Dental work in Ajijic, Mexico, is a popular choice for US and Canadian citizens alike. Some of them even choose to settle there. If you’re wondering why expatriates choose Ajijic, then this article may help you know.
Some questions like – how safe dental care is, how much you can save, and how to get there have been addressed as follows. So, read ahead!
Video Courtesy: Accesschapala
Ajijic, Mexico, is home to thousands of expatriates. [1]
It gained traction for its low cost of living compared to western countries like the U.S. and Canada. [2]
Apart from being a bucket-list vacation spot, it attracts many dental tourists, mainly for the vacation & low-cost combo.
So, let’s talk about dental work in Ajijic, Mexico. Is it worth it? We promise to answer all of your questions.
Why Choose Ajijic, Mexico?
Cost Savings
Dental care in Ajijic can save up to 80% of the cost of what you would pay in the U.S. or Canada.
These cost savings are due to the low cost of living in Mexico. [3]
Location
Mexico is close to the U.S. and Canada. Cheap, short, and direct flights are available.
U.S. cities with short flight durations to Ajijic
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Albuquerque and Santa Fe, MX
Canadian cities with short flight durations to Ajijic
- Calgary, AB
- Toronto, ON
- Vancouver, BC
- Regina, SK & Winnipeg, MB
High-quality Dental Care
Despite the low cost of dental work in Mexico, the quality shadows the U.S. [4]
Enjoy a Vacation
Ajijic, Mexico, is a lively place with beautiful natural landscapes. As of 2020, the town became one of Mexico’s 121 “magical towns.” [5]
Dental Work Cost in Ajijic, Mexico
The dental work cost in Ajijic can save you 50 – 90% compared to U.S. and Canadian prices.
For example, in Ajijic, titanium dental implants (with abutment) and all-on-4 dental implants cost, respectively, $1,280 and $8,500 when they cost about $5,000 and $24,000 in the U.S.
For dental work prices comparison, check the following table:
Dental Work Cost Comparison (USD)
| Dental Procedure | US/Canada | Ajijic, Mexico |
| Titanium implant | $5,000 | $1,280 |
| All-on-4 implants | $24,000 | $8,500 |
| All-on-6 implants | $28,000 | $11,500 |
| Porcelain crown | $2,000 | $450 |
| Porcelain veneer (per unit) | $2,500 | $450 |
| Full dentures (per arch) | $2,000 | $490 |
| Root canal | $1,500 | $210 |
| Bone graft (per unit) | $1,200 | $400 |
| Sinus lift | $2,500 | $750 |
| Laser teeth whitening | $1,500 | $200 |
| Tooth extraction | $300 | $140 |
*Note that the prices are case-dependent.
Fixing teeth won't drain your savings anymore!
Save up to 80%!Popular Dental Procedures in Ajijic, Mexico
Dental Implants
The implants are shaped like a screw and made of either titanium or zirconia.
They are surgically drilled into the jawbone.
After a period of osseointegration — from 3 to 9 months, an abutment and a crown are placed on top.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
As the name suggests, All-on-4 implants are four dental implants surgically placed in one jaw.
On the top of the implants, a full arch of replacement teeth is placed. They function like natural teeth.
You will be able to bite with increased force, as they do not press down on your gums like traditional dentures.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are dental restorations to replace your missing teeth.
A crown is a cap over your existing tooth to restore its appearance and function.
Along with an implant, it can replace your missing tooth.
Dental bridges fill in the space caused by one or more missing teeth.
It is made up of false teeth with one crown on either end of the bridge.
❓How much can you save on dental crowns & bridges in Ajijic, compared to the U.S. and Canada?
With the dental crown restoration in Ajijic, Mexico, one can save about 60 – 75%.
Porcelain crowns in Ajijic cost one-fifth of the U.S./Canada price.
Dental crowns and bridges cost less than $1,000 in Ajijic, while the same procedure is above $3,000 in the U.S.
Dentures
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances to replace missing teeth.
You can opt for a full/complete denture when you don’t have any natural teeth.
When you miss only a few teeth, a partial denture can help.
Dentures mimic natural teeth.
You get the ability to eat comfortably without worrying about food lodged in empty spaces.
❓How much do dentures cost in Ajijic, Mexico?
In Ajijic, dentures range from $250 – $490.
Implant-supported dentures can cost anywhere from $4,950 – $7,500, depending on the number of implants you get. These prices are only a fraction of the price in the U.S.
Veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic procedure usually made of composite resin, porcelain, or zirconia.
They bond to your teeth to change their shape, size, and color.
Porcelain veneers have a high survival rate of 93 – 96% even after ten years. [6]
They also show great aesthetic results with excellent patient satisfaction.
You can get dental veneers in Ajijic at an affordable cost of $450, while it would cost above $2,000 in the U.S./Canada.
Top Clinics in Ajijic, Mexico
Some reviews online may have deterred you from getting dental work done in Ajijic.
We assure you that our dental clinics are well-vetted and carefully chosen.
Dr. Angelica Aldana Lema clinic in Chapala is the one we recommend for the obvious reasons.
