The questions we hear most, answered.
Real questions from US, Canadian, and UK patients about dental tourism in Medellín. If your question isn't here, message us on WhatsApp and we'll add it.
How savings work.
How much can I save on dental work in Colombia?
International patients typically save 70 to 90% compared to US pricing. A full set of 20 porcelain veneers that costs $36,000 to $60,000 in the US is around $4,980 at Colombia Care Dental. Single dental implants $1,200 vs $4,000 to $6,000 in the US. IPS e.max porcelain crowns from $299 vs $1,500 to $3,500.
Specific pricing on each services page for veneers, implants, crowns, and whitening.
Why is dental work so much cheaper in Colombia?
Lower clinic overhead, lower lab cost, and a lower cost of living for our specialist team. We use the same FDA-approved materials as US specialty practices: IPS e.max, ZirCAD Prime, BioHorizons, Philips Zoom. The savings come from how much it costs to run a clinic in Medellín, not from cheaper materials.
Are there hidden fees once I arrive?
No. Quotes are all-in clinic cost: scans, anaesthetic, lab work, materials, and bonding. If your case turns out to need a bone graft or root canal that wasn't visible in initial photos, the cost is quoted upfront on Day 1 from the CBCT scan, never added later.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit and debit cards, cash (USD or COP), and international wire transfers. We do not offer in-house financing or accept CareCredit. Because savings versus US pricing are typically $30,000 to $55,000 on a full smile, most patients comfortably cover the trip with the savings on the treatment itself.
Do you offer financing?
We don't offer in-house financing. Many international patients use a personal line of credit, a 0% APR introductory credit card, or HSA/FSA funds (where treatment qualifies under their plan). Talk to your tax advisor about whether dental tourism expenses are deductible in your country.
Same brands as Beverly Hills.
Is dental care in Colombia really comparable to the US?
Yes. Our clinic is INVIMA-licensed (Colombia's equivalent of the FDA), our sterilization protocols meet international standards, and our materials are FDA-approved. Many of our patients are referred by their US dentists who recognize the quality of work coming out of Medellín.
What materials do you use?
Veneers and crowns: IPS e.max lithium disilicate and ZirCAD Prime monolithic zirconia, both from Ivoclar Vivadent. Implants: BioHorizons titanium (American manufacturer, 25+ years of clinical history). Whitening: Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed. Composite: 3M Filtek nano-hybrid resin. Bonding: Variolink Esthetic. Same brands as US specialty practices, no generics or private-label substitutes.
Do you have an in-house dental lab?
Yes. Every veneer, crown, and implant restoration is milled and finished in our own lab in the same building as the clinic. The dentist who designs your case talks to the lab technician in person. Shape and shade adjustments happen in hours not days, and there's no shipping delay between try-in and final.
Is Medellín safe for dental tourism?
Medellín is one of Latin America's most modern cities and a major destination for medical tourism. El Poblado, where our clinic and partner hotels are located, is the safest area. Our package includes airport pickup, transfers, and 24/7 bilingual concierge so you have support throughout the trip.
Do your dentists speak English?
Yes. Every member of our team speaks fluent English. Your virtual consult, in-clinic appointments, treatment plan, and follow-up are all in English from start to finish.
What credentials does your team hold?
Our cosmetic and restorative dentists hold specialty degrees from accredited Colombian universities and ongoing certifications from international professional bodies. We share specific credentials and case histories on request, contact us via WhatsApp if you'd like the full team bios for your specific case.
Logistics, handled.
How long do I need to stay in Medellín?
Composite veneers: 2 to 3 days. Crowns and whitening: 2 to 5 days. Porcelain or zirconia veneers: 5 to 7 days. Single dental implants: two trips, six months apart, 3 to 5 days each. All-on-4 full arch: three trips across 12 months. Most patients combine multiple procedures into one trip.
What does the all-inclusive package include?
Airport pickup and transfers, 2 to 5 nights in a 4-star hotel near the clinic, bilingual driver and concierge, pre-treatment consultation, all dental procedures, follow-up appointments, aftercare kit, and a multi-year warranty on veneers, implants, and crowns. See veneers packages for combined pricing.
What is not included in the package?
International flights are not included, patients book their own airfare based on departure city and dates. Meals beyond the welcome dinner, optional sightseeing, and personal expenses are also separate. Optional add-ons available at extra cost: hotel upgrades, extra nights, gum contouring, or pairing with another treatment.
Can I bring a partner or family with me?
