General questions

Is it safe to go to Costa Rica?
How long do I have to stay in Costa Rica for treatment?
Do the Dentists at the clinic speak English?
Which of the doctors will be handling my case?
Can you tell me how much my treatment may cost?
Are the dentists well prepared to handle these treatments?

About my visit to Costa Rica

How far is the clinic from the San Jose airport?
What do I have to do to rent a car?
Can you recommend me a few hotels close to the clinic?
How is the weather in Costa Rica?
Are there any activities or tours I can take during my time in Costa Rica?

Arenal Volcano

About our treatments

Whitening Zoom System

What is Zoom tooth whitening?
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Do many people whiten their teeth?
Is whitening safe?
How long do the results last?
Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom?

Dental Implants

What are dental implants and what can they do for me?
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Is age a problem?
What is treatment like?
Will implants last a lifetime?
Can I brush my teeth?
Are there any foods I should avoid?

Invisalign

What is Invisalign?
What are the primary benefits of this technology?
How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?
What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?

Answers

Is it safe to go to Costa Rica? Go to top
Yes, our country is known as one of the main destinations for tourism and dental treatments in America.  We are proud to say that we do not have army and that Costa Ricans are kind and peaceful people.  The clinic is located in a  shopping center, surrounded by a main road, car dealers, restaurants, banks and other shopping centers so, you can be sure that your visit will be pleasant.

How long do I have to stay in Costa Rica for  treatment? Go to top
It depends.
Zoom Whitening process: First appointment  +  1 hour of treatment = 1-2 working days.
Dental Cleaning: First appointment  + appointment for the cleaning = 1-2 working days.
Fillings and Bondings: Depends of the number of teeth that requires treatment = 1 – 3 working days.
Porcelain Veneers: First appointment + 5-6 working days to prepare the veneers + second appointment = 7-8 working days.
Porcelain Crowns: First appointment + 5-8 working days to prepare the crown + second appointment = 7-10 working days.
Porcelain Bridges: First appointment + 5-8 working days to build the bridge + second appointment = 7-10 working days.
Ortodontics and Invisalign: First appointment + 5-6 working days to prepare the Invisalign pieces + second appointment = 7-8 working days.
Dental implants: It will depend of the number of implants.
Root Canal Treatments:  It will depend of the number of teeth to be treated.

Do the Dentists at the clinic speak English? Go to top
That is correct.  All our dentists have received trainings and education outside of Costa Rica which has helped them manage the English language very well.  Another important point is that all of them have worked previously with many customers from the US, Canada and Europe.

Which of the doctors will be handling my case? Go to top
It depends on the type of treatment that you will require.  As you can see in the “About Us” section, every one of our doctors is specialized in a specific field so, after we get to know you better and study your case, we will move the case to the indicated doctor.  You can be sure that you are in the best hands.

Can you tell me how much my treatment may cost? Go to top
As per regulations of the Costa Rica’s Dentistry and Surgeon School we are not able to publish our rates.  In order to get this information all you have to do is go to the “Contact” page and describe your treatment.  We will give you and estimated cost as soon as possible.

Are the dentists well prepared to handle these treatments? Go to top
Yes, very well prepared! As the “About Us” section shows, our dentists have had extensive training in Costa Rica and outside the country as well.  They also have years of experience working with national and foreign customers from many different countries.

How far is the clinic from the San Jose airport? Go to top
The clinic is located about 25 minutes away of the Juan Santamaria  Airport (Main Airport of Costa Rica).  It is very easy to get there.  You just have to take the main road to San Jose and take a couple of detours. We have created a “Directions” section with maps to help you get to our clinic.

What do I have to do to rent a car? Go to top
The process to rent a car in Costa Rica is very simple.  You will need to have a major credit card and an “up to date” driver license.  The rental company will hold an amount of about $1000  as a security deposit in order to release the car and you will need to take a mandatory insurance.  We have created a section called “Help with my visit” that includes a rental company with excellent service, good cars and great rates.

Can you recommend me a few hotels close to the clinic? Go to top
Sure.  Please go to the section “Help with my visit”.  We have information of 3 different hotels in order to help you find the place to stay.

How is the weather in Costa Rica? Go to top
Costa Rica has two main seasons, summer (Dec-April) and winter (May-Nov).  During summer it is very sunny all day long and the temperature in San Jose is about 80-85 Fahrenheit.  During winter, most of the time is sunny during the morning and rainy during the afternoon.  The temperature is about 65-75 Fahrenheit.

Are there any activities or tours I can take during my time in Costa Rica? Go to top
Yes, Costa Rica has plenty of activities, tours and activities you can enjoy during your visit.  We have included a tour operator company in our “Help with my visit” section.  They will be able to provide you with more information.

What is Zoom tooth whitening? Go to top
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening? Go to top

Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Do many people whiten their teeth? Go to top
More people than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Is whitening safe? Go to top
Yes, extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

How long do the results last? Go to top
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking at their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with Zoom! Whitening Toothpaste, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth at their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom!? Go to top
Yes! Consulting your dental professional is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Plus, over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Zoom! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades in one hour or six shades in just one weekend.
* Only a dentist can get your teeth this white, this fast.

What are dental implants and what can they do for me? Go to top
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.

Am I a candidate for dental implants? Go to top

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth.

Is age a problem? Go to top
No! Health is a problem.
Many people 70 and 80 years of age are a better candidate than someone years younger in poor health.
Older people are more likely to need implants because they have lost more teeth and ridge.  for as long as you live, you owe it to yourself, your family and friends to take the best care of yourself as you possibly can. Incidentally, no reports in dental implants have ever been the cause of cancer.

What is treatment like? Go to top
This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your implantologist. Your Implantologist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your implantologist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.
First, the implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site.
Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach an extension. This small metal post, called an abutment, completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second step. Your implantologist will advise you on which system is best for you.
Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you by your dentist and attached to the abutment. After a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.

Will implants last a lifetime? Go to top
Few things last forever. Every case depends on the individual patient. Generally, the current overall dental health of the patient and the condition of the bone structure remaining in the jaws are important factors in determining long-term success rates. Of course, everyone needs regular visits to their dentists, and this is particularly important for dental implant patients.

Can I brush my teeth? Go to top
Do not brush the surgical area, but continue to clean the rest of your mouth.

Are there any foods I should avoid? Go to top
Yes!   DO NOT EAT ANY POPCORN, POPPY SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS OR SEEDED FRUITS. THEY CAN GET STUCK AND CAUSE INFECTION!

What is Invisalign? Go to top
Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear “aligners” are produced. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

What are the primary benefits of this technology? Go to top

Invisalign is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments.
Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start—so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth? Go to top
Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

What are aligners made of, and what do they look like? Go to top
Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.