Dental Veneers
A simple solution for uneven teeth

You can browse a list of clinics that provide veneers here on RevaHealth.com. If you need any help deciding which clinic to choose, just ask us for help.

Veneers are one of the most effective ways of creating the “perfect smile”.  Not only can they be used to provide a bright smile, they can also fix chipping, uneven or spaced teeth.

Veneers have the added advantage of requiring only small amount of preparation, making them very attractive to the dental tourist. However they are one of the more expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What are Dental Veneers?

A veneer is a thin layer of material, usually porcelain or plastic that is placed over the front teeth to change their shape and colour. Significant improvements in the appearance of individual teeth can be achieved with minor tooth preparation.

You might need veneers if:

• Your teeth are badly stained and tooth whitening is not an option
• Your teeth are chipped or have small holes in them
• Your teeth have an odd appearance (such as being unevenly spaced)
• You need a crown but veneers can often be a good alternative

Things to watch out for:

• If you grind or clench as this can break veneers
• Only getting a few veneers as matching colours with your existing teeth can be very difficult
• Your lips stick out. Although veneers are very thin they will have an effect on pushing out your lips further
• If you have an under bite this may chip the veneers on the upper teeth

What is the procedure like?

The first stage of the procedure is to prepare the teeth. This normally involves reducing them very slightly to allow for the veneer to sit correctly. A mould is then taken and sent for fabrication to a laboratory.

In this instance, you should be provided with temporary veneers, which should give you a good idea of the eventual outcome. In some case the dentist may be able to create the veneers in the surgery.

At the second visit, your dentist will check the veneers that have come back from the laboratory and adjust them as appropriate to achieve the best fit and colour.

What different types exist?

Composite
This can often be performed in a single visit to the dentist and are therefore an appealing option for the dental tourist. Composite veneers typically last between 5 and 7 years.

Porcelain
A very thin layer of porcelain is bonded to the teeth. Porcelain veneers require two visits as the veneers need to be fabricated in a laboratory. Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years.

Lumineer Porcelain
This is a new type of porcelain veneers and is made out of cerinate porcelain. They are incredible thin and require the least amount (sometime none at all) of tooth reduction to fit them and often there is no need for any anaesthetic. These veneers typically require two visits. 

What affects the price?

• The number of veneers you are getting
• The type of veneer
• The amount of preparatory work required
• The dentist selected

Price Comparison (Porcelain)

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. The follow list gives some indicative costs for porcelain veneers across the world:.

Dentists in Costa Rica
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report rated Costa Rica’s health system above that of the USA*. A high level of professional training and an impressive public healthcare system reflect in the private care available to Medical Tourists. Once known mainly for its acclaimed promotion of ecotourism, dentistry in Costa Rica is now gaining significant international recognition.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

A study at the University of Costa Rica showed that almost 14% of visitors to the country come in search of its medical expertise. The well-educated, tech-savvy population is gaining Costa Rica the reputation of a Central American 'Singapore', with industry analysts putting it in the top three offshore development destinations for American companies along with China and India.

Professional Aftercare

One of the most interesting aspects of the Medical Tourism industry in Costa Rica is in the area of recuperation facilities. While other destinations offer high quality hotels and accommodation, Costa Rica goes a bit further. Once a treatment has been completed, patients are able to check into dedicated recuperation centres. These centres have excellent accommodation and relaxation facilities but also provide qualified nurses and medical workers to help monitor their client’s condition and keep doctors updated on the recovery progress.

Regional benefits

Most doctors in Costa Rica spend much of their time maintaining the country’s excellent public healthcare system. Revenue from the treatment of foreign patients enables local medical specialists to continue devoting their resources to the local healthcare. Benefits are mutual, with skills passing between the two sectors. In addition to dental and cosmetic practice the Medical Tourism boom is enabling corrective eye surgery clinics to open and encourage hospitals — such as CIMA Hospital San Jose — to seek Joint Commission International certification.

Dentists in Costa Rica have the advantage of being able to offer patients dedicated recuperation centres in sun-filled tropical surroundings. As the regions leading healthcare destination it attracts patients from the U.S as well as neighbouring countries to take advantage of the low-cost, high-quality dental care available.

The Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas overseas all Costa Rica's dental practices. It's practices conform to the very highest standards represented in world dentistry. A lengthy college career of 6 years is followed by a commitment to continuing education over the entire course of a dentist's career. To benefit from research and developments in US dentistry many Costa Rican dentists maintain not only local affiliations but membership of the American Dental Association (ADA) and of those US dental associations connected to the specialties they practice.

A combination of lower local wages and costs allow Costa Rican dentists to operate with the same materials and equipment as their North American counterparts at far lower prices. The same implant that might cost $2000 or more in the US can cost under $1000 in Costa Rica. Our most popular destination in Costa Rica is San Jose.

Dentists in Costa Rica - Prices

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Costa Rica. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

Dentists in Costa Rica - Qualifications

Costa Rica’s Board of Dental Surgeons, Public and Private Dental Universities, Professional Associations and Specialist Boards, all work together to oversee and maintain the high quality of dentistry in Costa Rica. The Board of Dental Surgeons governs all practising dentists in the country with continuing education required for all members. Regular inspections of clinics are carried out by the National Health Department to ensure strict standards of sterilisation and health are maintained.

Formal training for all Costa Rican dentists begins in university where students undergo six years of education from the University of Costa Rica or similar courses from various private universities. Many graduates then travel abroad to further their dental knowledge in a specific area of dentistry.

Practicing dentists in Costa Rica receive the same education, have access to the same hi-tech medical equipment and follow the same Board Certification Requirements as a dentist in the United States, Canada or Europe. A reputable dental practice in Costa Rica will be a member of the American Dental Association, the international authority providing continuing education and teaching in the advancement of Dental Science.

For those interested in cosmetic dental treatment, look for clinics who belong to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an organisation which sets standards of excellence in cosmetic dentistry. This is the largest association of its kind in the world with over 7000 practitioners in 60 countries.

Dentists in Costa Rica - Additional Information

Organizations

The Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas (CCD) De Costa Rica is the dental regulatory body created by the legislative assembly of Costa Rica. All dentists operating in Costa Rica must be members of the CCD.

Dental Ethics

Members of the Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas are required to abide by its ethics and requlations as stipulated in the legislative act that created the Colegio. The Colegio publishes its own code of ethics that places the Dentist's reponsibility to the health of the patient at the core of the profession.

Complaints

Complaints directed to the Colegio are dealt with by the Tribunal de Honor. It has powers to issue warnings, suspend members, expel members. In addition the Tribunal will refer complaints addressed to it that relate to non-members, suspended or expelled members to the civil courts.

Acts commited during professional practice that might be judged illegal will become the responsibility of the civil courts.

Continuing education

The code of ethics of the CCD states that the surgeon dentist should update his technical and scientific knowledge in a process of continual learning. This process is covered by the dental legislative act and is an enforced element of the CCD's membership requirements.

Data Protection

Dentists in Costa Rica have an obligation to protect and preserve the dental records of their patients, past and present, under the code of ethics of the CCD.

Resources

El Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas
Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas

Provisions of the Legislative Act (Spanish)
Directive 5784

Code of ethics (Spanish)
CCD code of ethics