Where Do Americans Go For Cheap and Good Cosmetic Dentistry Abroad - Dental Health Magazine

Where Do Americans Go For Cheap and Good Cosmetic Dentistry Abroad - Dental Health Magazine

How To Find A Dentist In Costa Rica

In November of 2011 I went to Costa Rica for cosmetic dental work. I went to Dr. Alberto Coto in San Jose at Implant and Cosmetic Solutions (CostaRicaDentists.org). He did an awesome job for about 20%-25% of the price it would cost in the U.S. I live in Memphis, TN so how did I find this great doctor? No, no one told me about him and I had never heard about his clinic so I didn't find him that way. I simply did my research on the web. Today that is the best and quickest way to gain access to good information—and bad.

First of all when looking for an affordable dentist I looked in Costa Rica because of a TV special I saw in 2004. They highlighted a particular dentist with a growing American clientele who was very satisfied with his work. I actually contacted his clinic at that time and asked many questions. I contacted them several times over the years, but more importantly, Costa Rica stayed in my mind as the place to go for dental work—regular and cosmetic. From time to time I would do searches on cosmetic dentistry but I would always be sure and look in Costa Rica.

Then, earlier this year, I decided I was simply going to find a way to get the money and get my teeth done. I wanted crowns and/or veneers because my front teeth were quite yellow and worn done and I definitely wanted them white! The problem is that a large number of teeth need to be done in order for them all to look the same. I perused in the mirror at my smile and over the months the number of teeth that needed crowns (in my mind) increased. At first I believed I could get by with six on top and six on bottom. Then I concluded that I needed at least sixteen done, and finally I realized that for a full and bright smile I had to have eighteen. I ended up with twenty-one, of course.

That is when I began searching again in earnest. At first I looked up Dentists in Costa Rica. Then I looked up cosmetic dentists there. I found many names and many sites but I did see one name quite often—Dr. Alberto Coto. The more I researched his name and credentials the more I found, but I wasn't finding anything negative. Often—even with very reputable doctors--there will be some type of complaints either personally or professionally. Since I didn't find that I did a Google search looking for reviews under his name or under his business—Implant and Cosmetic Solutions (CostaRicaDentists.org). That led me to another site called, WhatClinic.com. Here they have a large group of doctors, dentists, surgeons, etc., from all over the world, along with their clinics and business information. Some of these sites had personal reviews and Dr. Coto's site had more than anyone. His site had a 92% satisfaction rate.

To be honest, I still felt a little suspicious since I could not find a negative review—except one person on the site did complain about the price. I spent hours on the internet researching this dentist. I emailed his clinic and they responded immediately. I was given several numbers to call if I wanted to speak to the doctor in person or if I had any questions at all. As it turned out we had many emails and phone calls before I felt completely comfortable with making my appointment and booking my trip. I asked detailed questions about the cost and then I asked them again and again. I did not have a lot of money and I could not afford any surprises. Needless to say, He convinced me and I made the trip. I have blogged about that elsewhere.

For me, the key to finding and trusting a good and reputable doctor overseas, comes down to two primary things—finding personal reviews and having personal contact via phone and email. In the end, it was the number and the quality of the reviews that convinced me to proceed further.  Good luck in your search!

Cosmetic Dental work Update

45 Days Later

I am loving my teeth and everyone continues to give me compliments on how I look.  Though they are much less tender they are still not without occasional pain when I chew.  All of this is quite normal I am told. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Coto, his clinic and staff and how great I feel about the whole experience.  I have a little more work to do concerning some implants and I am definitely going back to him.  Hopefully, I can bring some friends with me too.  Email me with any questions and i will answer promptly.  I will post more later about the clinic and the place where I stayed--Maria's Village.

Affordable Dentistry and Beautiful Teeth

A Dream Come True

 Hello. My name is Larry Meza and I Love my new teeth. I just got back last night (November 08, 2011) from Dr. Alberto Coto's office in San Jose, Costa Rica and I cannot wait to give this review. My Dream....... Every year or so I would search online and look at "before and after" pictures of people with crowns and veneers. I doubted I could ever afford the work, though I was aware that Costa Rica had become a very popular and legitimate place to get all types of excellent dental work done. I knew that the cost in the United States would be between $20,000-$30,000. I needed 21 crowns  to insure that all my teeth are the same color obviously and that is exactly what Dr. Coto gave me!

My Motivation

I am doing this blog for one reason alone--GRATEFULNESS and the desire to pay it forward. I am not receiving anything else. Dr. Coto went way and above the call of duty for me and I want everybody who can go to him to go. We agreed on a basic price before I came but when he saw my teeth he realized more work was necessary. He carefully explained that I would be better off with additional work and that he would prefer to give me crowns (which cost more than veneers) because of my grinding. BUT, he said he would charge the exact same price. Why? Because it was better for me and because he wanted to do the work perfectly to maintain reputation! The difference in the price was a lot of money and he did exactly what he promised. Go figure. How many dentists in the U.S. or in Costa Rica for that matter, are going to do that? Now you see why I am writing this blog and giving this review?

 The Quality of Work

 Let me make one thing very clear at this point: If you think you are only going to Dr. Coto and to Implant and Cosmetic Solutions (CostaRicaDentists.org) simply to save money then you will be mistaken. He is undoubtedly one of the better dentists in Costa Rica and you are getting premium dental care. I realize now that the price was a bonus. He put in 21 crowns in two sittings and in a weeks time. The crowns are made during that time at the clinic by Frank, a highly skilled technician who has been doing this work for over 20 years. In the U.S. this would take many more sittings and a significantly longer period of time since the the crowns are made elsewhere. My teeth look gorgeous and natural. I have only been home for one day but I am almost discomfort free. They are still a little tender to chew down on but soft food is fine. I never needed any pain pill at all.

 Other Clients I Met

 While I was in the office I met another, older, American gentleman (the majority of his clients are from the U.S.) who had been to Dr. Coto several times before. He was so impressed by his work that he brought a friend along this last time who was also pleased with the clinic. Then, at Maria's Village where I was staying (more about that shortly), I met two more patients. One was a 66 year old man named Tom who had nothing but praise to give about his visit. He left two days after I arrived. The other was a real funny guy named Richard, 43 years old, who had all his teeth done in July. He was back for while to explore the country further and was staying at Maria's because of the food! Anyway, his teeth looked great but he, too, brought a friend back who had returned home a few days before I arrived. Next he is going to bring his brother and then his sister. I am telling you this because there is no higher compliment one can give the clinic, in my opinion, than to bring back your friends and family. I've already told several people that they need to go.