Smile Depot

Opened in 2015 by orthodontics specialist Dr. Flor Cecena Gonzalez, the clinic serves local and international patients with everyday care and advanced treatments in a light, airy facility equipped with panoramic x-rays and 3D CT scanning.

Travelers appreciate the location near Paseo de los Héroes, close to shops and restaurants. The clinic also offers helpful extras like free ground transportation to your hotel and the airport, plus in-clinic Wi-Fi, water, and phone calls.

Why Choose Smile Depot?

• Established for international patients: Located in Zona Río with easy cross-border access for Americans and Canadians.
• Experienced leadership: Founded by Dr. Flor Cecena Gonzalez, a specialist in orthodontics, including Invisalign.
• Modern diagnostics: Panoramic x-rays and 3D CT assist with planning implants, root canals, and complex cases.
• Broad treatment menu: Crowns, veneers, orthodontics, endodontics, dentures, laser whitening, implants, and bone grafts.
• Traveler-friendly perks: Complimentary local transfers to your hotel or airport, plus free Wi-Fi and amenities during your visit.

Treatments & Technology

Smile Depot covers preventive dentistry, including checkups, cleanings, and fillings; cosmetic options, including laser whitening, porcelain crowns, zirconia crowns, and veneers; orthodontics, including metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign; endodontics, including root canals; dentures and partials; and implant dentistry, from single implants to full-arch solutions.

Supporting procedures, such as sinus lifting and bone grafts, may also be available when needed. Digital panoramic and 3D CT imaging help diagnose and plan treatment. If any technical term is unfamiliar, the team explains it in simple language before you begin.

Location & Getting There

The clinic sits in Zona Río, Tijuana, Baja California—roughly a 30-minute walk from the border or a short cab or rideshare from San Ysidro.

Many visitors park on the U.S. side, walk across at PedEast or PedWest when open, then request Uber or DiDi for the final 10–15 minutes to the clinic area.

Border & Local Transport Tips

• From San Diego International Airport (SAN): Allow roughly 25–45 minutes to reach San Ysidro, depending on traffic, plus border-crossing time.
• Rideshares: Uber and DiDi operate widely in Tijuana and are commonly used by visiting patients.
• Driving: To simplify parking and paperwork, many travelers park near San Ysidro, walk across, then rideshare to the clinic.

What to Expect as an International Patient

• Clear plan: You’ll receive a step-by-step treatment plan with timing and number of visits; larger cases can be staged around travel dates.
• Coordination: Dental Departures can help with quotes, scheduling, and local logistics.
• Comfort: Complimentary transfers to your hotel or airport and on-site amenities make clinic days easier.

FAQs

What languages are spoken at Smile Depot?
 

The clinic page does not list languages. Because they routinely see cross-border patients, English support is common in Tijuana, but please confirm the languages you need, such as English and Spanish, with your Dental Departures advisor when requesting a quote.

Where is the clinic and how do I get there?

Smile Depot is in Zona Río, Tijuana, near Paseo de los Héroes.

From San Diego International Airport (SAN), drive to the San Ysidro Port of Entry and cross at PedEast or PedWest when open. After you cross, request Uber or DiDi; rides into Zona Río typically take 10–15 minutes. Zona Río is also about a 30-minute walk from the border if you prefer to walk part of the way.

What treatments are available?

General and cosmetic dentistry are available, including checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, veneers, and laser whitening.

The clinic also offers orthodontics, including metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign; root canals; dentures and partials; and dental implants with supporting grafts and sinus lifts. Digital panoramic and 3D CT scanning are used for planning.

Do treatments come with a warranty or guarantee?

Yes—coverage is available, but terms vary by procedure and material.

Request the clinic’s current written warranty with your quote so you know what’s covered, the duration, and any aftercare steps required to keep the guarantee valid.

What payment types are accepted?

Payment methods are confirmed with your Dental Departures quote.

Many clinics in Tijuana accept cash and major credit cards, but card policies and any processing fees vary. If paying by card, notify your bank in advance and confirm daily limits or foreign-transaction fees.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on your plan.

Cleanings and small fillings are often same-day. Crowns and veneers typically take a few days. Implants are usually staged: placement first, healing, then final teeth. Your personalized timeline will outline each step so you can coordinate flights and border crossings.

Is Tijuana practical for dental care?

Yes—thousands of patients cross at San Ysidro each month.

Use vetted transport, such as Uber, DiDi, or licensed taxis, keep travel documents secure, and plan around peak border times. Most travelers report a smooth experience with basic preparation.

What are the clinic hours?

Hours are confirmed at booking and included with your appointment details.

If you expect a late arrival or border delays, let the clinic or your advisor know to adjust timing.