Having a perfect set of teeth is not a distant dream anymore. Thanks to affordable lumineers in Costa Rica, that saves your hard-earned money. Costa Rica is one of the top dental destinations in Latin America.[1] Want to know why is dental tourism booming here? Read ahead to find out more!
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain veneers customized to fit each tooth of the patient.[2] They are only 0.3 mm in contrast to 1.5mm thick regular veneers.[3]
They provide a permanent cosmetic solution to stained or damaged teeth.[4]
Set of 6 Lumineers
Lumineers for Esthetic Smile
Lumineer is a registered brand of Den-Mat Holdings LLC.[5]
But how much do these veneers cost? Are they affordable in Costa Rica? Let’s scroll down & see!
Cost of Lumineers in Costa Rica
The price of lumineers in Costa Rica varies from $425 to $600. On the other hand, the same procedure might charge you $1,000 in the US & $1,400 in Canada.
Similarly, the lumineers cost in Australia & New Zealand may be around $1,300 & $2,050, respectively. Thus, creating a huge gap between dental veneers price in Costa Rica & at home.
From the table below, you can clearly conclude that veneers in Costa Rica save you nearly 65%. Isn't that a huge amount to retain?
Cost of Lumineers in Costa Rica Vs. Other Countries
Country
Cost (Per Unit)
Costa Rica
$425 - $ 600
United States
$800 - $2,000
Canada
$800 - $2,000
United Kingdom
$900 - $1,200
Australia
$1,500 - $2,500
New Zealand
$1,850 - $2,250
*Prices may vary as per the case complexity.
Note: Not every partner clinic in Costa Rica uses Lumineer brand. But they do use a similar technique.
They fabricate their own veneers in in-house labs & customize it for each case. They call them Smile Veneers or First Fit Veneers. Lumineers might be overpriced in your land, but they are economical in Costa Rica.
There are myriad reasons owing to the cheaper lumineers or porcelain veneers in Costa Rica. The living cost here is around 37% low than in most American states.[6]
Besides, you get first-class healthcare facilities at 1/3rd of the US cost.[7] Moreover, short flights of ~4 hrs 32 mins from the US make it easily accessible. Also, you save substantially[9] by boarding popular airlines for ~ $144. [8]
Costa Rica: Easy to Reach
Quality Lumineers in Costa Rica
Do you still want to know why Costa Rica is in demand? It's because of:
High-rated dentistry | Quality treatment
Geographical Proximity | Short plane ride away
All-inclusive packages | Pick up/drop-off & stay
Captivating landscapes | Charming tourist spot
Affordable dental care | Budget-friendly for uninsured
Captivating View in Costa Rica
Porcelain veneers fall in elective cosmetic procedures, so insurance companies do not provide cover for them.
Therefore, millions of Americans reach Costa Rica in search of affordable dentistry abroad.[10] You can visit San Jose, Liberia, Jaco, or Playa Del Coco to have a wonderful dental experience.
3 Step Procedure for Lumineers in Costa Rica
Getting Lumineers is a painless and minimally invasive procedure.
Diagnosis | Treatment Plan
A dentist analyzes their patient's needs, oral status, color & smile line.
Then, they share a proper treatment plan. For this, they may require:
Photographs
Radiographs
Teeth Models
Pictures to Predesign a Smile
Preparation | Impression
Depending on the case, Lumineers might not always demand trimming of tooth surfaces. 2 methods include:
I. No-Prep Technique:
No reduction of tooth structure
Veneer thickness is 0.2-0.7 mm
II. Minimal Preparation:
0.3-0.5 mm tooth reduction is done
Usually indicated in misaligned teeth
Good News: Anesthesia is not needed in any of the techniques.
Teeth impressions are taken to make models. The lab uses them to make custom Lumineers.
Teeth Impressions
Cementation | Bonding
Firstly, the clinician cleans the tooth surface with a polishing paste.
Then, they bond the lumineers to the front teeth in a sequence: central incisors > canines > lateral incisors.
Lastly, the dentist removes extra cement using floss & completes it by final curing (for a few secs).
