In 2025, the cost of cosmetic dental procedures in the United States will remain among the highest in the world. According to the American Dental Association, the average price for a single dental implant ranges from $3,000 to $4,500, while a full set of porcelain veneers can easily cost over $20,000.
Even basic teeth whitening often comes with a price tag of $500 or more per session, and almost none of these procedures are covered by standard dental insurance plans.
Itโs no surprise, then, that more than 780,000 Americans traveled abroad for dental care in 2024, a number expected to top 850,000 in 2025 based on current growth trends from the Roots Analysis.
For many, the savings are simply too substantial to ignore: getting a dental implant in Mexico or Turkey can cost 60% to 80% less than at home, even after factoring in airfare and hotel. Recent surveys show that the typical American dental tourist saves between $5,000 and $15,000 per tripโenough to cover the cost of an entire vacation and then some.
Quality of care is also improving in top dental tourism destinations, with many clinics now offering U.S.-trained dentists, international accreditations, and English-speaking staff. As the cost gap widens and social media makes word-of-mouth recommendations easier than ever, more U.S. patients are opting for a new smile overseas rather than breaking the bank at home.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Mexico
Mexico is the most popular destination for Americans seeking affordable dental care abroad. In 2024, over 550,000 U.S. citizens crossed the border for dental procedures, according to Patients Beyond Borders. Tijuana, Los Algodones, and Cancun are famous โdental tourismโ cities where clinics cater to Americans with bilingual staff and U.S.-grade materials.
Proximity and cultural familiarity add to the appeal: many patients drive across the border and return home the same day. Mexicoโs quality has risen dramatically in the past decade, with a growing number of clinics certified by the American Dental Associationโs international program.
Savings are substantialโoften $10,000 or more for a full set of veneers or implants. Most clinics provide written guarantees and aftercare plans, making Mexico a trusted and accessible option.
2. India
Procedure
Typical Price in India
U.S. Average Price
Savings (%)
Dental Implant
$600 โ $1,200
$3,500 โ $4,500
70 โ 85%
Porcelain Veneer
$200 โ $400
$1,800 โ $2,500
80 โ 90%
Zirconia Crown
$150 โ $300
$1,200 โ $1,500
80 โ 90%
Teeth Whitening
$80 โ $200
$500 โ $900
80 โ 90%
Full Smile Makeover
$2,500 โ $5,000
$20,000 โ $30,000
80 โ 90%
India is a rising star in dental tourism, with over 200,000 foreign patients each year, many from the U.S., UK, and Australia. The biggest draws are not just price, but also English-speaking dentists trained internationally, and clinics in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore equipped with the latest technology.
Dental Tourism India is a promising and a rapidly developing concept offers a variety of dental treatments, \dental implantsporcelain metal
โ Dr. Bela Jain (@drbelajain) December 25, 2013
In 2025, the quality gap has shrunk dramatically: many Indian clinics are accredited by the NABH or JCI and follow global sterilization standards. Packages often include airport pick-up, hotel stays, and personalized aftercare.
With savings up to 90%, Americans traveling for dental work in India often combine their trip with sightseeing and wellness tourism, making it one of the most cost-effective options worldwide.
3. Thailand
Thailandโs โDental Holidayโ industry is booming, drawing over 100,000 dental tourists annually from the U.S., Australia, and Europe. Bangkok and Phuket are home to large, internationally accredited dental hospitals like Bumrungrad and Bangkok International Dental Center, known for Western-trained dentists and five-star service.
Many clinics offer โexpress dentistry,โ completing complex work like full-mouth veneers or multiple implants in under two weeks. Costs are much lower than in the U.S., but what sets Thailand apart is its seamless blend of top-quality care and tourismโpatients recover in luxury hotels or beach resorts.
Most Americans who travel here say the biggest surprise is not just the price, but the hospitality and high-end experience.
4. Hungary
Procedure
Typical Price in Hungary
U.S. Average Price
Savings (%)
Dental Implant
$900 โ $1,500
$3,500 โ $4,500
60 โ 75%
Porcelain Veneer
$400 โ $700
$1,800 โ $2,500
70 โ 80%
Zirconia Crown
$350 โ $600
$1,200 โ $1,500
60 โ 75%
Teeth Whitening
$130 โ $250
$500 โ $900
70 โ 80%
Full Smile Makeover
$6,000 โ $12,000
$20,000 โ $30,000
60 โ 80%
Hungary is called the โdental capital of Europe,โ attracting over 80,000 dental tourists a yearโmany from the UK, Ireland, Germany, and now more Americans. Budapest is packed with clinics catering to foreign patients, featuring English- and German-speaking staff and state-of-the-art equipment.
Hungary is especially known for implants, crowns, and full-mouth reconstructions, often at less than one-third the U.S. price.
The government supports medical tourism, and many clinics have long histories, some operating for over 30 years. Patients praise Hungary for its old-world charm and reliability, making it a preferred destination for those who want high quality without high prices.
5. Turkey
Procedure
Typical Price in Turkey
U.S. Average Price
Savings (%)
Dental Implant
$550 โ $1,080
$3,500 โ $4,500
70 โ 85%
Porcelain Veneer
$365 โ $800
$1,800 โ $2,500
60 โ 80%
Zirconia Crown
$245 โ $400
$1,200 โ $1,500
70 โ 80%
Teeth Whitening
$120 โ $250
$500 โ $900
70 โ 80%
Full Smile Makeover
$3,500 โ $7,000
$20,000 โ $30,000
70 โ 85%
When it comes to affordable and high-quality cosmetic dentistry, Turkey has become the epicenter for international patients seeking the very best results without breaking the bank. Over the past few years, the country has welcomed more than 150,000 dental tourists annually, with a rapidly growing number coming from the U.S.
