Treatment Information & Considerations

As healthcare practitioners, our priority is your overall health and well-being, not just your smile. We focus on prevention and minimally invasive treatments and will always recommend the most conservative option suitable for your needs.

In some cases, cosmetic, surgical, or restorative treatments may be appropriate to improve the appearance, strength, or function of your teeth. While these treatments can offer positive outcomes, they are not without risks.

Below is a summary of potential risks and side effects associated with specific dental treatment. Undergoing any type of  treatment is a serious decision that should be considered carefully. This information is intended to support a fully informed decision about your care. Specific risks and suitability will be discussed with a registered dental practitioner during your consultation. Potential risks include (but are not limited to):

Veneers: Information & Considerations

Important Information
In conjunction with your veneer treatment, additional procedures such as gum recontouring or reshaping may be recommended. These treatments carry their own individual risks. For more information about the gum re-contouring/reshaping procedure, click here. For more risks of gum re-contouring/reshaping refer to dedicated section below on this page.

Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.

Generally, treatment is completed over 2 to 6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. We expect you to continue your usual daily activities throughout the process. We expect you to continue your usual daily activities throughout the process; however, depending on the treatment and your individual response, there may be a chance that you will need to take some days off to rest and recover.

Healing and recovery times vary between individuals due to biological factors unique to you. Typically, full recovery and settling occur within two weeks after the procedure. Ongoing maintenance and care of your restoration are essential. Your practitioner will provide a personalized maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Tooth Preparation and Sensitivity

  • Preparing teeth for veneers usually requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel, which cannot be restored naturally.
  • Tooth sensitivity: Some individuals may experience temporary or prolonged sensitivity to temperature or pressure following the procedure which may result in need for additional treatment.

Veneer Durability and Appearance

  • Veneer fracture or detachment: While porcelain or resin is durable, veneers can chip, crack or become dislodged over time, particularly in cases of heavy biting forces or habits like grinding or clenching.
  • Colour mismatch or aesthetic dissatisfaction: Veneers are matched as closely as possible to natural teeth, but outcomes may not always meet expectations.

Gum and Oral Health

  • Gum irritation or inflammation: Poor oral hygiene or improper fit can lead to gum issues around the veneered teeth.
  • Need for replacement: Veneers are not permanent and may require replacement due to wear, damage, or changes in surrounding teeth or gums.

Post-Treatment Effects

  • Post-operative complications: These can include discomfort, inflammation, or sensitivity, which in rare cases may persist.
  • After treatment, your bite may feel unusual at first. Some people need a few adjustments to get everything feeling right.

 Rare Reactions

  • Rarely, some people have a reaction to the anaesthetic or materials we use. Please tell us about any allergies or medications before we begin.

Invisalign/Clear Aligner: Information & Risks

Orthodontic treatments, using  Invisalign/Clear Aligners product may involve some of the risks outlined below:

Important Information
Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.
The time needed to complete treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case and compliance with aligner wear. Orthodontic treatment is generally a long-term process, and wearing a retainer indefinitely afterward is required to help maintain your tooth position over the long term. You may need to adjust some eating habits during treatment, but most people can continue their usual daily activities throughout the process.

If any discomfort appears its typically transient as you get used to the appliance and varies between individuals due to biological factors unique to you.

Ongoing maintenance and care of your orthodontic appliance is crucial. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

 Treatment Considerations

  • Failure to wear the appliances for the required number of hours per day, not using the product as directed by your dentist, missing appointments, and erupting or atypically shaped teeth can lengthen the treatment time and affect the ability to achieve the desired results.
  • Treatment of severe open bite, severe overjet, mixed dentition, and/or skeletally narrow jaw may require supplemental treatment in addition to aligner treatment.
  • Supplemental orthodontic treatment, including the use of bonded buttons, orthodontic elastics, auxiliary appliances/dental devices (e.g. temporary anchorage devices, sectional fixed appliances), and/or restorative dental procedures may be needed for more complicated treatment plans where aligners alone may not be adequate to achieve the desired outcome.
  • General medical conditions and use of medications can affect orthodontic treatment.

Functional Adjustments

  • Dental tenderness may be experienced after switching to the next aligner in the series.
  • Gums, cheeks and lips may be scratched or irritated.
  • The bite may change throughout the course of treatment and may result in temporary patient discomfort.
  • Orthodontic aligners may cause a temporary increase in salivation or mouth dryness and certain medications can heighten this effect.
  • The aligners may temporarily affect speech and may result in a lisp, although any speech impediment caused by the orthodontic appliance should disappear within one or two weeks.

Retention & Tooth Position Stability

  • Teeth may shift position after treatment. Consistent wearing of retainers at the end of treatment should reduce this tendency.

