Planning to Visit Mexico for Dental Work?
If you are thinking about crossing the US-Mexico border for dental care, preparation is the key to a smooth trip. Every year, thousands of American and Canadian patients visit our dental office in Tijuana to save money while receiving world-class dental care.
In this guide, we’ll share the most important tips to make your dental trip safe, easy, and enjoyable.
1. Check Your Travel Documents Before You Go
Before leaving home, make sure all your documents are ready.
You will need:
A valid passport or passport card for re-entry into the United States.
If you have a SENTRI pass or Global Entry, you can use dedicated lanes for faster border crossing.
For visits shorter than seven days, you don’t need a special permit. If you plan to stay longer, you can easily obtain a tourist card (FMM) at the border.
➡️ Tip: Keep your documents in a safe and accessible place to avoid delays during inspection.
2. Choose the Most Convenient Way to Cross
There are several ways to cross the U.S.–Mexico border, and each one has its benefits.
Pedestrian crossing:
Is often the most convenient if you’re just walking across for a dental appointment. Using the less-congested pedestrian lanes (e.g., PedWest at the San Ysidro port) can reduce waiting times
Vehicle crossing:
Gives you flexibility, especially if you’ll stay overnight or have luggage. If you’re driving, consider enrolling in the SENTRI vehicle lanes or other trusted programs for faster re-entry.
Ask your dental-tourism clinic if they provide a “Medical Pass” or “Medical Lane” access to speed up your return. This can cut re-entry wait times to 15–30 minutes versus many hours.
Using Our Dental Clinic Transportation
At our dental clinic in Tijuana, we make things even easier. We offer round-trip shuttle service from the San Diego Airport and local transportation between your hotel and the clinic. For many of our dental packages, this service is included at no additional cost.
3. Time Your Crossing Strategically
Border wait times can vary throughout the day. To save time and avoid stress, it helps to plan your crossing hours carefully.
Cross early in the morning or late in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid weekends or major holidays whenever possible.
If you’re having a long or complex treatment like All-on-4 implants, it’s best to arrive the day before and rest overnight.
Moreover, our coordinators can help you choose the ideal travel schedule and recommend nearby hotels to make your stay more comfortable.
4. Choose a Clinic That Specializes in Dental Tourism
Not all dental clinics are experienced with international patients. That’s why choosing the right one makes all the difference.
At Tijuana Dental Center, we specialize in dental tourism for patients traveling from the U.S. and Canada. Our treatments include:
All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants
Porcelain veneers, crowns, and bridges
Smile design and full mouth restorations
Additionally, our English-speaking staff will be with you every step of the way — from your initial consultation to your post-treatment instructions.
5. Send Your Dental Records in Advance
To make your visit faster and more efficient, send us your X-rays, photos, or CT scans before you travel.
This allows our doctors to prepare your treatment plan in advance and confirm your estimated costs before your arrival.
Therefore, when you visit our clinic, everything will be ready, and you can focus on your dental care instead of paperwork.
6. Plan Your Return with Comfort in Mind
After your procedure, you may feel a bit tired. For this reason, it’s wise to allow some recovery time before returning home.
Our staff will:
Recommend when it’s best to cross back into the U.S.
Provide your post-treatment care instructions
Ensure you have any necessary medications
As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and comfortable recovery before heading back.
7. Enjoy the Savings and Quality of Care
The main reason so many patients choose our dental clinic in Tijuana is simple:
You can save up to 70% compared to U.S. dental prices, without compromising on quality.
Our patients receive:
Premium materials and advanced technology
Certified implant specialists
Transparent prices with no hidden fees
Follow-up options and warranty on dental work
In other words, you get the same or better quality treatment for a fraction of the cost.
8. Quick Tips Before You Cross
To make your trip even smoother:
Bring your appointment confirmation and photo ID.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Keep small cash bills for parking or local taxis.
Stay in contact with our patient coordinators for real-time updates.
These small steps can make a big difference in how smoothly your dental trip goes.
FAQ’s About All on 4 Dental Implants in tijuana
Do I need a passport to cross into Tijuana for dental care?
Yes. A valid passport or passport card is required for re-entry to the U.S. We recommend carrying it at all times
How far is Smile4Ever Mexico from the border?
Our clinic is located just minutes from the San Ysidro–Tijuana border, in a safe and central area of Tijuana. Transportation from the border or the airport is included in many of our packages.
Is it safe to cross the border for dental work?
Absolutely. Thousands of patients cross daily for dental and medical care. With our dental clinic in Tijuana organized pickup service and bilingual team, your experience is completely safe and professional.
Can I pay with U.S. dollars or credit cards?
Yes, we accept major credit cards, Zelle, and cash in U.S. dollars. All prices are quoted in USD for your convenience.
What if I need follow-up care?
We offer virtual follow-up options and flexible scheduling for return visits if needed. Our goal is to make your entire experience, from the first visit to final results, completely seamless.
