A smile makeover in the US may cost you a fortune.

But cosmetic dentistry in Colombia saves you thousands of dollars.

So, here’s your guide to budget-friendly esthetic dental procedures.

Read ahead to know how to curtail the cost of quality dental services.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Colombia

Cosmetic Dentistry in Colombia

Cosmetic Dentistry – Happy Inside, Pretty Outside!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

It refers to any dental procedure aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and your smile.[1]American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Patients
“Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile.”
View in Article

Cosmetic dentistry complements patients’ overall general and oral health.

It is also known as a smile makeover, Hollywood smile, or esthetic dentistry.[2]Researchgate
Reframing Perceptions in Restorative Dentistry…
“Moreover, patients’ perception of facial beauty and esthetic dental appearance (Hollywood smile makeover)…”
View in Article

Did you know?
According to Oral Health Foundation, a healthy smile is ranked as a physical attribute with a higher likelihood to attract a partner.[3]Dental Health
A ‘healthy smile’ and ‘fresh breath’ are the keys…
“A healthy smile has been ranked as the physical attribute most likely to attract a new partner, according to new research carried out by leading health charity the Oral Health Foundation.”
View in Article

Cosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a dental specialty by ADA.[4]NCRDSCB
Specialty Definitions
“Check the list approved and adopted by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards.”
View in Article

But it is an umbrella term for multiple specialties that focus on creating a beautiful smile. They are:

  • Orthodontics
  • Prosthodontics
  • Periodontics and Endodontics, to a lesser extent

Cosmetic dentistry in Colombia

Cosmetic Dentistry – For the Looks You Want!

When Do I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

You need cosmetic dentistry for several reasons:[5]Researchgate
Dental Aesthetics: A Study Comparing Patients’…
“ Seven areas were assessed: the overall appearance, tooth shape, tooth shade, tooth size, position of the teeth…”
View in Article

  • Tooth Cavities: Decay, especially in front teeth.
  • Spaces Between Teeth: Common in the front teeth, often genetic.
  • Discolored Teeth: Staining due to excessive tea/coffee or tobacco.
  • Missing Teeth: Due to extractions, accidents, or sports injury.
  • Crooked Teeth: Difficult to clean, prone to caries & swollen gums.
  • Improper Shape/Damaged teeth: e.g., chipped/cracked/worn-out teeth.
  • Gums Problems: Gummy smile or receding gums due to bruxism or trauma.

When Do I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

When Do I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Common Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry procedures may include changes to the following:

  • Alignment of the jaw
  • Color, position, shape, or size of teeth
  • The overall appearance of the teeth and gums

Some of the routine cosmetic procedures in Colombia include the following:


Veneers in Colombia

Dental Veneer

Dental veneers are thin tooth-colored shells that fit onto the teeth for an enhanced look.

Moreover, they are one of the major cosmetic dentistry procedures.

After removing a minor amount of tooth enamel, veneers are cemented on the surface.  Veneers restore natural tooth form and function.

Porcelain Veneers

They are semi-translucent and thus blend well with the adjacent teeth.

In addition, they resist external stains of coffee, tea, and smoke. However, they are brittle, so you need to be careful during biting/excessive loads.

Composite Veneers

They are less pricey and less durable than porcelain veneers in Colombia.

Did you know?
Lumineers is the #1 patient-requested veneer backed by 30+ years of experience.[6]Denmat
Lumineers – Porcelain Veneers
“Since DenMat…#1 patient-requested veneer…30 years of experience”
View in Article

Lumineers

These ultra-thin veneers are also k/a as “no-prep” veneers.

They are leucite-reinforced ceramics with a lower wear rate. So they are stronger than conventional veneers.


Implants in Colombia

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a permanent solution to one or more missing teeth.

You can have all on 4/6/8 implants, depending on your case.

Later, a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures acts as restorations for implants.

Advantages:

  • Long-lasting
  • Prevent bone loss
  • Look and feel of natural teeth
  • Improved speech, comfort, and chewing


Dentures in Colombia

Denture

Removable dentures are a set of artificial teeth that can be removed from the mouth by the patient.

Dentures can be:

  • Removable Partial Dentures (RPD) – Replacing a few teeth
  • Complete Dentures (Traditional) – Replacing all teeth in a jaw

Snap-On Denture

An implant-supported denture combines traditional dentures with dental implants.

Such a combination increases retention, stability, and comfort.


Dental Bonding in Colombia

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can repair a broken or chipped tooth using composite resin.

Additionally, dental bonding can close gaps between teeth.  So you can avoid lengthy orthodontic visits.

Dental bonding allows the patient to transition into a permanent treatment. Therefore, also called transitional bonding.

