinions to make sure you're getting the most honest assessment and treatment plan. The last thing you want is to have a beginner dentist advise you on gettingthe wring type of treatment or choose the wrong type of crowns based on your needs.
4. Technology
The top dentists in Mexico use the latest CEREC CAD/CAM technology to craft beautiful restorations that last. CEREC crowns use CAD (computer-aided design) technology to design and mill restorations in a single visit. This costs more than other conventional methods.
5. Related procedures
Are you missing a tooth? Dental implants in Mexico are the best long-term solution for missing teeth. However, they are also a bigger investment as compared to root canals. A dental implant with a crown can be three times more expensive than root canals with a crown and takes longer to complete.
Other Related Procedures of Implant Crown Restorations
Common Procedures | Mexico Cost | US Cost |
Single Dental Implant with Porcelain Crown | $1,805 | $5,000 |
Single Dental Implant with Zirconia Crown | $1,910 | $5,700 |
Root Canal | $400 | $1,550 |
CT Scan | $150 | $475 |
X-Ray | $50 | $168 |
DENTAL CROWN TIP: Dental implants have a longer life span than root canals. Your Mexico dentist will carefully examine your tooth and the rest of your mouth. They will help you decide between a root canal vs. extraction with an implant. They will base the decision on your tooth condition, budget, time frame, and long-term goals.
Why Are Cheap Crowns Not Worth It?
Since crowns are important to maintaining and protecting the underlying teeth, it is best practice to ensure that the crowns you select hold the strength long term and don’t as easily wear off or corrode.
- Features of a good dental crown:
- Excellent fit with surrounding teeth and gum line
- Has proper seal to preserve the tooth
- Comfortable bite and symmetrical shape
- Crown color blends in with your natural teeth
- Features of bad dental crowns:
- Crown needs to be replaced frequently and fail sooner than expected
- Ill-fitting crowns that are easily dislodged
- Might cause bad breath, tooth sensitivity, or tooth loss
- Have improper seal that allows the flow of saliva and bacteria to damage the tooth root
- Gums can become infected due to bacteria buildup
- Over contoured crowns that may cause gum infection, jaw discomfort, and joint pain
- Poor color matching between the crown and natural tooth
- Open margins on crowns
Most of the bad dental crown works are done by unqualified dentists who cut corners on crown materials and proper installation.
DENTAL CROWN TIP: You get what you pay for. Be wary of dentists offering an incredibly low price for a crown. It may seem like a good deal, but you could actually spend more because of costly rework. You can also do further damage to your tooth due to improper seals, which may result in a root canal or extraction.
Common Questions About Dental Crowns in Mexico
How do I pay for the cost?
Some Mexico dental clinics only accept cash for your dental work. At Dayo Dental, you can pay conveniently with your debit/credit card without being charged extra or overseas transaction fees.
As a Dayo Dental client, you’ll enjoy preferred pricing and no-fee debit/credit card payment options. You pay (3-10%) less than the elite dentists normally charge regular patients.
Can I finance the cost of my dental crown in Mexico?
There are medical finance providers in the US and Canada that provide loans to cover the cost of your dental crowns. If you have a good credit standing, you may be able to get a low-interest loan from these providers.
However, these providers don’t typically grant loans for dental work done in Mexico. Popular providers such as Care Credit do not offer dental financing in Mexico.
Dayo Dental, however, is a US-based company. This is one of the reasons why we can offer you the same competitive financing as your local dentist.
Learn about the different ways you can finance the cost of dental work in Mexico.
Contact Dayo Dental for more information on financing plans for dental procedures in Mexico.
Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
Most dental crowns done in Mexico are covered by your US dental insurance. But crowns that are deemed for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered. PPO dental insurance typically covers procedures done in Mexico via a direct reimbursement to you. Our partner dental offices will help you complete a reimbursement form which you can submit to your dental insurance for reimbursement.
Summary
Mexico offers a great alternative for American and Canadian patients seeking quality and affordable dental crowns. Consider exploring Los Algodones and Tijuana for your dental crowns; both of these cities have many qualified and experienced dentists. The best gain? You will get the same materials, quality, and technology for less.
Dayo Dental offers you all the necessary information and assistance to make sure your dental crowns are done correctly and affordably. We partner with the top 5% of the best dentists in Mexico, and provide preferred pricing for our clients, no-fee payment options, and a 5-year guarantee for all your dental work. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
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