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In Their Own Words

Real Patients. Real Stories.

Discover the experiences of patients who traveled to Costa Rica for dental care—and returned home with renewed confidence, a healthier smile, and memories that went far beyond the dental chair.

Every story shared here reflects an Esthetic Dent patient's treatment journey.

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Letters from our patients

Written testimonials sent to us by patients after their treatment.

Ronald Smith’s Story

Dental Care in Costa Rica, With Time to Recover by the Beach

Traveling to Costa Rica for dental treatment gave me an experience I could never have had back home. I was able to receive the care I needed while spending time near the beach, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the country.

From the moment I arrived at Esthetic Dent, the team made me feel comfortable and well cared for. Everyone at the clinic was professional, friendly, and willing to take the time to explain each step of my treatment. I never felt rushed, and that personal attention gave me a great deal of confidence.

What impressed me just as much was the care I received after my treatment. The team continued checking in with me, answering my questions, and making sure my recovery was progressing well—even after I returned home. I never felt like the relationship ended when I left the clinic.

Receiving dental care in Costa Rica allowed me to take care of my smile while also enjoying a place where I could truly relax and recover. I’m very grateful for the experience and would confidently recommend Esthetic Dent to anyone considering dental treatment abroad.

Ronald Smith
Ronald Smith, Esthetic Dent patient

Andrew Green’s Story

A Full-Mouth All-on-8 Journey—and a Reason to Smile Again

When I began researching full-mouth dental implants, I quickly realized how expensive the treatment would be back home. Choosing an All-on-8 treatment in Costa Rica allowed me to save a significant amount of money without feeling like I was compromising on the quality of my care.

Once my dental advisor explained everything included in my package—from the clinical treatment and personal coordination to local transportation and the domestic flight—I knew Esthetic Dent was offering a truly premium experience.

After passing through immigration in San José, I was guided directly to my domestic connection, so I never felt lost or unsure of where to go. The flight to Cóbano took approximately 35 minutes, and the experience was incredible. The views were remarkably clear, and the pilots shared stories about some of the places we passed along the way. It felt like the Costa Rican experience had begun before we even landed.

When I arrived, I was taken to get settled and see my hotel, which was one of Esthetic Dent’s recommendations—and let me tell you, it was beautiful. It had a lovely pool, comfortable rooms, and was only a short walk from the beach. The weather and peaceful surroundings made it an ideal place to rest and recover.

At my first appointment, I immediately felt well cared for. Every part of my full-mouth All-on-8 treatment was explained clearly, and the team repeatedly asked whether I had questions. Nothing felt rushed, and I always understood what was happening next.

My greatest concern was pain. However, I chose sedation for my procedure, and in my personal experience, it made the process feel as quick as snapping my fingers.

After the first phase, I returned home and allowed three months for healing before traveling back for my final phase. My second trip was every bit as wonderful as the first. This time, I brought my wife and son, and we were able to discover several beautiful nearby beaches and spend meaningful time together while I completed my new smile.

Thank you to the entire Esthetic Dent team—from the clinical professionals and dental technicians to the administrative staff—for the support and care I received throughout this journey. Most of all, I’m grateful to my dental advisor, who was there for me every step of the way.

I saved a significant amount on my treatment, enjoyed two unforgettable trips to Costa Rica, and now I can smile with a level of confidence that is truly priceless.

Andrew Green

Full-Mouth All-on-8 Patient

Andrew Green, Esthetic Dent full-mouth All-on-8 patient

Bruce Jameel’s Story

Goodbye, Dentures. Hello, Costa Rica.

My name is Bruce Jameel. I’m 73 years old, happily retired—thank God—and I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. After years of putting up with dentures, I was simply tired of them. Anyone who has worn one or two dentures knows they feel nothing like having your own teeth.

I had consulted several dentists in the United States about dental implants, but the cost placed the treatment completely out of my reach. I also tried another clinic abroad, where I was left waiting for hours. That experience made me continue searching for a place where my time would be respected and I would feel genuinely cared for.

After a great deal of online research, I discovered Esthetic Dent. I learned that I could choose between receiving treatment in San José or near the beach in Cóbano, which immediately caught my attention. From the moment I arrived, I realized I had found the right place.

The clinic impressed me on every level. The team was friendly, helpful, and able to communicate with me in English. Just as importantly, my appointments were organized and respected. I didn’t spend endless hours sitting in a waiting room wondering when someone would see me.

Before discussing costs, the team took my X-rays and carefully evaluated my case. They asked how I felt about my dentures and what had prevented me from replacing them with implants. My answer was simple: the expense. After reviewing the options, they presented a plan for dental implants in my lower jaw with fixed teeth instead of another removable denture.

