Last fact-checked: 4 April 2023

Dreaming of getting that stunning Hollywood smile but struggling with the high costs back home?

Then look no further than Mexico City, where you can achieve that red carpet-worthy look for 50% - 70% less than dentists in the US and Canada.

Using the latest dental technology, high-quality materials and world-renowned brands, such as Lumineers® and e.max®, our network of certified dentists in the Mexican capital can transform any number of teeth in as little as one day–giving you the chance to explore this unforgettable city and return home with a brand-new, natural-looking smile.

Find out more with Dental Departures, including price comparisons, recommended Mexico City clinics, treatment information and some handy travel tips.

More than a million people travel to Mexico every year for medical and dental care–with the number-one reason being the impressive price difference.

For example:

On average, composite veneers in the US start at $800; prices can reach $2,000 for porcelain or zirconia veneers (per tooth).

In comparison, composite veneers in Mexico City cost around $200 - $300, while you might expect to pay around $450 for a porcelain or zirconia version.

Take a look below to see how much veneers cost in Mexico City compared to the USA:

Please note that these are price estimates calculated at the time of writing, with currency exchanges subject to fluctuation.

How Much Can I Save on a Hollywood Smile Makeover in Mexico City?

Many of our partner clinics in Mexico City offer all-inclusive smile makeover packages to transform either the upper, lower or both rows of teeth.

Veneers are typically only placed on the teeth that are visible when you smile (veneers placed on the back molars would be more prone to damage when eating). For example:

A partial “Hollywood” smile makeover will typically entail between 6 - 10 veneers being placed on the upper row of teeth

A full “Hollywood” smile makeover will typically entail between 12 - 20 veneers placed on both the upper and lower rows of teeth

See the price table below to get an idea as to how much a Hollywood smile makeover costs in Mexico City compared to the USA:

Check with our Customer Care Team about any ongoing promotions at our partner clinics in Mexico City, with packages often including:

• Airport pick-ups
• Ground transfers
• Free consultation and x-rays
• Professional cleaning, scaling and polishing
• Temporaries (if applicable)
• All treatment costs, including the application of the veneers with local anesthesia
• Mouth guard
• Free accommodation in Mexico City

The two main types of dental veneers used by dentists in Mexico City are those that are directly bonded to the teeth (same-day veneers) and those that are custom-made in a dental laboratory. Here’s what to know about these two techniques:

Direct Bonding Veneers (Composite/Resin)

• Made from a tooth-colored composite (or resin) material)
• The material is applied directly to each receiving tooth in layers before being shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth
• Composite veneers are more affordable than other varieties
• Treatment can be carried out in one day, with the procedure taking around 45 minutes per tooth
• Types of direct bonding veneers include Lumineers®, Durathin® and Componeers®
• On the downside, they are not as durable or long-lasting.

Custom-Made Veneers (Porcelain/Zirconia)

• Requiring at least two separate visits to the dentist, this two-stage treatment involves impressions of the mouth; a small sliver of enamel will also be removed from each receiving tooth so that the veneers, when fitted, do not protrude.
• Using impressions of the mouth, the veneers are custom-made in a specialized dental laboratory using CAD/CAM technology.
• After a few days, you’ll return to the dentist to have your veneers fitted with a light-activated adhesive (or “dental cement”).
• These veneers are typically made from porcelain, zirconia or lithium disilicate ceramic (such as IPS e.max®)
• While more expensive than direct bonding veneers, custom-made veneers are more durable, with top brands lasting up to 15 years with proper maintenance.

Bear in mind the harder-wearing porcelain and zirconia veneers still cost considerably less in Mexico City than the cheapest composite veneers in the States, in effect saving you money several times over as they won’t need replacement as often as composite veneers.

Quality Care in Mexico City:

Although the cost of dental veneers is considerably cheaper in Mexico City, dentists within our network of partner clinics don’t cut corners just to save on costs. In fact, you can look forward to superior service on your way to achieving that Hollywood smile (that won’t fail as soon as you go for dinner!)

The best dentists in Mexico City use branded dental veneers that are available worldwide–so you can be sure your veneers will be of exactly the same quality you would get at home. An added extra of having your treatment in Mexico City is our dentists’ warranties on their work. Not only do they warranty the work they do, but also the materials they use (not usually offered by dentists at home).

Well-established dentists serving international patients are all board-registered with the Mexican Dental Association, which is a minimal requirement for dentists to legally practice in the country–and ensures that there are no black marks against their name. 

Many have also completed part of their training abroad, becoming affiliates of international professional associations, like the American Dental Association, the World Dental Federation and the Academy of Aesthetic Dental Association.

Advanced Dental Technology:

The top clinics in Mexico City, especially those that specialize in cosmetic dentistry, utilize state-of-the-art computed aided design/manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology for producing customized veneers onsite. This process eliminates the need for your dentist to take impressions, send them to an external lab, and wait for a third-party team to create each veneer. Instead, the entire process can be completed in one place, shortening the treatment time to as little as one day in some cases. 