Yes. Most rooms are double-occupancy and a partner travels at no extra cost. If you want a separate room or a partner who is also having treatment, we send a customized package quote. Children under 12 stay free in the same room.
Do I need a visa?
US, Canadian, UK, and most EU passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to Colombia of up to 90 days. Bring a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. We can send a clinic invitation letter on request if your home country requires one for travel insurance or work leave purposes.
Should I get travel insurance?
Recommended but not required. Standard travel medical insurance covers the trip itself. Our multi-year warranty on the dental work covers material defects and bonding failures separately, including a return flight if a remake is needed. The two combine to give you full coverage.
Picking the right procedure.
Each treatment has its own dedicated FAQ on its service page. The questions below are the cross-treatment ones we hear most.
Veneers, crowns, or whitening — which do I need?
Whitening lifts surface stains on natural enamel. Veneers cover the front face of structurally sound teeth (cosmetic upgrade). Crowns wrap the entire tooth and are needed when there's decay, a large filling, root canal, or a fracture. We assess from your photos during the free virtual consult and recommend the lightest treatment that gets you the result you want.
Porcelain, composite, or zirconia veneers?
Composite ($119): fastest, most affordable, repairable, 5 to 8 year lifespan. Best for budget cases or single-tooth fixes. Porcelain ($249): cosmetic gold standard, 15 to 20+ year lifespan, doesn't stain. Best for full smile redesigns. Zirconia ($289): strongest material, ideal for grinders or anyone who's broken porcelain before. Compare all three on the veneers pillar page.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain (IPS e.max) and zirconia veneers: 15 to 20+ years. Composite veneers: 5 to 8 years and can be polished or repaired chairside without remaking. All veneers come with a multi-year warranty.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium implant post is designed to last a lifetime, with documented success rates above 95% at 10 years and above 90% at 20 years for BioHorizons. The crown on top typically lasts 15 to 20+ years and can be replaced if needed without removing the implant.
Do you do same-day procedures?
Composite veneers and whitening are completed in a single visit. Crowns finish in 2 to 5 days because we hand-glaze each one for the best shade match. Porcelain or zirconia veneers run across 2 to 5 days. Implants need bone-fusion time and require two trips with a 6-month gap between them.
Can I combine multiple treatments in one trip?
Yes, and most patients do. Common combinations: whitening + veneer prep (to set a target shade); veneers + cleaning + 1 or 2 crowns; implant placement + same-day extraction. Send your full case via WhatsApp for a coordinated treatment plan and trip schedule.
Care, warranty, follow-up.
What if I need follow-up care after I fly home?
WhatsApp support continues from home. We coordinate with your local dentist for routine cleanings or anything that needs attention. The multi-year warranty covers material defects and bonding failures, including a return flight if a remake is required.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Multi-year warranty covers material defects and bonding failures on all veneers, crowns, and implant restorations. If a remake is needed under warranty, the return flight to Medellín is also covered. The warranty does not cover damage from accidents (sports impact, falls), or wear caused by skipping a prescribed night guard.
How do I take care of my new smile?
What if a veneer or crown chips or comes off?
Message us on WhatsApp the same day. A loose veneer or crown caught early is a 30-minute re-bond. If a remake is needed, the warranty covers material plus the return flight. Your local dentist can also re-bond a single chip if it's quicker for you, we coordinate the visit and reimburse the local fee within reason.
How often should I come back for a checkup?
Routine cleanings every 6 months with your local hygienist. We recommend an annual photo update via WhatsApp so we can spot anything early. For complex cases (full-arch implants, all-on-4), we recommend an in-person visit at the 1-year and 5-year marks for a detailed exam.
From WhatsApp to treatment day.
How do I book a free consult?
Send photos of your smile (or recent X-rays for implant cases) via WhatsApp. We reply within 24 hours with a personalized treatment plan, total cost, target timeline, and material recommendation. Free, no obligation.
How do I lock in my treatment dates?
A $500 USD refundable deposit reserves your treatment dates and books the hotel and concierge. The deposit applies to your final balance on Day 1. Cancel more than 14 days before arrival and the deposit is fully refundable. The remaining balance is due at the start of treatment in Medellín.
Can I see real cases before I commit?
Yes. The before & after gallery has 14+ real cases performed at our Medellín clinic. We also share new cases on Instagram and patient testimonials on YouTube.
What if I have a question that isn't answered here?
Message us on WhatsApp, and we'll add common ones to this page. Your specific case may also need a video consult, we can schedule one in advance of any deposit.