Onlays & Inlays in Colombia

Inlays and Onlays

These are indirect fillings that are more conservative than crowns.

Onlays function as partial crowns, as they cover one or more cusps of teeth.

Inlays are cosmetic restorations within the cusps on a tooth’s chewing surface.


Gum Reshaping in Colombia

Gum Reshaping

Gum contouring restores your gums to a position where you get a pleasing smile. It is also known as tissue sculpting.

If your gums rest too low or high on your teeth (gummy smile), gum reshaping is the solution.


Dental Crowns | Bridges in Colombia

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to:

  • Cover a dental implant
  • Secure a dental bridge in place
  • Protect a weak tooth from breaking
  • Makeup for poorly shaped or discolored teeth
  • Cover and support a tooth that has a large filling
  • Restore a broken tooth, and a severely worn-out tooth

Ceramic or Porcelain crowns are preferably used for cosmetic purposes.

Dental Bridge

It is a fixed replacement of a couple of teeth using the adjacent teeth as support.

This creates a literal “bridge” between the remaining and missing teeth.

Dental Crowns
Dental Bridge


Teeth Whitening | Bleaching in Colombia

Teeth Whitening

The teeth stain over time & change color, but whitening can help restore the desired hue.

As a result, you can achieve a lighter shade than the original color using a bleaching agent.

You can get brighter teeth at home or at the clinic.

  • In-office bleaching using hydrogen peroxides is effective.
  • 10–20% carbamide peroxide gel (ADA approves 10%) for overnight (nightguard) bleaching[7]PubMed Central
    A Critical Review of Modern Concepts for Teeth Whitening
    “A 10% carbamide gel has been approved by the American Dental Association for home bleaching.”
    View in Article

Orthodontic Treatment | Braces in Colombia

Want to align crowded teeth or close spaces between teeth? Then, visit an orthodontist for cosmetic dentistry in Colombia.

Orthodontic treatment is available in two types:

  • Conventional braces (with wires and brackets)
  • Invisible braces (clear orthodontic aligners/ transparent)
Braces
Aligners


Source: Colgate[8]Colgate
5 Helpful Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures…
“Learn about the most common procedures…Inlays and Onlays… Implants…”
View in Article

Now that you know what cosmetic dental work includes, you can compare the cost to avail benefits of dental tourism.

How Much is Cosmetic Dentistry Cost in Colombia?

Colombia cosmetic dentistry prices are only a fraction of what you spend in the US or Canada.

For instance, teeth whitening treatment costs $650 in the US, while the same is $100 in Colombia.

Similarly, porcelain veneer treatment in Colombia costs $428, whereas it is up to $3000 in the US.

The table below gives you insights into how much you save:

Cosmetic Dentistry Cost in Colombia Vs. US & Canada – Savings (in USD)

Procedure US Canada Colombia Approx. Savings
Dental Implant $3,000 $1,200 $643 78%
Porcelain Crowns* $800 $750 $490 38%
Zirconium Crowns* $3,000 $2,000 $530 82%
Implant-supported denture $1,500 $1,500 $1,000 33%
Removable complete denture $1,275 $760 $296 76%
Removable partial denture $900 $230 $285 68%
Bridgework(1 pontic & 1 crown) $2,000 $760 $350 82%
Composite Veneers* $250 $250 $125 50%
Porcelain Veneers* $3,000 $3,800 $428 85%
In Office Teeth Whitening $650 $800 $100 84%
Fixed Metal Braces# $3,000 $3,000 $785 73%
Fixed Clear Braces# $4,000 $4,000 $1250 68%
Brands used: Straumann, Ankylos
*per tooth; ^per jaw prices from online sources; #includes monthly adjustment fees
Prices are case-dependent and may subject to change.

Quality cosmetic dental procedures at a low cost is unarguably a great deal in Colombia.

Because parallelly, you can enjoy a fun-filled holiday in Gateway to South America.

If you want to save ~ 75% while chasing a healthy & brighter smile, then request a FREE quote now!

Why Choose Colombia for Cosmetic Dentistry?

The booming dental tourism in Colombia is responsible for cosmetic dentistry to prosper globally.

Video Courtesy: Lonely Planet

? Cost | Savings

The most significant benefit is the cost-saving of up to 80%. The cost of accommodation, travel or daily needs is also low.

This means meager overhead costs.[9]Expatistan
Cost of living in Colombia
“Cost of living in Colombia is cheaper than in 90% countries in the world (86 out of 96).”
View in Article

?‍⚕️ Experienced Dentists | Good Treatment

Colombia has some of the most accredited universities in South America that offer quality dental education.

Besides, many dentists pursue their dental training in the US.

