All 43 Clinics that provide Bridges in Costa Rica

A dental bridge is a replacement for some or many missing teeth in a row. It is basically like a small denture that is permanently fixed into place by attaching it to the adjoining teeth.

What are Dental Bridges?

In a lot of ways a bridge is like a crown. However, whereas a crown will sit upon whatever tooth structure remains, the bridge normally replaces more teeth than can be supported by the underlying root structure. Bridges can easily last ten years or more.

What different types exist?

You might need a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth. These are the normal types of bridges available:

Normal Fixed Bridge

This is the traditional mechanism where the bridge is bonded to two crowns that are attached to the adjacent teeth. The crowns can be gold, porcelain fused to metal, or just porcelain.

Resin Bonded Bridges

This process is normally used for front teeth and only when the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy.  The bridge is connected to metal bands which are glued with a resin to the natural teeth.  This procedure requires less preparation of the natural teeth and is generally less expensive.

Cantilever Bridge

These are bridges which are only attached to the teeth on one side. They can be used when it is replacing one of the front teeth.

What is the procedure like?

The procedure for a bridge is similar to that of a crown. The teeth that are going to anchor the bridge must be prepared for the bridge. This is normally done under mild sedation. An impression is then made and the mould is sent to a laboratory where the bridge can be fabricated.

You should be given a temporary bridge to wear until your next visit.  During the next visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is fitted and checked. If everything is right, it is cemented into place.   

What affects the price?

There are a variety of factors that determine the price. It is important that when you are comparing prices, you are comparing like with like. Look for details like:

• The number of teeth that the bridge will be replacing
• The type of bridge you are getting
• Additional work that may need to be performed

Price Comparison

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 bridges across the world:

Dental bridge work is a good way of replacing some or many missing teeth in one go. As with any dental procedure, you should always consult your dentist before deciding on any particular treatment.

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.

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 and San Pedro.

You can also consider Mexico for your dental needs, where for similarly low price the same quality treatments are offered.

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.

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

The biggest choice of bridges clinics in Costa Rica with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best bridges for you in Costa Rica.