Note: Usually, it takes 3 visits to complete. However, Lumineers can also be done in just 2 visits by combining 1st & the 2nd sitting.
Source: IOSR Journal[11]
Lumineer is a very simple procedure. So, are you curious to know whether you are a good candidate for it or not? Let’s check it out!
When Do You Need Lumineers?
Lumineers are contact lens-thin shells that best reproduce a brighter smile.[12] They are recommended in:[13]
Indications
Badly shaped teeth
Unnatural bridge/crown
Mild gaps between teeth
Stained/discolored teeth
Minor tooth cracks
Lumineers are advertised as the answer to most esthetic needs. But they might not be suitable for everyone. For instance,[14]
You might have heard of veneers. But do you know how are they different from Lumineers?[15] See the table below:
Lumineers vs Veneers
Lumineers
Veneers
Ultrathin: 0.3 mm thick
Relatively thicker: upto 1.5mm
Are potentially reversible
Bond permanently to teeth
Need less time & visits
Takes more time & visits
Less/no trimming
Slight trimming done
Demand extra care to stay longer
Last longer for ~ 15 years
More translucent, more natural & comfortable
Less translucent & natural
Pain-free, so no anesthesia is needed
Might require anesthesia to avoid sensitivity
Cannot be used in severe discoloration
Masks severe discoloration better
Less visits might incur less expenses
More visits might incur more expenses
Advantages of Lumineers
Lumineers are popular as cosmetic coatings among international patients. They offer the following benefits:[16]
Painless | No need to numb
2 sittings | Quick to apply & remove
Great color stability | Excellent esthetics
Minimal or no tooth scratching | No sensitivity
Need no temporary cover | High patient acceptance
Disadvantages of Lumineers
Though more beneficial, Lumineers have a very few drawbacks such as: [17]
Adds to thickness | Might look bulky
Ultra-thin | Can’t mask severe staining
Overcountouring | Periodontal problems
Not appropriate for all cosmetic problems | Limited use
Aftercare of Lumineers
To improve the longevity of lumineers, adopt good oral practices including:[18]
Immediate Post-Op Care
Do not eat or drink dark-colored items
Don’t take too hot/cold eatables to avoid any sensitivity
Routine Care after Lumineers
Brush & floss regularly
Avoid grinding of teeth (wear a nightguard)
Refrain from chewing hard & sticky candies
Do not bite on a pen, pencil, or any hard objects
Do not miss your dental visits for follow-ups & cleanings
Reduce the consumption of dark-stained food or liquids (tea, coffee, red wine)
Is Costa Rica a Safe Country for Dental Tourism?
Yes. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America.[19] Americans and Canadians call it a retirement destination for its healthcare & tourism.[20]
With the lowest poverty rates in Latin America, its steady growth & open policies make it a global leader.[21]
Safety Aspects As a Tourist
Facts to Know!
Costa Rica is one of the best Green Countries in the World.[22]
In 2021, 64% of foreign visitors were from the States.[23]
Over 1.3 million US citizens entered Costa Rica annually in the past few years.[24]
Costa Rica is at a “level 1” country, the safest level credited by the U.S. State Dept.[18]
But, security concerns are obvious as you plan your travel.
Costa Rica is Safe for Dental Trip
We hope the following points will help you plan your trip well.[25]
Avoid traveling solo after dark
Hold your passports and cash close at hand
Keep an eye while withdrawing money from ATMs
Have your hotel’s & country’s embassy numbers handy
Homicides are not common, though petty crimes may follow
Exercise precautions in some Costa Rican provinces (Limon, Liberia city, San Rafael, the Pavas, & hospital areas in San Jose)
Crime can happen anywhere in the world. So, be extra vigilant as a traveler.
Safe financing options: Cash, credit/debit cards, bank transfer, PayPal
Free pick up/drop off facility & hotel arrangements with amenities @ special price
High-end technology: CEREC Primescan, MC Xl & Speedfire Oven, Microscope, Scanora 3D imaging
Scanora 3D Imaging
CAD-CAM Technology
Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranks #14 in the best places to travel in 2023 as per U.S. News.[26] If it's not on your bucket list, add it now. Click below to read helpful travel tips:[27]
Carry a passport valid for duration of stay
No visa is required for a stay of less than 90 days
Return ticket or proof of next country travel
Proof of funds - atleast $100/ month (till stay)
Bring copy of identification and immigration status
Note: Dial 911 for emergency services in Costa Rica.
