When most people come to see us here at Joshua Austin, DDS & Associates in San Antonio, they usually have a few common concerns about their smile. Maybe they’re dealing with crowded teeth or gaps that make them feel self-conscious. Others come to us because of discoloration, uneven edges, or even a gummy smile that keeps them from showing off their full grin.

Whatever your concern, we want you to know: we see you. And we can help.

Cosmetic dentistry today is more advanced, more conservative, and more personalized than ever before. Whether you want a minor tweak or a complete transformation, we’re here to help you get the confident, beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming about.

In this blog, we’re diving into the most common smile concerns, how we approach treatment with the latest technology, and what questions to ask if you’re considering a smile makeover. We’ll also walk you through a real patient transformation with Dr. Austin, so you can see exactly what’s possible.

What Are the Most Common Smile Concerns?

Every smile is unique—but when it comes to the things people want to change, there are definitely some patterns. Some of the top concerns we hear from our patients in San Antonio include:

• Crowding: Teeth that overlap or twist can make it hard to clean properly and cause long-term issues.
• Spacing: Gaps between teeth, especially in the front, are a common aesthetic concern.
• Discoloration: Whether it’s from coffee, wine, smoking, or aging, stained teeth are a top complaint.
• Uneven Edges: Teeth that are chipped, worn down, or not level can affect your smile’s harmony.
• Gummy Smiles: When your gums show more than your teeth, it can throw off the balance of your smile.
• Asymmetry: Minor differences in shape or position can have a big impact on how you feel about your smile.

The good news? All of these can be treated. Often with conservative, minimally invasive techniques.

‍

‍

Our Personalized Approach to Smile Design

There’s nothing we love more than taking something you feel self-conscious about and turning it into something that makes you feel confident and proud. That’s what cosmetic dentistry is all about.

At our practice, everything starts with a conversation. When you come in for a consultation, we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and understand what you’re hoping to achieve. We’ll also take detailed records—like photos and a 3D scan of your mouth using our iTero intraoral scanner—so we can see exactly what’s going on.

This isn’t just about us telling you what we see. We want to show you what we see. When you can look at a 3D model of your own smile and understand your options, it levels the playing field. You’re involved in the process from start to finish.

Technology That Builds Trust

One of the ways we help our patients feel confident about their treatment is through our technology. Our iTero intraoral scanner allows us to create a 3D digital model of your teeth and gums—no messy impressions, no guesswork.

We use this scan to walk through your current smile, identify any concerns, and plan your treatment together. It’s all about transparency and understanding. You’ll never feel like you’re being "sold" a treatment you don’t need. Instead, we partner with you to create a plan that makes sense, feels right, and delivers the results you’re looking for.

Invisalign Smile Architect: Align First, Then Refine

One of the most exciting tools we use in our cosmetic cases is something called Invisalign Smile Architect. This innovative planning software combines the benefits of Invisalign with digital smile design. It allows us to plan not just for straighter teeth—but for the best esthetic outcome overall.

Here’s how it works: if you’re considering veneers or other cosmetic work, Smile Architect helps us pre-plan your treatment by aligning your teeth first with Invisalign. This means that when it’s time for your veneers or bonding, we don’t have to remove as much tooth structure—making your treatment more conservative and longer-lasting.

We can even show you a digital preview of your final smile before we start, which helps set clear expectations and gets everyone excited about the journey ahead.

A Real Smile Makeover Story: Meet Alex

One of our favorite transformations was with a patient named Alex. He came to see Dr. Austin because he was self-conscious about several things: a gummy smile, uneven edges on his front teeth, and spacing between his top teeth.

After a full consultation and 3D scan, we decided to start with Invisalign. Over about 8–10 months, we gradually aligned and leveled his teeth, closed the gaps, and set the stage for cosmetic work. Once his teeth were in the perfect position, we added porcelain veneers—without having to remove any of his natural tooth structure.

The result? A smile that looks natural, confident, and completely seamless. Watching Alex light up with his new smile was one of those moments that reminds us why we love what we do.

How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take?

Every treatment plan is different, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

• Veneers only: If your teeth are already well aligned, cosmetic veneers can often be done in as little as 3–4 weeks.
• Invisalign + Veneers: If alignment is needed first, Invisalign usually takes 6–8 months, followed by veneers in another 3–4 weeks.

So whether your treatment takes a month or a year, the end result is the same: a smile you love, built to last, and customized just for you.

Questions to Ask Before Starting Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re thinking about improving your smile, here are a few important questions to ask during your consultation:

• Is my bite aligned and healthy? We always evaluate your bite first, because misalignment (malocclusion) can affect everything from how your smile looks to how long your results last.
• What materials will be used? We use modern ceramic materials that allow for beautiful, durable results with less drilling or prep.
• Can we take a conservative approach? In many cases, yes. Thanks to Invisalign and our digital planning tools, we can often avoid aggressive tooth preparation.

At Joshua Austin, DDS & Associates, we believe your treatment should enhance your smile—not compromise it.

Let’s Create a Smile That Lights Up the Room in San Antonio

There’s truly nothing better than seeing someone walk out of our office with the kind of smile that makes them feel like their best self. Whether you’re looking to fix a few imperfections or completely transform your smile, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Located right here in San Antonio, TX, our practice combines advanced technology, personalized planning, and a whole lot of heart to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Call us at (210) 408-7999 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Austin today. We can’t wait to meet you, hear your story, and help you love your smile again.