Transforming Lives, One Smile at a Time
For more than half of his life Dr. John Christian Schiro was too embarrassed to smile. Past photographs tell the story of someone ashamed to show his teeth, even in his own wedding photos.
“Looking back, that’s the main reason why I became a cosmetic dentist,” he said.
Dr. Schiro’s journey into cosmetic dentistry began at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor’s in applied science, dentistry (and also played defensive back for the Fighting Irish on a full football scholarship). He later earned his doctoral degree at University of Texas Dental School. It was shortly thereafter when Dr. Schiro was able to have his smile corrected with porcelain veneers. He discovered his passion.
“What a truly life changing event. From then on I was hooked on cosmetic dentistry. I wanted to help everyone know the feeling of freedom and confidence that comes from being able to laugh and smile without hesitation.”
After college, Dr. Schiro built Houston-based Smile Texas, one of the largest cosmetic dental practices in the nation. Clients flew thousands of miles to have their teeth fixed. In 2012, Dr. Schiro, a devoted family man who is married to his highschool sweetheart, moved his wife and three children 165 miles northeast and started The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin.
The practice, located just minutes from Barton Creek Resort, is dedicated to improving lives through innovative cosmetic dentistry and dental reconstruction methods. In addition to overseeing the business aspects of the practice, Dr. Schiro handles all consultations and treatment planning for cosmetic and reconstructive treatment. His partner, Dr. John Hay, DDS, LVIF, handles all dental procedures. Both have graduated from the elite Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.
HELPING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SMILE AGAIN
Porcelain veneers create beautifully white and natural-looking smiles by permanently filling in unsightly gaps and repairing damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth. They also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments or the need to remove teeth as with crowns.
“Most dentists use crowns that are cemented atop the tooth,” said Dr. Schiro, “Porcelain veneers in general are exceptionally strong and don’t stain. At The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin we bond the porcelain to tooth, so it becomes part of tooth.”
In addition to creating dazzling smiles, having custom-made porcelain veneers saves a lot of time compared to the drawnout process of braces or surgery.
“Recently one of my patients was told by her dentist that she needed a five-year treatment plan to fix her teeth, which included breaking her jaw and being in braces for years. Her father advised her to meet with us instead and we ended up giving her a complete ‘smile makeover’ in just two office visits and in just two weeks as opposed to five years.”
Dr. Schiro, who has performed thousands of smile makeovers, added, “The comment I get more than any others is, ‘If I knew it was this easy I would have done it years ago.’” A UNIQUE PRACTICE, SPA-LIKE EXPERIENCE AND FIVE-STAR STAFF
When asked what sets The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin apart, Dr. Schiro proudly talks about the practice’s unique services, staff and patient experience.
“First, there’s nothing else like this in Austin,” he said. “We do more porcelain veneer cases in a single office than anyone I know of in the United States because that’s all we do. And when all you do is cosmetic dentistry and reconstruction all day, every day, you become exceptionally efficient at providing the best of what cosmetic dentistry has to offer.” He added, “We’ve had patients from out of state fly in for cosmetic dentistry on Friday and fly back home the following Wednesday.”
Of his self-proclaimed “five-star” staff of coordinators, hygenists, and dental assistants, he said, “We get more comments about how patient friendly our staff is. We don’t just have a front desk – our team members walk out to greet each patient. They take their jobs very seriously and they treat every patient like they’re a part of our family.”
As far as the patient experience is concerned, five-star spas have nothing on The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin.
“Our office is designed aesthetically to provide our patients with a soothing and comfortable experience.” From the ornate, arched entry way and large aquarium that greet visitors – to the water walls, dark woods, marble and hardwoods that adorn the interior rooms – being at The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin feels like being in a high-end resort or spa. The practice even offers complimentary limousine service for out-of-town guests.
AT THE FOREFRONT OF COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY
Dr. Schiro and his staff at The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin work hard to stay on the leading edge of dental technology. The porcelain veneers they use are so lifelike that it’s practically impossible to tell them from the real thing.
“Unlike the bulky, flat white ‘piano keys’ of old, our veneers allow light to pass through and have all the tiny, subtle characteristics that you expect to see in a beautiful natural tooth.”
He added, “I used to get asked about porcelain veneers about once every
few months. Since I’ve been in Austin, it feels like I get asked about them every day.”
And every day, the work done at The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin matters in the lives of their patients.
“The best part of what we do is how it changes our patients’ lives. When they see the results it brings tears of joy to their eyes.”
For Dr. Schiro and his team, it all leads to one big collective smile.
“I have NEVER been to a doctor/dentist office that even comes close to this place. The staff, the facility, the equipment, the expertise, the customer service, is top of the line all the way. I was beyond impressed and I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Schiro. Thank you for the awesome experience.” – Betty Jean