The main reason is obvious: procedures that would cost the price of a new car back home can often be done in Istanbul or Antalya for less than a family vacation. Clinics in Turkey have made a name for themselves by combining Western-standard hygiene, cutting-edge dental technology, and attentive English-speaking staff.
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, Turkey has become the go-to destination for people who want dramatic results without paying U.S. prices.
Every year, tens of thousands of Americans travel to cities like Istanbul or Antalya to save as much as 80% on major proceduresโand the most requested transformation by far is the Hollywood smile in Turkey, this means a complete, customized makeover with veneers, crowns, and teeth whitening, all designed to create a beautiful but natural look.
Unlike the fake, too-bright teeth some people associate with cosmetic dentistry, top Turkish clinics focus on artistry and subtletyโso your new smile looks healthy, confident, and real.
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become a top dental destination for North Americans, with over 40,000 U.S. dental tourists annually, according to Costa Ricaโs Tourism Institute. Its capital, San Josรฉ, is home to dozens of JCI-accredited dental clinics offering all the latest techniques and technologies.
Most dentists speak fluent English, and many have trained in the U.S. or Canada. American patients save thousandsโsometimes tens of thousandsโon big procedures like all-on-4 implants or full-mouth veneers. Patients appreciate the countryโs proximity, low travel costs, and the option to recuperate in eco-lodges or at the beach.
7. Poland
Procedure
Typical Price in Poland
U.S. Average Price
Savings (%)
Dental Implant
$800 โ $1,500
$3,500 โ $4,500
65 โ 80%
Porcelain Veneer
$350 โ $600
$1,800 โ $2,500
70 โ 80%
Zirconia Crown
$300 โ $500
$1,200 โ $1,500
70 โ 80%
Teeth Whitening
$120 โ $250
$500 โ $900
70 โ 80%
Full Smile Makeover
$5,000 โ $9,000
$20,000 โ $30,000
70 โ 85%
Poland is the quiet achiever in European dental tourism, now drawing over 30,000 dental tourists each year, including Americans with family roots or who want affordable, high-quality work. Cities like Krakรณw and Warsaw offer clinics equipped with German and Swiss technology, and many dentists are fluent in English.
Poland is especially attractive for cosmetic treatments like crowns, veneers, and teeth whitening, and is a favorite among those visiting Europe for both leisure and health reasons. With prices a fraction of those in the U.S., Polandโs reputation for professionalism and high hygiene standards keeps growing.
8. Colombia
Colombiaโs rise in dental tourism has been dramatic, with over 20,000 foreign dental patients in 2024, and the number is growing.
Cities like Bogotรก and Medellรญn have ultra-modern dental centers with advanced cosmetic techniques and highly trained dentists, many with U.S. or European experience. Colombia is especially well known for its rapid smile makeoversโpatients often report returning home in just one week with a completely transformed appearance.
The countryโs vibrant culture and low travel costs add to the appeal. Americans visiting Colombia for dental work consistently mention how easy it is to arrange treatment, get clear pricing, and combine their care with travel.
9. Malaysia
Procedure
Typical Price in Malaysia
U.S. Average Price
Savings (%)
Dental Implant
$900 โ $1,500
$3,500 โ $4,500
60 โ 75%
Porcelain Veneer
$300 โ $600
$1,800 โ $2,500
70 โ 85%
Zirconia Crown
$350 โ $600
$1,200 โ $1,500
65 โ 75%
Teeth Whitening
$100 โ $250
$500 โ $900
70 โ 80%
Full Smile Makeover
$5,000 โ $10,000
$20,000 โ $30,000
65 โ 80%
Malaysiaโs dental sector is booming, with more than 15,000 international dental tourists visiting annually. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are home to JCI-accredited clinics and Western-trained dentists. Malaysia is noted for its focus on high-quality materials and strict infection control, giving American patients peace of mind.
Dental tourism is actively supported by the government, and many clinics have dedicated international patient coordinators. U.S. patients often mention the comfort and safety of care here, as well as the unique opportunity to explore Southeast Asia at a fraction of the cost.
10. Croatia
Croatia is a fast-growing destination for European and American dental tourists, welcoming over 10,000 international patients a year. Cities like Zagreb and Split feature modern dental centers with advanced imaging and digital smile design.
Croatia is especially well regarded for full-mouth implant solutions and cosmetic makeovers. U.S. patients are attracted by low prices, Mediterranean scenery, and the countryโs reputation for reliability. Many clinics are family-owned and provide personalized care and clear, fixed pricing, making Croatia a stress-free choice for affordable dental work.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad for cosmetic dental procedures is no longer just a trendโitโs an established, practical solution for Americans who want top-tier results without the overwhelming costs of U.S. dentistry.
As weโve seen, countries like Mexico, Turkey, India, and Thailand now offer not only dramatic savings but also world-class clinics, skilled dentists, and the kind of customer care that puts anxious patients at ease.
Itโs no wonder that in 2025, more than 850,000 Americans are expected to seek dental care overseas, with many returning home not just with a new smile, but with new confidence and thousands of dollars saved.