Cost Comparison: All-on-4 Per Arch
Quick Takeaway
All-on-4 in Mexico costs $8,000-12,000 per arch compared to $20,000-30,000 in the US—and top Mexican clinics use the same implant brands (Nobel Biocare, Straumann) with board-certified specialists. Plan for two trips: surgery + temporary teeth, then 4-6 months later for permanent prosthesis. Total stay: 5-7 days per visit.
What Is All-on-4?
All-on-4 is a dental implant technique that replaces an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower) using just four strategically placed implants. Instead of replacing each tooth individually—which would require 8-12 implants—the All-on-4 method uses two straight implants in the front and two angled implants in the back.
This approach has several advantages:
- Fewer implants = lower cost and faster procedure
- Angled back implants avoid the need for bone grafts in many patients
- Immediate function — you leave with temporary teeth the same day
- Proven track record — 20+ years of clinical data
Why Mexico for All-on-4?
The cost savings aren't because of inferior materials or undertrained dentists. Mexico's dental tourism industry has matured significantly over the past two decades. Here's why the prices are lower:
- Lower overhead — Real estate, staff salaries, malpractice insurance all cost less
- No insurance bureaucracy — Cash-pay model eliminates administrative bloat
- Competition — Border towns and tourist areas have dozens of dental clinics competing for international patients
- Different healthcare economics — US dental pricing is inflated by insurance negotiations and hospital systems
Quality Reality Check
Top Mexican dental clinics use the same implant brands as US practices—Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet. Many dentists trained in the US or Europe. Clinics catering to Americans often exceed US standards in amenities and patient experience. The key is choosing the right clinic, not whether Mexico can provide quality care.
All-on-4 Pricing in Mexico: What to Expect
Pricing varies by location, clinic, materials, and complexity. Here's a realistic breakdown:
| Service | Mexico Price | US Price |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 (per arch, acrylic) | $8,000 - $10,000 | $20,000 - $25,000 |
| All-on-4 (per arch, zirconia) | $12,000 - $15,000 | $28,000 - $35,000 |
| All-on-6 (per arch) | $10,000 - $13,000 | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| Full mouth (both arches) | $18,000 - $25,000 | $45,000 - $60,000 |
| Zygomatic All-on-4 (severe bone loss) | $22,000 - $34,000 | $40,000 - $60,000 |
What's Typically Included
Most all-inclusive packages cover:
- 3D CT scan and treatment planning
- Extractions (if needed)
- 4-6 dental implants per arch
- Temporary acrylic prosthesis (placed same day)
- Final prosthesis (acrylic or zirconia)
- All follow-up appointments during your stay
- Local anesthesia (IV sedation usually extra)
Acrylic vs Zirconia: Which to Choose?
Acrylic/PMMA
- ✓ More affordable
- ✓ Easier to repair if damaged
- ✓ Lighter weight
- ✗ Less durable (5-10 year lifespan)
- ✗ Can stain over time
- ✗ Less natural appearance
Zirconia
- ✓ Most natural appearance
- ✓ Extremely durable (15-20+ years)
- ✓ Stain resistant
- ✓ Biocompatible
- ✗ Higher cost
- ✗ More complex to repair
Our take: If budget allows, zirconia is worth the upgrade. The durability and aesthetics are significantly better. But acrylic is a perfectly functional choice if you're watching costs—especially as a starting point you can upgrade later.
Top Destinations for All-on-4 in Mexico
Tijuana
Most PopularJust across the border from San Diego, Tijuana is the most accessible destination for Americans. Walk across the border or use medical transport services.
- • Easy border crossing from San Diego
- • Highest concentration of dental clinics
- • Many US-trained dentists
- • Border wait times can be long
- • City isn't a vacation destination
- • Quality varies widely—research carefully
Cancun
Resort ExperienceCombine dental work with a beach vacation. Cancun's hotel zone offers excellent recovery environment with world-class resorts.
- • Direct flights from most US cities
- • Resort recovery environment
- • Tourism infrastructure
- • Slightly higher prices than border towns
- • Fewer clinic options
- • Requires flight vs. driving
Los Algodones ("Molar City")
Best ValueThis tiny border town has 350+ dental clinics in just a few blocks. Walk across from Yuma, Arizona. Lowest prices in Mexico.
