Treatment Risks

Treatment Risks and Information

Good dental care is about choosing what is appropriate for each individual patient and their needs. We start with prevention and consider the least invasive treatment options where clinically appropriate.

Some treatments may improve the appearance, comfort or function of your teeth. However, all treatments involve potential risks and limitations, and it’s important to understand these when considering your options.

Below is a general summary of potential risks and side effects associated with different treatment types. The risks relevant to you will depend on your individual circumstances and the treatment being considered. Your practitioner will discuss these with you as part of the consultation and informed consent process.

Potential risks include, but are not limited to, those outlined below.

Veneers

Veneer Information & Treatment Risks

Most veneer treatments take between 2 and 6 appointments to complete, depending on how complex your case is. You should be able to keep up with your normal routine throughout, however depending on how your body responds, you may need to build in a few days of rest and recovery.

Everyone heals differently. As a general guide, most people are fully settled within about two weeks of treatment. From there, ongoing care matters. Your practitioner will set you up with a maintenance plan tailored to your veneers, and it's worth knowing this may come with costs beyond the initial treatment.

Veneer treatment is sometimes combined with additional procedures, such as gum recontouring or reshaping, to achieve the best result. These additional procedures come with their own separate risks, which are covered in a dedicated here.

Tooth preparation and sensitivity

Preparation for veneers usually involves removing a small amount of natural enamel, this cannot be restored naturally.
In some cases, patients may experience some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure after treatment. For some people this fades quickly; for others it lingers, and they may need further treatment.

How long veneers last and how they look

Veneers are durable, but they're not indestructible. Chipping, cracking, or coming loose can happen over time, especially if you grind or clench your teeth.
We match veneers to your natural tooth colour as closely as we can, but the final outcomes may not meet expectations always.

Gum and oral health

Poor oral hygiene can lead to issues around the gum of teeth with veneers, causing them to become irritated or inflamed.
Improper fit of veneers can also lead to gum issues around gums of the teeth with veneers
Veneers are not permanent. Wear, damage, or changes in your teeth and gums over time may mean they eventually need replacing.

Post treatment complications

Some discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity afterwards is normal, and in rare cases it can take longer than usual to settle.
Your bite might feel a bit off to begin with. Some people will usually just need a small adjustment or two to feel right.

Rare reactions

Occasionally, someone reacts to the anaesthetic or materials used during treatment. Please let us know about any allergies or medications beforehand so we can plan around them.

Invisalign/ Clear Aligners

Invisalign/ Clear Aligner Information & Risks

How long treatment takes depends on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners. Orthodontic treatment is a long-term commitment, and wearing a retainer indefinitely afterwards is essential to hold your teeth in their new position. You'll likely need to adjust some eating habits along the way, but most people can otherwise keep up with their normal routine.

Any discomfort is usually short-lived while you get used to wearing the appliance, and how much you experience varies from person to person. Ongoing care and maintenance of your aligners matters too, your clinician will set you up with a personalised schedule, and it's worth knowing this may involve costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Factors that can affect treatment

Not wearing your aligners for the recommended hours each day, not following your dentist's instructions on using the aligners, missing appointments, or unusual tooth shape or eruption can extend treatment time and affect your final result.
Severe open bite, severe overjet, mixed dentition, or a narrow jaw may need additional treatment alongside aligners.
More complex cases may require extra measures, such as bonded buttons, elastics, other dental devices, or restorative work, where aligners alone aren't enough to achieve the desired outcome.
General health conditions and certain medications can influence how your treatment progresses.

Getting used to your aligners

Your teeth may feel tender each time you move to the next aligner in the series.
Gums, cheeks, and lips can occasionally get scratched or irritated.
Your bite may shift during treatment, which can cause temporary discomfort.
Aligners can temporarily increase saliva or cause a dry mouth, some medications make this more noticeable.
Speech may be briefly affected, sometimes with a lisp, but this typically resolves within one to two weeks.

After treatment

Teeth can shift back over time. Wearing your retainer consistently after treatment helps prevent this.

Oral health considerations

Tooth decay, gum disease, inflammation, or permanent marking (decalcification) can occur if you consume sugary food or drinks, or don't maintain proper brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene during treatment.
The bone and gum tissue supporting your teeth may be affected.
If teeth have been crowded or overlapping for a long time, the gum between them may not fully fill back in once they're straightened, leaving a small gap known as a "black triangle."