The best mode to reach Costa Rica is by plane. Most travelers fly into:[28]
International Aeropuerto Juan Santamaria (10 miles from San Jose)
Daniel Oduber Airport (in the northern town of Liberia).
Direct routes from the US cities are:[29]
Chicago, IL (ORD) to San Jose (SJO)
Denver, CO (DEN) to San Jose (SJO)
Houston, TX (HOU) to Guanacaste (LIR)
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJO) & Guanacaste (LIR)
Newark, NJ (EWR) to San Jose (SJO) & Guanacaste (LIR)
Flight Map, Costa Rica
Airlines with Direct Flights: Jet Blue, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, American Airlines
If you are going to/from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), you can either rent a car or book local transport.
Rental Cars
Private Transport
Europcar
Avis Rent a Car
Budget Rent a Car
Economy Rent a Car
Uber
Red Taxi
SJO Shuttle
Super Shuttle
Costa Rica Shuttle
Colon is the Costa Rica’s official currency. Nevertheless, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in here.
You can go to currency exchange booths in the San Jose Airport, but the best way is to use the ATMs for local currency.
Useful Tip: Bring dollars for local shopping & get colons as a balance.[30]
Spend leisure time in this tiny tropical paradise of Central America.[31]
Guanacaste - Sightseeing gold coast
Jaco - Beachside retreat, foggy rainforests
Nicoya Peninsula - Beaches, recreational tours
San Jose - Vibrant capital with cultural attractions
Poerto Viejo De Talamanca - Funky bamboo bars, Caribbean cuisines
Wildlife in Costa Rica
Beach in Costa Rica
Not to miss eating!
Exotic fruits - Pejibayes, mamon chino
Fresh fish, black beans and rice, coffee
Reviews: Lumineers in Costa Rica
C
Carmela Giamp, CanadaLumineers, Costa Rica
(5)
Highly Recommended!
The dentists and their staff are very professional and extremely kind. I regained my confidence with a beautiful bright smile again.
M
Madeleine P, USAFull Mouth Reconstruction, Costa Rica
(5)
Vey Comfortable!
I feel very comfortable with this clinic. It’s been two years since the work was done, and I have no complaints!
FAQs: Lumineers in Costa Rica
Dental veneers price in Costa Rica, especially for Lumineers, ranges from $425 - $600 per unit. Patients usually request 6 to 8 veneers for smile symmetry, thus multiplying the cost to ~ $2,550 - $3,400.
Similarly, a full mouth restoration in Costa Rica with 12 Lumineers can cost nearly $5,100. You can compare the prices of different sets of Lumineers in the table below:
Prices of Different Sets of Lumineers
Lumineers
Costa Rica
US
Canada
Per unit
$425
$1,000
$1,400
Set of 6 per arch
$2,550
$6,000
$8,400
Set of 8 per arch
$3,400
$8,000
$11,200
Set of 12 per arch
$5,100
$12,000
$16,800
Depending on the number of teeth visible when you smile, you can have 6, 8, or 12 veneers. It is important to define symmetry during cosmetic procedures in Costa Rica.
Therefore, the most popular option is to get a set of 8 Lumineers in the upper arch.
Usually, dentists in Costa Rica recommend a 1 to complete the Lumineers.
They usually require 2 visits only. However, the intervals between veneers may vary because they are custom-made in the lab.
The Lumineers are applied by cosmetic dental experts. So, the results are successful. They are bonded well to the tooth surface, so you don’t have to worry about them.
Make sure to follow the dentist’s post-op instructions to avoid them chipping or popping off.
Conclusion
We want that you fly back home with the smile of your dreams. So, we at MTC help you choose clinics that offer budget-friendly Lumineers in Costa Rica.
MTC makes your journey of few miles easier & fruitful!
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