When I compared the treatment cost with the estimates I had received from multiple dentists in the United States, my savings were approximately 70%. The difference was remarkable. I could finally receive the fixed dental implant treatment I had wanted while also visiting one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

I was naturally nervous about the procedure, but my personal experience was extraordinary. The implant placement itself took approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and I felt no discomfort during the process. Before I knew it, it was finished.

Having an in-house dental laboratory also gave me confidence. The technology, the facility, and the professionalism of the entire team were impressive, and I could see that my treatment was being handled in one place.

And then there was Costa Rica itself. I had an unforgettable vacation exploring Santa Teresa, Cóbano, and several of the beautiful nearby beaches. Everything is remarkably close, so I could enjoy different scenery, wonderful weather, and time by the ocean while completing my dental journey.

To anyone considering dental implants in Costa Rica, I would say this: give Esthetic Dent serious consideration. I found professional dental care, remarkable savings, respectful service, and the opportunity to enjoy an incredible vacation at the same time.

And as for my removable denture—goodbye and good riddance. I finally have my implants and fixed teeth. It’s truly amazing.

Bruce Jameel

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Fixed Dental Implant Patient

Bruce Jameel, Esthetic Dent fixed dental implant patient

Grace Corby’s Story

The Hollywood Smile I Thought Was Out of Reach

My name is Grace Corby. I’m 45 years old and live in Colorado. For years, I watched Hollywood movies and wondered why my smile couldn’t look like the smiles I saw on the screen. I wasn’t trying to become someone else—I simply wanted to see a real change and finally feel completely confident when I smiled.

I began researching porcelain veneers and learned that I would need approximately 16 veneers to achieve the result I wanted. The quote I received in Colorado was simply too expensive, so I started looking at options outside the United States.

At first, I assumed traveling abroad for dental treatment would mean sacrificing my entire vacation. I thought I would spend the trip going back and forth to a dental clinic without having time to enjoy the destination. I told myself my dream smile would still be worth it—but then one of my closest friends, who lives in Costa Rica, told me about Esthetic Dent.

When I discovered that I could receive my smile makeover near some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, I immediately wanted to learn more. Esthetic Dent wasn’t simply offering dental treatment; they had created an experience that would allow me to transform my smile and still enjoy a real vacation.

I was even more surprised after speaking with my dental advisor and learning everything included in the package. It was designed around the needs of an international patient, and the support made planning my trip feel much easier than I expected.

A few months later, I traveled to Costa Rica and fell in love with the country—its beaches, its people, and the warmth I experienced throughout my stay. From the moment I was welcomed at the airport to my first appointment at the clinic, I felt that genuine care had gone into every part of my journey.

One of my favorite moments was seeing my digital smile design before completing my treatment. I was able to participate in the process, explain what I liked, and make decisions about my new smile while being guided by the clinical team. I never felt as though someone was simply choosing a smile for me. It was designed with me.

And yes, I absolutely enjoyed my vacation. Costa Rica is beautiful, I felt safe throughout my stay, and I’m already thinking about returning. This experience gave me much more than 16 porcelain veneers—it gave me the smile I had dreamed about for years and a trip I will never forget.

Now, when I look in the mirror, I no longer wonder why my smile can’t look like the ones in the movies. I’m the Hollywood star of my own story.

Grace Corby

Colorado, USA

16 Porcelain Veneers — Smile Makeover Patient

Grace Corby, Esthetic Dent smile makeover patient

John & Marta Robinson’s Story

Two New Smiles for Their 30th Anniversary

My name is John Robinson. I’m 60 years old, and my wife, Marta, is 58. We’re from Florida, and we decided to make our dental journey to Costa Rica part of our 30th wedding anniversary celebration.

I had lost several of my lower front teeth and believed dental implants were the only way to replace them. In the United States, I had also been told that some of my remaining teeth were in very poor condition and needed to be extracted.

During our consultation with Esthetic Dent, we received a very different evaluation. The team carefully reviewed my case, showed us my 3D scan, and took the time to explain why those teeth did not need to be removed. Instead of recommending a more extensive procedure, they explained that a dental bridge was an excellent option for me.

We were surprised and relieved. It was clear that their goal wasn’t to recommend the most complicated treatment, but to preserve my natural teeth and provide what I actually needed. My new lower bridge replaced my missing teeth beautifully, without unnecessary extractions or implant surgery.