By taking 3D scans, the dentist can design each veneer onscreen in real-time, making adjustments as necessary. This also gives you the opportunity to have your say in the process, for example, you might have an opinion about the size, shape and color (or degree of whiteness) of each veneer. The images are sent to an onsite laboratory where a milling machine creates the veneers. 

These modern clinics consistently receive excellent ratings from Dental Departures’ clients as they are able to provide a faster, more efficient service, giving you impressive, long-lasting results–plus a little extra time to check out the many attractions of Mexico City.

Top Destination for a City Break:

With its own international airport, Mexico City is within easy reach of most major US and Canadian cities.

Although treatment can be carried out in just one day in some cases, for those seeking custom-made porcelain, ceramic or zirconia veneers, the process will typically take at least three days. For culture-seekers, this is good news as Mexico City is a fabulous place to enjoy a quick cosmopolitan break while you're waiting. 

With generally good weather all year round, you’ll discover more than enough to keep you occupied–from unique architectural heritage and ancient ruins to sophisticated bars, chic restaurants, and swanky shopping.

Spend a few days meandering around this extraordinary city–you will certainly save enough on your dental care to be able to enjoy a break here and sample the many delights on offer.

English-Speaking Dentists:

When choosing a clinic through Dental Departures, you will find that most (if not all) of the staff speak excellent English, making it easy for international patients to understand the treatment process, as well as what to expect after their veneers have been fitted.

The best dentists in Mexico City are geared towards welcoming patients from the US, Canada and Europe; to help create a stress-free experience for those perhaps not too familiar with their new surroundings, it’s also common for these clinics to offer additional services, such as airport transfers and even free accommodation for those spending over a certain amount on treatment.

Get started now by looking at these top picks for veneers in Mexico City:

• Dental Holbein
• CEY Aesthetic Dental Boutique
• Ideal Dental Center

Looking for additional options? Then see our full list of verified veneer providers in Mexico City here, or browse dentists in these other popular destinations in Mexico:

• All Clinics for Veneers in Los Algodones
• All Clinics for Veneers in Tijuana
• All Clinics for Veneers in Cancun

You should ensure your chosen dentist is from a reputable clinic, as unfortunately, unqualified dentists or those with a poor track record in Mexico are more than happy to accept work at lower prices.

Our background checks help remove that element of uncertainty in your search, as we verify our dentists’ qualifications, experience and know-how before we list them on our website.

Before any clinic or dentist is listed on our site, we carry out a number of checks, including:

• Checking malpractice records
• Researching criminal/legal history
• Verifying dentist qualifications
• Confirming dental association memberships
• Collecting and publishing authentic, unedited patient reviews

Our dedicated clinic profiles include doctor profiles and their specialist qualifications, current pricing, accommodations options and, importantly, real patient reviews that are verified by Dental Departures. 

Plus, when a clinic offers a special promotion on a given treatment, we post that as well (under the “Promotions” tab).

Other Reasons to Book with Dental Departures

• Around the clock, 24/7 customer service via live chat support, as well as a free-phone line, email and WhatsApp.
• No upfront charges when scheduling an appointment; to get started, all we need is an email address!
• Our Best Price Guarantee ensures you always get the best rates online
• Assistance with other aspects of your dental trip, such as ground transfers and accommodation recommendations
• Exclusive promotions to help you save even more, such as treatment packages inclusive of accommodation and transfers
• Free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours before your appointment)
• Access to our database of hundreds of clinics with more than 1,000 dentists worldwide
• Transparent price estimates on each of our clinic listings

Veneers are used to transform cracked, damaged or otherwise unsightly teeth, helping patients regain their smiles–without the need for invasive surgery–in a variety of ways.

Please note: For more details about the process of getting dental veneers, see our Ultimate Guide to Dental Veneers (global) here.

Advantages of Dental Veneers

These durable shell-like dental prosthetics are attached to the front of your teeth, concealing any imperfections underneath, with the main advantages summed up below:

• It’s a versatile treatment option: they can be used to transform a single tooth or an entire row of them, creating a more symmetrical, brighter smile.
• The non-invasive procedure used for veneer placement is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your smile
• New teeth (or at least, teeth that appear to be new), for many, equates to a much-needed boost of self-esteem and confidence
• Treatment is pain-free, quick, and long-lasting
• Not as expensive as other smile restoration solutions (such as implant-supported prosthetics)... and even cheaper when booking your treatment in Mexico City!

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Veneers?

It's important to note that veneers are a cosmetic treatment and won’t directly impact your overall health. However, before undergoing treatment, you should:

• Be in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations as to what the treatment can achieve
• Understand what foods to avoid following treatment
• Not be suffering from gum disease* 

*Any underlying issues, such as gum disease can affect the veneer's efficiency, causing them to fall off or not sit correctly if your teeth are in poor condition.