Dr. Angelica Aldana Lema DDS
Key Features
- Multilingual staff
- National accreditations
- Use of latest technologies
- Experience with foreign patients
- The proximal location from the hotel zone
- Free follow-ups and re-treatments in case of complications
- Adhere to sterilization standards and provide a hi-tech facility
Best Dentist in Ajijic, Mexico
One important point to be careful about choosing a dentist is their qualifications.
We recommend Dr. Angelica Aldana Lema, who trained in Colombia and Mexico.
In Colombia, dentistry students take five years of dentistry school and one mandatory year of work for the government.
In Mexico, it takes 3 to 5 years with an additional year of community service for a dentistry student to obtain a DDS. [7]
Expertise
Full Mouth Rehab, DenturesEducation
Universidad El Bosque- College of Dentists of Chapala
- Speaks English and Spanish
Dr. Angelica Aldana Lema’s Certificates
Looking for an affordable clinic in Ajijic?
Contact us today!Popular Tourist Attractions
Ajijic is a small city, part of Jalisco state in Mexico. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking Lake Chapala, Ajijic enjoys mild weather year-round.
In other words, it’s perfect for nature lovers. Here are some of the popular tourist attractions:
Malecon de Ajijic or Ajijic Boardwalk
Malecon de Ajijic is a boardwalk overlooking a river. The panorama the place has to offer is what lures tourists in.
Ajijic Boardwalk in Mexico
Ajijic Skatepark
In front of Chapala’s lake, you can find a panoramic and tourist skatepark on the Ajijic boardwalk.
It is an excellent place to hang out, watching those on bikes or skateboards do tricks.
Skatepark in Ajijic, Mexico
El Tepalo Waterfall
It’s recommended you visit the waterfall during the rainy season in the summer to capture it in all its splendor.
Video Courtesy: Accesschapala
Travel Tips
How to Reach Ajijic?
There is no airport at Ajijic. Guadalajara Airport (GDL) is the closest one, about a 30-minute drive away.
Here’s how to get there from Guadalajara.
- Taxi is the recommended option for newcomers.
- You pay a flat rate – $35 to $45 – at a taxi desk at the airport to prevent drivers from overcharging you.
- Bus: It’s way cheaper but more of a hassle. [8]
Flying times from major metropolitan airports to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) are listed below.
Flights from Various Destinations to Guadalajara Airport (GDL)
| City | Duration |
| Houston (IAH) | 2 hr 10 min (Non-stop) |
| Chicago (ORD) | 4 hr 30 min (Non-stop) |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 3 hr 05 min (Non-stop) |
| New York (JFK) | 8 hr 45 min (Layover: Mexico City) |
| Toronto (YYZ) | 7 hr 20 min (Layover: Houston) |
| Vancouver (YVR) | 8 hr 24 min (Layover: Dallas) |
SIM Cards
If you’re a U.S./Canadian citizen, chances are your phone plan already has free data roaming in Mexico.
However, make sure to check with your provider first.
In case you need a sim card, there are three leading providers:
- AT&T
- Telcel
- Movistar
Telcel is the market leader with the best 4G network coverage in Mexico.
You can get a sim card nearly anywhere in Ajijic. You can also order it online to have it with you before you travel.
Language
Mexico’s official language is Spanish, and English is it is second. The clinics we recommend speak both languages.
Important Tourist Information
Ajijic is home to thousands of expats.
It’s a small city recently named one of Mexico’s magic cities for its natural beauty and ability to hook tourists in.
There are multiple lodging options from hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts.
Since Ajijic is a tourist city, all life necessities plus entertainment are available.
Is It Safe To Visit Ajijic, Mexico for Dental Care?
Ajijic is a small and very safe town, one of the main reasons many U.S. and Canadian expats choose to relocate and live there.
Also, the crime rate in Ajijic is low, with most crimes being theft. [9] The locals aren’t wealthy.
So, it wouldn’t be a good idea to show signs of wealth.
Good and bad dental care exists worldwide. That’s how probability works; nothing is certain.
Thankfully, you can increase your chances of getting satisfactory dental work by selecting your clinic through the following checklist:
- The brands used
- The clinic’s reviews
- The clinic’s accreditations
- The sterilization procedures
- The type of technology used
- The dentists’ qualifications and experience
Selecting a clinic abroad can be a daunting task. Therefore, you must do your thorough research.
Patient’s Review
Excellent dentist Dr. Angelica Aldana. Very professional in her treatment as a specialist. I was very happy with my work.
Victor Cuevas
Conclusion
As you can see, you can save a lot of money by choosing Ajijic for dental work.
Not only that, but you can invest some of the money you saved to treat yourself to a vacation in a beautiful area that caters mainly to tourists.
FAQs: Dental Work in Ajijic, Mexico
A titanium dental implant with an abutment in Ajijic, Mexico, costs $1,280 while costs around $5,000 in the U.S. and Canada.
It translates to approximately 75% savings.
The cost of all-on-4 dental implants in Ajijic, Mexico, is $8,500.
In the U.S. and Canada, the procedure costs roughly $24,000, which is 65% in cost savings.
Yes and no. It depends on the dentist/dental clinic you choose.
Choosing a dental clinic can be stressful, especially in a country that you’re not familiar with.
Here’s a checklist of criteria you should make your final decision on:
- Multilingual staff
- Modern technology
- Experience with foreign patients
- Qualifications of the staff and accreditations
- International standards of sterilization protocols