Oral Health Risks

  • Tooth decay, periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums or permanent markings (e.g. decalcification) may occur if patients consume foods or beverages containing sugar, do not brush and floss their teeth properly before wearing the orthodontic appliance, or do not use proper oral hygiene and preventative maintenance.
  • Health of the bone and gums which support the teeth may be impaired or aggravated.
  • If teeth have been crowded or overlapping for a long time, the gum between them may not fully grow back after the teeth are straightened, which can leave a small gap called a “black triangle.”

Attachments, Adjustments & Appliance Wear

  • Attachments may be bonded to one or more teeth during the course of treatment to facilitate tooth movement and/or appliance retention. These will be removed after treatment is completed.
  • Attachments may fall off and require replacement.
  • Teeth may require interproximal recontouring or slenderising in order to create space needed for dental alignment to occur.
  • In rare instances, slight superficial surface wear of the aligner may occur where patients may be grinding their teeth or where the teeth may be rubbing and is generally not a problem as overall aligner integrity and strength remains intact.

Bite Adjustments

  • At the end of orthodontic treatment, the bite may require adjustment (“occlusal adjustment”).

Surgical & Pre-existing Condition Considerations

  • Oral surgery may be necessary to correct crowding or severe jaw imbalances that are present prior to wearing orthodontic appliance. If oral surgery is required, risks associated with anesthesia and proper healing must be taken into account prior to treatment.
  • A tooth that has been previously traumatised, or significantly restored may be aggravated. In rare instances the life span of the tooth may be reduced, the tooth may require additional dental treatment such as endodontic and/or additional restorative work and the tooth may be lost.

Implants & All On Implants™: Information & Risks

Traditional implants typically replace one or a few teeth, with each implant placed where a tooth is missing. All-on implants replace a full set of upper or lower teeth using 4–6 implants that support a full arch of teeth.

At Dental Boutique™, dentists experienced in surgical procedures take meticulous care in planning each case, using 3D technology to help guide the treatment approach and minimise potential risks. However, some inherent risks remain with any surgical procedure that you should be aware of.

Before your surgical procedure, you may need to adjust or stop certain daily habits, such as smoking. In some cases, these changes need to be made well in advance to ensure your dental condition is stable before the procedure. To help preserve your treatment outcomes, long-term changes to your diet and habits may also be recommended. The specifics will vary between individuals, and your dentist will discuss what applies to your situation.

Important Information
In conjunction with your implant or All-on treatment, additional procedures such as adding bone (bone graft) or creating more space in the upper jaw (sinus lift) so the implant can be placed securely may be recommended. These treatments carry their own individual risks. For more information about the sinus lift or bone grafting procedure, refer to dedicated section below on this page.

Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.
Generally, treatment is completed over 3 to 6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. You may need to adjust your normal daily activities for the first few days. Depending on your treatment and how your body responds, you might also need to take some additional time off to rest and recover.
Healing and recovery times vary between individuals due to biological factors unique to you. Typically, full recovery and settling occur within two weeks after the procedure.
Ongoing maintenance and care of your implants and prosthesis is crucial. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Surgical Risks

  • The surgical procedure itself carries surgical risks, especially when operating in proximity to vital structures.

Upper Jaw:

  • In the upper jaw, implants are often placed in poorer-quality bone and in close proximity to the sinuses.
  • Possible complications include bone fracture, insufficient implant stability, or accidental entry or puncture of the sinus.
  • These may require additional immediate or future procedures at additional costs.

Lower Jaw:

  • In the lower jaw, implants are often placed in proximity to nerves that give sensation to the lip, chin, and tongue.
  • Surgical intrusion or post-operative swelling may impinge upon nerves and result in altered or lost sensation to the lip, chin, and/or part of the tongue
  • Such complications are rare and, should they occur, are most likely to be temporary, but there is a slight chance of prolonged or permanent complications.

Post-Surgical Risks

  • Sometimes, the stability of the planned implants in the remaining jawbone is unpredictable.
  • If the implants do not possess sufficient stability, we may not be able to immediately load your implants with the prosthesis (bridge/crown).
  • In this scenario, we may have to revert to using a temporary removable appliance for healing period instead of having a fixed temporary prosthesis.
  • The implants themselves are regarded as being fixed once successfully integrated into the bone and in favourable conditions
  • Occasionally implants fail.
  • An implant is considered to have failed when it does not solidly bond (or integrate) with the bone or becomes detached from the bone this can happen due tobiological failure that cannot be predicted.
  • Patients may not be aware of a failed implant and it is therefore crucial to have your implants monitored by your dentist with regular 4–6 monthly checkups.
  • A failed implant needs to be removed and replaced.
  • In cases where there is an inadequate volume of bone to replace the implant, additional procedures may be necessary.