After an initial consultation, your dentist in Mexico City will determine your suitability for the treatment. If you're not a good candidate, or if you decide not to proceed, most dentists will not charge you. Remember to confirm this last point with our Customer Care Team when scheduling your appointment.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

The majority of clinics usually require at least two visits over 3-5 days for dental veneers. 

However, if your clinic has in-house CAD/CAM capabilities, treatment may only take one day for those having only one or two veneers made. A full smile makeover with 10 - 20 veneers may take several days, even if the clinic does have its own on-site lab.

On your first visit, your teeth will be prepared to receive the veneers by shaving a sliver of enamel from the front of the teeth. Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth, which are then sent to the lab for the veneers to be custom-made.

When the veneers have been received by your dentist, you will return to have them bonded to your teeth, using an adhesive activated by a special bonding light. The procedure doesn’t take long; afterward, your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to complete the process.

For those seeking treatment in a tourist-friendly destination that has it all, Mexico’s vibrant capital city will not disappoint. 

Within the city, an endless inventory of museums and galleries, churches and cathedrals greet the culture vulture, along with some of the best cuisines in the Western Hemisphere. 

For those with a little more time on their hands, renowned sites such as the Popocatépetl volcano, Tula and the Tollán Ruins or the pre-Columbian ruins of Teotihuacán are all a short drive out of the city–offering an exciting list of day-trip options.

Find out the latest official US travel advisories for Mexico here.

Accommodation and Flights

Lodging, dining and amenities here are among the least expensive of any Western capital city. You will find all the familiar brand hotels, from Holiday Inn to Four Seasons, along with budget lodging, ample Airbnb’s and more. 

Just make sure you book your room near your chosen clinic, as Mexico City is vast and often becomes jammed with standstill traffic. 

Nonstop and one-hop flights to Mexico City are available from most major airports in the US and Canada. Approximate flying times (nonstop) from major airports are listed below:

• Atlanta: 3 hours
• Chicago: 4 hours
• Houston: 2 hours
• London: 11.5 hours
• Los Angeles: 3.5 hours
• Miami: 3 hours
• Montreal: 5 hours
• New York: 4.75 hours
• Toronto: 4.5 hours
• Vancouver: 4.5 hours

For more comprehensive information about visiting Mexico City as a dental tourist, check out Dental Departures’ main destination guide here.

Q: What is the cost of a single veneer in Mexico City? 
A: On average, composite veneers cost around $200 while a full porcelain veneer costs approximately $400 - $500 in Mexico City.

Q. How much does a full smile makeover with veneers cost in Mexico City? 
A: A complete set of 20 veneers costs around $7,500 - $8,500, with all-inclusive packages from certain clinics typically covering all of your treatment expenses, accommodation, and airport/border transfers.

Q: How long do veneers last? 
A: Most veneers can last for 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

Q: Are veneers covered by insurance in the USA? 
A: Most dental insurance companies in the USA do not cover cosmetic procedures such as veneers. Some cover a portion of the final bill if deemed a medical necessity.

Q: Can my teeth still decay with veneers? 
A: Yes, neglecting your dental health can result in decay, and so it is important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, as well as attend regular check-ups and get professional cleanings, as advised by your dentist.

Q: Can veneers be whitened? 
A: Traditional teeth whitening methods are not effective on veneers. However, if one becomes discolored, it can easily be replaced.

Q: Can you eat with veneers? 
A: Patients can resume their normal diet following veneer treatment, although you will be advised to stay clear of particularly hard or sticky foods that might dislodge them.

Book with Dental Departures online, or call us for free. Find your dentist, compare prices, view photos, uncover exclusive discounts and read real patient reviews on our website. 

Book via our Customer Care Team with confidence and choose one of our quality-checked dentists in Mexico City who have the skills, experience and qualifications to safely transform your smile.

Sources:

American Dental Association. Website accessed: 18 March 2023. https://www.ada.org/en

Drillinger, Meagan; Dearsley, Bryan, 12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Mexico City. PlanetWare. 16 January 2021 https://www.planetware.com/mexico/top-rated-day-trips-from-mexico-city-mex-zzz-15.htm

Mexico. Travel.State.Gov. Website accessed: 16 March 2023. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html

How long do composite dental veneers last? Share Care. Website accessed: 16 March 2023. https://www.sharecare.com/health/dental-veneers/how-composite-dental-veneers-last

How do Veneers Work? Colgate Oral Health Center. Website accessed: 16 March 2023. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/veneers

Getting to Mexico. Rough Guides. Website accessed: 16 March 2023. https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/north-america/mexico/getting

Mexico City. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 16 March 2023. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/mexico-city