Marta needed an upper All-on-4 treatment. When we first began exploring our options, we assumed our budget would only allow one of us to receive dental care. However, before we made any travel arrangements, Esthetic Dent reviewed both of our cases and explained the recommended treatments and costs during our consultation.

We were amazed to learn that we could both receive the care we needed—and that the combined cost would still be considerably lower than the estimates we had received in the United States.

Knowing our treatment plans and costs in advance gave us the confidence to organize the trip together. Before arriving in Costa Rica, we already understood what was recommended for each of us, what our treatments would involve, and what to expect.

We were also impressed by how clean and carefully maintained the clinics were. Everything looked organized, modern, and spotless. That gave us even more confidence, especially because we were receiving two very different types of dental treatment.

What stood out most to us was the honesty of the recommendations. I was able to preserve my natural teeth and receive a dental bridge, while Marta received the full-arch dental implant treatment she truly needed. We each received a personalized treatment plan based on what was right for us.

Once we understood that both treatments were within our budget, we decided to make the journey part of our 30th wedding anniversary celebration. Instead of seeing dental treatment as something stressful, we turned it into a meaningful trip—a chance to care for our health, enjoy Costa Rica together, and celebrate three decades of marriage with two renewed smiles.

We arrived already knowing our treatment plans and costs. What we discovered in Costa Rica was the warmth of its people, the cleanliness and professionalism of the clinics, and just how special our anniversary journey was.

John & Marta Robinson

Florida, USA · Ages 60 and 58

Lower Dental Bridge & Upper All-on-4 Patients

John and Marta Robinson, Esthetic Dent patients

Adelaida Larson’s Story

A New Smile and an Unforgettable Vacation With My Children

My name is Adelaida Larson. I’m 51 years old and I’m from Boca Raton, Florida. I needed a full-mouth smile makeover using dental crowns, but the cost of completing such extensive treatment in the United States was extremely high.

I already knew dental treatment could be more affordable outside the United States, so I spent a great deal of time researching clinics in Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Affordability mattered, but it wasn’t my only priority. I would be traveling with my two children, ages 11 and 14, so safety was extremely important to me.

I researched the destination, the clinic’s credentials and accreditations, the qualifications of its dental specialists, and the type of technology and care available. When I found Esthetic Dent, everything began to come together. I could receive the full-mouth restoration I needed in Costa Rica while giving my children the opportunity to discover a new country and enjoy a real tropical vacation.

We wouldn’t have to spend the entire trip inside a hotel waiting for my treatment to end. We could stay near the beach, enjoy the warm weather, explore the area, and participate in activities together.

Our experience began with the domestic flight from San José to Cóbano on Costa Rica Green Airways. It only took approximately 35 to 40 minutes, but my children and I enjoyed every moment. The views were incredible, and the pilot pointed out different places as we flew over the country. It felt like part of the vacation rather than simply a connection between airports.

I received my treatment at Esthetic Dent’s Santa Teresa location, only about five minutes from our hotel. Even though the clinic was so close, transportation was arranged to pick up my children and me and take us to my appointments.

My care felt calm, private, and completely focused on me. The appointments were well organized, so my children didn’t have to spend endless hours waiting at the clinic. The dental team was highly professional, while the reception and administrative staff were warm, caring, and always willing to help us discover more of Costa Rica.

Everyone understood that I wasn’t there only for dental treatment. They genuinely wanted my children and me to enjoy the entire experience.

While we were in Costa Rica, we decided that we also wanted to visit Guanacaste before returning to Cóbano for our final days. This wasn’t part of our original itinerary, but after hearing more about the area, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

My dental advisor helped us reorganize everything after we had already arrived in Costa Rica. She coordinated around my appointments and helped arrange our plans so we could enjoy Cóbano and Santa Teresa, visit Guanacaste, and return with enough time before flying home.

My children had an incredible vacation. We explored beautiful places and enjoyed several beaches near Santa Teresa, including Malpaís, where we saw some of the most beautiful sunsets of our trip. Watching my children experience so much made the journey even more meaningful to me.

Most importantly, I completed my full-mouth smile makeover and finally saw my smile again. My new dental crowns looked beautiful and incredibly natural—not artificial or like someone else’s teeth. The result still looked like me, only with the confident smile I had been missing.

Esthetic Dent gave me more than an affordable dental treatment. They helped me combine a major smile transformation with an unforgettable family vacation. I returned home with a natural-looking new smile, and my children returned with memories of Costa Rica that we will always share.

Adelaida Larson

Boca Raton, Florida · Age 51

Full-Mouth Crown Restoration — Smile Makeover Patient

Adelaida Larson, Esthetic Dent smile makeover patient

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