I saved thousands of dollars at the beach

My wife Chris knew she needed a bunch of dental work, but put off seeing the dentist. I do the same thing, so I can hardly fault her. She finally went in for an exam and X-rays recently and her dentist told her she needed 8 crowns plus other work. Estimate: $10-12K. Ouch.

I remembered that Rich Weese had just posted about seeing his dentist in Cancun, so I started doing some research on US citizens going to Mexico for dental work. It didn't take long to figure out that we could save a lot of money. The biggest caveat--be sure you go see a great dentist. I emailed Rich and he assured me his dentist was great, so my wife started emailing Dr. Javier J. LorÃa MuÃ±oz and gained enough confidence to go. She emailed her X-rays to Javier and I booked the flight. I also arranged to rent one of Rich's condos on the beach.

Everything went well on our trip. Javier thought Chris didn't need so many caps, but more overlay work. Probably more work for him, but less cost for us. Chris said he is the best dentist she ever had. Very trustworthy, too. A couple of days she was in the chair for a long time, but shorter visits on 3 days. So she is happy and I am happy because of saving money (and because she is happy). Not to mention a much needed vacation.

The Dallas dentist quoted $10K-12K, Javier thought around $5000 before seeing her. It ended up only being $2700! The savings paid for our trip and a few more vacations. Or a healthy down payment on another rental house.

One day we took the ferry to Isle Mujeres, and snorkeled and ate fish tacos on the beach. Fantastic! Another day we took the bus to Playa Del Carmon-very relaxing. The condo was great, close to everything. And what a view, beach, and brilliant turquoise ocean! Getting around was a snap. Buses were easy and pleasant.

Here is a short video from our balcony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpqD8SKrWBo

Dr. Javier J. LorÃa MuÃ±oz website in case you want to check this option out: http://www.denti-star.com

Rich Weese's website about his condos: http://www.topcancuncondos.com

I told you it was an unusual success story, but every bit as satisfying as buying a $75K house for $25K.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 11:53AM

Jon K., VentureNet
E-Mail: jklaus@vnetinc.com
Telephone: 214-929-6545
Website: http://www.caddostar.com
Traveling to Dallas? Check out our ranch cabin getaway. www.caddostar.com

Raymond B.

Real Estate Investor · Wallingford, Connecticut

320 posts
5 awards
59 influence

Mar 02 '10, 06:28 AM

Through the years, I've had dental work done at the Dental School at the University of Connecticut.

Another note:
For years I've had my car repaired at the local Technical School. They charge a labor rate of $15 per hour, and you get the parts at the same price that they pay.

Ray in Ct.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 11:53AM by Raymond B.

Rich Weese

Real Estate Investor · sioux falls, South Dakota

Donor

4,619 posts
15 awards
79 influence

Mar 02 '10, 06:30 AM

Thanks Jon. He is really good. I go back in early April for crowns on my dental implants. Great discount from U.S. and 15 years experience with him. Welcome back. Rich

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 11:53AM

Kip G.

Real Estate Investor · Palm Springs, California

26 posts
50 influence

Mar 05 '10, 01:43 PM

My folks go to a dentist in Algodones, Mexico and they have paid about $10000 lessso far on their dental work versus what they would have paid in the US.

I went to the guy once (I can't remember his name but if anyone's interested I can find out.) I was nervous about going to see him before I went but the place was very clean and he did good work.

He got his DDS here in the US at Loma Linda University and did post grad work at Harvard. He lives in AZ but works in Mexico. My parents totally love him. I would go to him regularly if I lived closer to the border.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 11:56AM

Rich Weese

Real Estate Investor · sioux falls, South Dakota

Donor

4,619 posts
15 awards
79 influence

Mar 05 '10, 09:19 PM

I've also gone to Los Algodones when I spent winters in AZ. Cancun is MUCH nicer to spend your recuperation in. Rich

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 11:56AM