Attachments and appliance wear

Small attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help move them or keep the aligner in place; these are removed once treatment is finished.
Attachments can occasionally come off and need replacing.
Some teeth may need slight reshaping between them (interproximal reduction) to create space for movement.
Rarely, aligners may show minor surface wear from grinding or rubbing , this doesn't generally affect their strength or performance.

Bite adjustments

At the end of treatment, your bite may need a final adjustment.

Surgical and pre-existing considerations

If crowding or jaw imbalance is significant, oral surgery may be needed before clear aligner treatment. This carries its own risks around anaesthesia and healing that should be discussed in advance.
A tooth that's previously been injured or heavily restored may be more sensitive to treatment. In rare cases, this can shorten the tooth's lifespan, require further treatment (such as root canal or restorative work), or result in tooth loss.

Implants

Implants & All-On-4 Implants Information & Risks

Traditional implants typically replace one or a few missing teeth, with each implant placed at the site of the gap. All-on implants replace a full set of upper or lower teeth using 4–6 implants to support an entire arch.

Our dentists are experienced in surgical procedures and take meticulous care in planning each case, using 3D technology to guide treatment and help minimise risk. That said, as with any surgical procedure, there are some inherent risks worth understanding.

Ahead of your surgery, you may need to adjust or stop certain habits, smoking, for example, sometimes well in advance, to make sure your dental condition is stable beforehand. Long-term changes to diet and habits may also be recommended to help protect your results. Your dentist will talk you through what applies to your specific case.

Implant and All-on-4 treatment is sometimes paired with additional procedures, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, to build up the site so the implant can be placed securely. These carry their own separate risks, covered here.

Treatment typically spans 3 to 6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. You may need to ease off your normal activities for the first few days, and depending on how your body responds, you might need some extra time to rest and recover.

Healing varies from person to person. As a general guide, most people are fully settled within about two weeks. From there, ongoing care matters, your Dentist will set you up with a personalised maintenance plan for your implants and prosthesis, which may involve costs beyond your initial treatment.

Surgical risks

Placing implants carries the usual risks of any surgical procedure, particularly where the surgical site sits close to sensitive structures.

Upper jaw

Bone here is often lower quality and sits close to the sinuses.
Possible complications include bone fracture, insufficient implant stability, or the sinus being accidentally entered or punctured.
These may call for further treatment, either immediately or in the future, at additional cost.

Lower jaw

Implants here are placed near nerves that supply feeling to the lip, chin, and tongue.
Surgery or post-operative swelling can affect these nerves, leading to altered or reduced sensation in the lip, chin, or part of the tongue.
This is rare, and when it happens it's usually temporary, however there's a small chance it could be prolonged or permanent.

Post-surgical risks

How well an implant will stabilise in your remaining jawbone isn't always fully predictable.
If an implant doesn't achieve enough stability, it may not be possible to attach the permanent prosthesis (bridge or crown) straight away, a removable temporary appliance may be needed during healing instead.
Once successfully integrated with the bone under favourable conditions, implants are considered fixed.
Occasionally, an implant fails, meaning it hasn't properly bonded with the bone, or has come loose from it. This can happen due to biological factors that aren't predictable in advance.
A failed implant isn't always obvious to the patient, which is why regular checkups (every 4–6 months) are important for monitoring.
A failed implant needs to be removed and replaced. If there isn't enough bone volume to do this, additional procedures may be required first.

What to expect during recovery

Swelling is normal and can come with some discomfort or pain, usually manageable with pain medication. It typically peaks around day 4 before starting to ease.
Some bleeding in the 24–48 hours after surgery is expected and not a cause for concern.
Pain and discomfort are common for a couple of weeks, taking your prescribed medication as directed will help. Everyone's pain threshold differs, and management is tailored accordingly.
Most regular daily activities can continue, but avoid anything strenuous for 24–48 hours, as this can increase bleeding and swelling. It's best to hold off on sport or the gym for up to 10 days.
Feeling tired or weak in the first 12–24 hours is common, rest is usually the best remedy.
Smoking significantly harms healing and can lead to treatment failure, infection, or other complications.
You can eat and drink after the procedure, soft, cold foods are recommended to start.
You may need time off work or your usual activities to recover properly. Having someone around to help, especially if your procedure involves a general anaesthetic, is a good idea. Your dentist and anaesthetist will walk you through the specific risks of anaesthesia beforehand.