? Quality of Care | Assurance

The WHO has ranked Colombia at #22 among the 191 countries that they reviewed for healthcare systems.

This ranking is way better than that of Canada (#30) and the USA (#37).[10]CNBC
4 countries with the best health care
“Healthcare in Colombia is both high quality and affordable. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia’s healthcare system as number 22 out of the 191”
View in Article

✈️ Short Travel Time | Easy to Reach

Colombia is around 6 hour of flight journey from the US[11]Travel Math
The flight time from United States to Colombia
“The flight time from United States to Colombia is: 6 hours, 9 minutes”
View in Article
and a little more from Canada.

It’s a beautiful place to visit, and the unchanging nature of its climate all year round will surprise you.

Clinics Famous for Cosmetic Dentistry in Colombia

We guide you to the accredited dental clinics in major cities of ColombiaMedellin, Cartagena, Barranquilla, & Cali.

Medellin

Cosmetic dentistry in Medellin offers a range of services – smile micro design, teeth whitening, dental inlays, porcelain crowns, etc.

Oralimagen

Oralimagen Medellin Clinic

Ratings | Reviews: 4.8 (44 Reviews)

Timings: Mon – Fri (8 AM to 6 PM), Sat – 8 AM to 12 Noon

Situated in the “City of Eternal Springs

Has more than 15 staff members

Headed by a specialist in Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry

International Smiles Medellin

International Smiles Medellin

Ratings | Reviews: 4.9 (191 Reviews)

Timings: Mon – Fri (8 AM to 6 PM), Sat (8 AM to 12 PM), Sun (10 AM to 2 PM)

Standard care based on the ADA & CDC

FREE Parking & assistance with local transportation

Cartagena

For implants, same-day crowns, and more, choose cosmetic dentistry in Cartegena.

Centro de Implantes de la Costa

Centro de Implantes de la Costa, Cartagena

Ratings | Reviews: 4.8 (8 Reviews)

Timings: Mon – Sat (8 AM- 7 PM)

17+ years of practice

German CEREC technology

Odontological sector with 1999 CO certification

Sonrisa Perfecta Dental

Sonrisa Perfecta Dental, Cartagena

Ratings | Reviews: 4.8/5 (229 Reviews)

Timings: Mon – Fri (7 AM to 6 PM), Sat (7 AM – 2 PM)

Assists with treatments and travel

Language: Spanish, English, and German

FREE dedicated space for parking




Barranquilla

Dental clinics in Barranquilla provide a wide array of low-cost esthetic procedures. For example, smile design, dental implants, and orthodontics.

Carlos Acevedo Odontología

Carlos Acevedo Odontología

Ratings | Reviews: 5.0 (62 Reviews)

Timings: Mon – Fri (8 AM to 7 PM)

Close to the hotel zone

Parking slots for patients

Specialist dental care, including smile design, implants, & orthodontics

Denticenter

Denticenter

Ratings | Reviews: 4.8 (31 Reviews)

Timings: Mon – Fri (8 AM to 6 PM), Sat (8 AM to 12 PM)

14 dental chairs for multiple patients

11.12 miles from Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ)

Clinic for Cosmetic Dentistry in Colombia

Cali

In Cali, you will find out an advanced dental Aesthetics and Implant Center.

Estetica Dental Avanzada

Estetica Dental Avanzada

Ratings | Reviews: 4.9 (15 Reviews)

Timings: Mon – Fri 8 AM to 6 PM

Accreditations: Zimmer Biomet Dental Education Program, ADA

Airport – hotel pick-up/drop-off from the clinic


Best Cosmetic Dentists in Colombia

You must know your dentist’s achievements and work experience once you are up for a cosmetic procedure.

The following table gives you a brief description of the best cosmetic dentists in Colombia.

Dentist Doctors Details (Dr.)
Dr. Johana Ossa Johana Ossa

  • 15+ years experience
  • Expertise: Digital Smile Design
  • Education: Oral Rehabilitation from the Cooperative University of Colombia
  • Association: Colombian Society of Prosthodontics
Dr. Alejandro Martinez Alejandro Martinez

  • 12+ years experience
  • Expertise: Dental Implants
  • Education: Certified in Integral Adult Dentistry from the University of Antioquia.
  • Association: The Colombian Association of Periodontics
Dr. Adriana Castano Adriana Castano

  • 20+ years experience
  • Expertise: Periodontics
  • Education: Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, CES University
  • Received a scholarship program from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Tarsys Loayza Tarsys Loayza

  • 28+ years experience
  • Expertise: Dental Implants, Smile Design
  • Education: University of Cartagena
  • Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Member of the International Academy of Aesthetics
Dr. Karim Stefanell Karim Stefanell

  • 25+ years experience
  • Expertise: Aligners, braces
  • Education: Specialty degree in Orthodontics
  • Association: Member of the Colombian Dental Association
Dr. Hernando Salazar Guerra Hernando Guerra

  • 40+ years experience
  • Expertise: Dental Aesthetics and Implants
  • Education: Dental Aesthetics and Implants, New York
  • Member of the Javerian Odontologists Federation
  • Member of ALD Academy of Laser Dentistry

If you are excited to get a celebrity smile from certified dentists, then book your visit with us today!