Recovery and what to expect post-surgery

  • Swelling can be normal after your surgery and can be associated with discomfort or pain that can usually be managed pain medication and are usually transient. Swelling typically does not reach its peak until day 4. The swelling and bruising should start decreasing after day 4 but please note each individual’s recovery period is different
  • Bleeding will occur following surgery and it is NOT uncommon to bleed for 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
  • Pain and discomfort are expected following surgery and may be experienced for a couple of weeks. It is important you are taking your prescribed medication as per the recommendation, to help ease your pain and discomfort. Every patient has a different level of pain threshold and will need to be managed accordingly.
  • In most cases you may perform your regular daily activities avoiding strenuous activity of any type for 24-48 hours as this may cause the wound to bleed and increase swelling. Sporting activities or going to the gym are best avoided for up to 10 days.
  • You may possibly feel tired and weak during the first 12 – 24 hours, this is not uncommon and rest is often the best cure.
  • Smoking is absolutely detrimental to the healing process and may cause the entire treatment to fail or you may develop an infection or other complications.
  • You may eat and drink following the procedure. We recommend eating cold and soft foods
  • You may need to take time off work or other regular activities to allow for recovery. It is advisable to have someone available to assist you during this period, particularly if your procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The specific risks related to anaesthesia will be discussed with you by your dentist and the anaesthetist.

Gum Recontouring/Reshaping (Gingivectomy)

Important Information
Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Not all patients are suitable candidates for gum recontouring and full assessment by a qualified dentist is necessary before any treatment can commence. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.

The following provides general information about the risks and considerations associated with this procedure. Each patient is different, and your dentist will discuss your specific circumstances during your consultation.

About the procedure
Gum recontouring (also called gum reshaping) is a procedure designed to shorten the height of your gums by removing specific tissue to improve the appearance of the smile line. It is most often performed for cosmetic reasons, for example in cases of a “gummy smile,” where excess gum tissue covers more of the tooth than desired.Gum recontouring is commonly performed using technology that uses a high frequency electric current to carefully contour the tissue as well as stabilise the area for healing. By carefully adjusting the gumline, the teeth can appear more balanced and proportionate. Gum recontouring may also be carried out in conjunction with veneer treatment to help achieve the desired overall smile appearance.

Your dentist will provide you with specific information and instructions based on your individual needs. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your progress, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is important to tell your practitioner if you take blood thinning medication, as they may ask you to stop taking this before your procedure to minimise the risks of bleeding.

What may I experience after gum lift treatment?
You may experience some discomfort to your gums if you are having gum lift treatment and as a result your gums could appear more red than usual, which is typically temporary in nature and may last between 1 – 5 days depending on how much work has been done. Your dentist may recommend some pain management option as well as after care protocol to follow at home. Dentist typically observe the soft tissue completely healed within 4-6 weeks with proper care.

Bleeding and gum swelling as the gums is still healing may occur. Some people experience more bleeding/swelling than others. If you experience this, please give your Patient Consultant a call and continue to clean the area well so we can keep an eye on it for you and help to reduce the chance of swelling/bleeding.

Healing:Gum tissue may not heal evenly, and further adjustments could be required.
Relapse: In some cases, the gums can regrow or change shape over time.

In the event of gum shrinkage or overgrowth following your procedure, further treatment may be required. Additional fees will apply.

Ongoing maintenance and care of your oral health including the gums is essential. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.<

Sinus Augmentation (lift) or Bone Grafting Procedure

Important Information
Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Not all patients are suitable candidates for these procedures and full assessment by a qualified dentist is necessary before any treatment can commence. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.

The following provides general information about the risks and considerations associated with this procedure. Each patient is different, and your dentist will discuss your specific circumstances during your consultation.

About the procedures
If you do not have enough bone to support an implant, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure by adding a granule-like material to increase the amount of viable bone available. If the implant is to be placed in the upper jaw you may also require sinus augmentation (also called a sinus lift).

For the placement of dental implants, sufficient bone is required. Inadequate cases may require preoperative bone graft surgery and/or simultaneous bone grafting during implant placement. This involves the placement of artificial bovine bone minerals or bone from a patient’s donor site where required to improve the bone architecture.

A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a procedure that creates space in the upper jaw beneath the sinus by gently lifting the sinus membrane. Bone graft material (small granules) is then placed into this space, and over time your body grows new bone around it. This process helps to provide a strong foundation for dental implants in areas where there is insufficient natural bone.

