Now is the perfect time to prioritize your dental health and work towards a smile as bright as the year ahead. Making simple changes to your daily routine and seeking professional dental services can create noticeable differences to elevate your smile and improve your oral health. UT Dentistry’s cosmetic dentistry experts share tips and advice on improving your smile to make 2025 your best and brightest year yet.
Tips for improving your smile at home
Improving your smile can start with your daily routine. Try these seven simple at-home tips to enhance your oral health and achieve a beautiful smile:
1. Brush and floss daily: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily to prevent plaque buildup and maintain healthy gums.
2. Use an electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes clean teeth thoroughly and help you use the proper brushing technique. They usually have a built-in timer that helps you brush for a full two minutes.
3. Upgrade to a water flosser: A water flosser can help to clean hard-to-reach areas. It’s also a great tool for people with braces, bridges and crowns. Consult your dentist to see if a water flosser is a good fit for you.
4. Limit stain-causing drinks: To reduce staining, limit coffee, tea and red wine or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth fresh.
6. Use whitening products wisely: Over-the-counter whitening products can be effective but consult your dentist for the safest and most effective options and to determine whether you can use bleaching products.
7. Visit your dentist regularly: Routine cleanings and check-ups are essential for catching issues early and maintaining oral health.
Start your journey to a new smile
Are you ready to achieve your ideal smile, or have other cosmetic dental concerns? The Advanced Education General Dentistry Clinic at UT Dentistry is ready to help. With cutting-edge technology, a patient-centered approach and a team of experts, the clinic offers personalized cosmetic dentistry care to help you reach your dental goals.
Why consider cosmetic dental treatments?
Cosmetic dental treatments go beyond enhancing your appearance—they can improve your confidence, overall oral health and quality of life.
According to Laura Aguilar, DDS, a second-year resident at the Advanced Education General Dentistry Clinic, improving your smile can contribute to better health outcomes. “A healthy smile is closely tied to systemic health,” she noted. Before beginning treatment, the clinic ensures patients’ overall health is stable, addressing conditions like diabetes or gum disease to ensure successful results.
Olivia Nelson, DDS, a second-year resident in the program, highlighted common cosmetic dental concerns such as gummy smiles, discoloration and wear on teeth from grinding. Cosmetic dental treatments for these issues not only enhance the smile but also improve functionality and comfort.
Thais Phillips, DDS, faculty member and alumna of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at UT Health San Antonio, emphasized the holistic benefits of cosmetic dentistry. “Beyond appearance, improving alignment or shape can help with functional issues like breathing in patients with sleep apnea. It’s amazing how transformative these treatments can be.”
The process of achieving your ideal smile
The journey to a new smile begins with a detailed consultation. “We start by identifying your goals and exploring treatment options,” explained Nelson. Advanced digital dentistry tools allow for 3D scans and mock-ups, giving patients a clear vision of potential outcomes and steps needed before committing to treatment.
Phillips added, “With intraoral scanners, we take precise digital impressions, eliminating the discomfort of traditional goopy molds. These digital models enable us to design and 3D-print prototypes, surgical guides and restorations in-house, ensuring precision and convenience.”
For more complex cases like full-mouth rehabilitation, the clinic provides a step-by-step approach, working closely with other specialists within UT Dentistry and the patient to achieve successful results over several months.
Comprehensive and collaborative care
One of the clinic’s unique strengths is its collaborative approach. Residents work under the supervision of renowned cosmetic dentistry faculty, ensuring high-quality care. Phillips explained, “Patients benefit from multiple perspectives, as various specialists contribute to creating the best treatment plan. Plus, we take the time to explain every step, fostering trust and comfort.”
A message to prospective patients
If you have ever considered improving your smile, now is the time. “A consultation is the first step to understanding your options and addressing any concerns,” encouraged Nelson. “It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s an investment in your health and confidence.”
Whether you want to address specific oral health concerns or enhance your smile, the Advanced Education General Dentistry Clinic at UT Dentistry can help. Visit UTDentistry.org/Clinics/AEGD or call 210-450-3270 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident smile in 2025.