Travel Tips to Colombia

We at MTC want you to reach your destination safely. So, if you are all set to backpack for Colombia, read these helpful tips:

  • Tourists staying for 90 days or less won’t need a visa.
  • If driving to Colombia, you must get an entry stamp on your passport.
  • You may have to present paper/digital vaccination certificates
  • All travelers must complete an online form (‘Check-Mig’) before making an entry or exit

?? Border Crossing ??

Due to a high crime risk, do not cross through these border areas:

  • Venezuela-Colombia border or 20 km of the Venezuelan border
  • Panama-Colombia border or the Darién Gap (except the town of Capurganá)
  • Within 20 km of the Ecuador border, except for the Pan-American highway crossing at Ipia
Source: [12]Smartraveller
Colombia
“If you’re visiting for tourism and plan to stay for 90 days or less, you generally won’t need a visa…You must get an entry stamp in your passport…”
View in Article

Patient Testimonials

If you are planning to visit Colombia for dental treatment, do watch these patients’ testimonials. Get a better idea by knowing real experiences.
Happy Patient: Dentistry in Cartagena, Colombia
Patient Testimonial: Dentistry in Medellin, Colombia

FAQs: Cosmetic Dentistry in Colombia


How much is a full set of veneers in Colombia?

The cost of porcelain veneers in Colombia is merely 428 USD per unit. Also, composite veneers in Colombia are 125 USD per tooth.

On the contrary, you may have to outlay up to 38000 USD  for a set of 10 porcelain veneers in the US & Canada.

Thus, veneers in Colombia save ~ 85% of that dental cost in the US.

Veneers Cost in Colombia (in USD)

Dental Veneers Cost in USD
Composite Veneers (per tooth) $125
Porcelain Veneer (per tooth) $428
8 Porcelain Veneers $3424
16 Porcelain Veneers $6848
10 Porcelain Veneers $4280
20 Porcelain Veneers $8560

How safe is Colombia for cosmetic dentistry?

Safety was an issue once upon a time in Colombia. However, things have improved now.

According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council, the attacks committed by the FARC have stopped almost entirely.[13]osac.gov
Colombia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Cartagena
“Note: Following the November 2016 peace accord with the FARC, attacks committed by this group as an organization stopped almost entirely.”
View in Article

However, it is essential to be vigilant and avoid visiting known dangerous places. You just need to exercise caution and be sensible to stay safe.

What are my options in Colombia if I want a Smile Makeover?

Firstly, if you want a smile makeover, you must visit a cosmetic dentist. He is the one who performs teeth whitening, veneers, braces, implants, etc.

Secondly, if you are concerned that the procedure may involve cutting healthy teeth, go for conservative options.  For example, teeth whitening or lumineers.

For more details, read about cosmetic procedures.


I am a Smoker. Can I Undergo Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

Treatment with dental implants or teeth whitening might fail in smokers. This is because smoking affects your gums & increases the risk of implant failure.

Also, the smoke will continue to stain the teeth. Therefore, it is advisable that you quit smoking before dental implants or whitening treatments.


Inference

The growing dental tourism is booming the scope of esthetic dentistry in Colombia. So, now you can get your smile designed the way you want.

Moreover, you can preserve your savings from draining recklessly in the US.

Best of all, Medicaltourismco helps you plan your trip hassle-free.

If you are all set to take advantage, contact us, and we will reach back to you instantly.

Reference

1. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Patients
2. Researchgate: Reframing Perceptions in Restorative Dentistry…
3. Dental health: A ‘healthy smile’ and ‘fresh breath’ are the keys…
4. NCRDSCB: Specialty Definitions
5. Researchgate: Dental Aesthetics: A Study Comparing Patients’…
6. Denmat: Lumineers – Porcelain Veneers
7. PubMed Central: A Critical Review of Modern Concepts for Teeth Whitening
8. Colgate: 5 Helpful Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures…
9. Expatistan: 5 Cost of living in Colombia’
10. CNBC: 4 countries with the best health care
11. Travel math: The flight time from United States to Colombia is…
12. osac.gov: Colombia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Cartagena