These are some of the reasons you may have experienced bone loss:

  • Periodontal disease (gum disease)
  • Enlarged sinus cavity
  • Tooth loss, causing loss of bone
  • Natural aging process

Surgical Risks
The surgical procedure itself carries inherent surgical risks, especially when operating in proximity to vital structures such as the sinuses and nerves.

Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation) Risks

  • Sinus membrane perforation: A small tear in the sinus lining may occur during surgery. Most tears can be repaired, but a larger tear may require additional treatment.
  • Infection or inflammation: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Following post-operative instructions carefully aims to reduce this risk.
  • Swelling, bruising, or tenderness: Some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort is expected with most patients reporting improvement within a week.
  • Delayed healing: The grafted area may take several months to fully integrate with existing bone before an implant can be placed.
  • Sinus issues: In rare circumstances, sinus infections or ongoing sinus discomfort can develop after surgery.
  • Discomfort or pain: Mild pain at the surgical site is considered common and usually controlled with medication.

Bone Graft Risks
Graft failure or poor integration: The grafted bone may not fully fuse with the existing bone, which could delay or prevent implant placement.
Swelling, bruising, or tenderness: These are common after graft surgery and typically subside within a few days.
Discomfort or pain at donor site: If bone is taken from another part of the patient’s body (autograft), that area may also feel sore.
Delayed healing: Healing times vary; implants may need to be delayed until the graft is fully integrated.
Need for additional procedures: In some cases, if the graft does not integrate well, further treatment may be required to achieve adequate bone volume.

What may I experience after the procedures:

In most cases, treatment can be completed in a single visit, depending on the complexity of your situation, and is typically performed as part of your dental implant treatment. You may need to adjust your normal daily activities for the first few days to allow for sufficient recovery. Depending on your treatment and how your body responds, you might also need to take some additional time off to rest and recover.

Healing and recovery times vary between individuals due to biological factors unique to you. Typically, full recovery and settling occur within two weeks after the procedure.

You are advised not to smoke until the site has healed. Smoking severely limits the body’s ability to heal. Stitches will be dissolvable but often remain for around 2-3 weeks. If you have had a bone graft you may notice a few small granules appearing in your mouth (they will look like particles of sand). This is normal and should reduce over time.

Ongoing maintenance and care of your oral health is essential. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Whitening Treatment: Information & Risks

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to lighten the colour of your teeth. It can help reduce stains and discoloration typically caused by food, drinks, smoking, or natural ageing. Our whitening treatments are performed in the dental clinic under professional supervision, with at-home whitening kits provided in addition for ongoing top-ups.

Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Not all patients are suitable candidates for whitening procedures and full assessment by a qualified dentist is necessary before any treatment can commence. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.

The following provides general information about the risks and considerations associated with this procedure. Each patient is different, and your dentist will discuss your specific circumstances during your consultation.

Professional whitening is generally considered safe, but results can vary depending on your teeth, existing dental work, and lifestyle factors.

Before Your Teeth Whitening Treatment:

Oral health and hygiene is paramount for teeth whitening treatments to be successful. We recommend a check-up and clean before your teeth whitening treatment.

During and After Your Teeth Whitening Treatment:

Food and drink:
It’s typically recommended to avoid consumption of dark coloured food and drink for 3 days including but not limited to: Tea, Coffee, Red Wine, Bolognese sauce, Tomato/Beetroot Sauces, Curries, Soy Sauce & Coffee.
(using a straw or diluting the liquid will not help)

Longevity of treatment:
Teeth whitening is not permanent. The rate at which your teeth will respond to treatment and how your teeth may discolour again will depend on your lifestyle habits and natural   characteristics of your teeth.

Some people may notice their results beginning to fade after 3–6 months. Take-home whitening is provided as part of your initial treatment and can also be used periodically to maintain your results over time.

Sensitivity:
It is possible that you may experience some sensitivity whilst, during and after your teeth whitening treatment. Whitening sensitivity feels like something cold or quite hot on your tooth which is usually resolves on it’s own and is temporary in nature.

In most cases, treatment can be completed in a single visit. You may need to modify your usual dietary habit to help an achieved desired results, and your dentist may recommend continuing the treatment at home as prescribed.

Ongoing maintenance and care of your oral health is essential. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Up To 60 Months Interest Free Payment Plans Available

At Dental Boutique™, we believe patients should feel informed about both their treatment and the costs involved. Payment plan options are available to help make this process easier to manage.

Enquire with our team

Smile Discovery Session

  1. Complete the form
  2. Attend a complimentary 60 minute in practice session (does not include a full dental check up, X-rays or other clinical treatment)
  • Informative discussion on cosmetic, teeth straightening & implant options
  • Discuss suitability, available options, potential risks and considerations
  • A personalised treatment plan, quote and payment plan discussion (if clinically appropriate & applicable)

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