- • Lowest prices anywhere
- • Walking distance from US
- • Massive competition = patient-friendly
- • Small town—limited amenities
- • Quality varies dramatically
- • Mostly good for simpler procedures
The All-on-4 Process: What to Expect
Step 1: Virtual Consultation (Before Travel)
Send X-rays or get a CT scan locally. The clinic reviews your case, confirms you're a candidate, and provides a treatment plan and quote. Many clinics offer free virtual consultations.
Step 2: First Trip — Surgery + Temporary Teeth (5-7 days)
Day 1: Arrive, check in, final consultation, CT scan if not already done
Day 2: Surgery day. Extractions, implant placement, immediate temporary prosthesis placed. Procedure takes 2-4 hours per arch under local anesthesia (IV sedation available).
Days 3-5: Recovery. Soft foods only. Follow-up appointments as needed. Expect swelling and discomfort.
Days 6-7: Final check, care instructions, fly home with temporary teeth.
Healing Period (4-6 Months at Home)
Implants osseointegrate (fuse with bone) over the next 4-6 months. You'll eat normally with temporary teeth. Your US dentist can handle any minor adjustments if needed.
Step 3: Second Trip — Permanent Prosthesis (3-5 days)
Return for final impressions and fitting of your permanent zirconia or acrylic prosthesis. Some clinics can complete this in as little as 2-3 days. You leave with your final teeth.
How to Choose a Clinic
This is the most important decision you'll make. Here's what to look for:
Must-Haves
- Board-certified implantologist — Not just a general dentist. Look for specialists with implant-specific training.
- Brand-name implants — Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet. Avoid generic/unknown brands.
- In-house dental lab — Clinics with their own labs have better quality control and faster turnaround.
- Written warranty — Minimum 5-year warranty on implants; 2+ years on prosthesis.
- Before/after photos — Ask to see actual cases, not stock photos.
- Verifiable reviews — Google reviews, Facebook, dental tourism review sites.
Red Flags
- Prices significantly lower than competitors (quality cut somewhere)
- Won't tell you which implant brand they use
- No written treatment plan before you arrive
- Pressure to book immediately
- Can't provide credentials or references
Planning Your Trip
What to Bring
- Passport (always, even for border crossings)
- Any existing dental records/X-rays
- List of current medications
- Comfortable recovery clothing
- Ice packs (or buy locally)
Recovery Essentials
- Soft foods: Soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs for the first week
- Medications: Clinic provides antibiotics and pain medication
- Ice: Apply 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for swelling
- Rest: No strenuous activity for 48-72 hours
Total Cost Including Travel
Risks & Considerations
Let's be realistic about the downsides:
- Distance for complications — If something goes wrong months later, you can't just pop back. Most issues can be handled by a US dentist, but major revisions would require another trip.
- No legal recourse — Malpractice suits in Mexico are effectively impossible for Americans. Your protection is choosing a reputable clinic upfront.
- Two trips required — The healing period means you can't do everything in one visit.
- Communication barriers — Top clinics have English-speaking staff, but verify before booking.
Risk Mitigation
Most complications are minor and can be managed remotely or by a local dentist. Serious complications are rare with experienced surgeons. The best protection is thorough research: verify credentials, read reviews, get everything in writing, and don't choose solely based on price.
The Bottom Line
All-on-4 in Mexico is a legitimate option that can save you $15,000-40,000 while delivering comparable quality to US clinics. The key is treating it seriously: research your clinic, verify credentials, understand the process, and plan for two trips.
Best candidates: People who need full-arch replacement, don't have dental insurance covering implants, are comfortable traveling for healthcare, and willing to do their homework on clinic selection.
Not ideal for: Those who want local follow-up care, are anxious about international travel, or need complex cases that might require multiple adjustments.
Explore Mexico Dental Clinics
Compare top-rated dental clinics in Tijuana, Cancun, and Los Algodones.
View Dental Clinics →Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Dental implant surgery carries risks including infection, nerve damage, and implant failure. Always consult with qualified dental professionals before undergoing treatment. Prices and clinic information may change. Verify all details directly with clinics before booking.