Gum Contouring or Reshaping

Gum Contouring or Reshaping Information & Risks

The information below is general in nature , your dentist will talk through what applies specifically to you during your consultation.

About the procedure

Gum recontouring (also known as gum reshaping) adjusts the height of your gum line by removing targeted tissue, improving the balance of your smile. It's most commonly done for cosmetic reasons, for example, to address a "gummy smile," where more gum tissue than ideal is covering the teeth.

The procedure typically uses technology that applies a high-frequency electric current to precisely shape the tissue while also helping stabilise the area for healing. By fine-tuning the gum line, teeth can appear more even and proportionate. Gum recontouring is sometimes carried out alongside veneer treatment to achieve the overall smile goal of a patient.

Your dentist will give you specific guidance based on your individual needs, if you have any questions or concerns as you go, don't hesitate to reach out. It's important to let your practitioner know if you're on blood-thinning medication, as you may be asked to pause this beforehand to reduce the risk of bleeding.

What to expect afterwards

Some discomfort and redness in the gums is common and usually temporary, typically settling within 1–5 days depending on how much work was done. Your dentist may recommend pain relief and an aftercare routine to follow at home.
Soft tissue healing is generally complete within 4–6 weeks with proper care.
Some bleeding and swelling can occur while the gums heal, this varies from person to person. If you notice more than expected, give your Treatment Coordinator a call, and keep the area clean so we can monitor it and help minimise further swelling or bleeding.
Gum tissue doesn't always heal evenly, and further adjustments may occasionally be needed.
In some cases, gums can regrow or change shape over time (relapse). If this happens, or if you experience gum shrinkage or overgrowth after your procedure, further treatment may be required, additional fees will apply.
Looking after your oral health, including your gums, is essential going forward. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Sinus Augmentation, Bone Grafting

The information below is general in nature, your dentist will talk through what applies specifically to you during your consultation.

About the procedures

If you don't have enough bone to support an implant, your dentist may recommend a bone graft, adding granule-like material to build up the available bone. If the implant is going in the upper jaw, you may also need a sinus lift (sinus augmentation).

Dental implants need a certain amount of bone to anchor into. Where there isn't enough, bone graft surgery may be needed beforehand, or carried out at the same time as the implant is placed. This involves adding bone-graft material, either artificial bovine mineral or bone taken from your own body, to strengthen the area.

A sinus lift creates extra space in the upper jaw, just beneath the sinus, by gently raising the sinus membrane. Bone graft material is then placed into that space, and over time your body forms new bone around it, creating a solid base for an implant where there wasn't enough natural bone to begin with.

Bone loss that leads to needing these procedures can be caused by a few things:

Gum (periodontal) disease
An enlarged sinus cavity
Bone loss following a missing tooth
Natural ageing

Surgical risks

Because these procedures work close to sensitive structures like the sinuses and nerves, they carry the usual risks of any surgical procedure.

Sinus lift risks

A small tear in the sinus lining (membrane perforation) can occur during surgery. Most are repairable on the spot; larger tears may need further treatment.
As with any surgery, there's a risk of infection, following your post-op instructions closely helps reduce this.
Some swelling, bruising, or tenderness is expected, with most people noticing improvement within a week.
The grafted area can take several months to fully bond with your existing bone before an implant can be placed.
Rarely, sinus infections or ongoing sinus discomfort can develop after surgery.
Mild pain at the surgical site is common and usually well managed with medication.

Bone graft risks

The graft may not fully fuse with your existing bone, which can delay, or in some cases prevent, implant placement.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common and usually settle within a few days.
If bone is taken from another part of your body (an autograft), that donor site may also feel sore afterwards.
Healing time varies, and implant placement may need to wait until the graft has properly integrated.
If the graft doesn't integrate well, further treatment may be needed to build up adequate bone volume.

What to expect afterwards

Treatment is often completed in a single visit as part of your implant procedure, though this depends on how complex your case is. You may need to ease off your normal activities for the first few days, and depending on how your body responds, you might need some extra time to rest and recover.

Healing varies from person to person. As a general guide, most people are fully settled within about two weeks.

Avoid smoking until the site has fully healed. Smoking significantly limits your body's ability to recover. Stitches are dissolvable but often stay in place for 2–3 weeks. If you've had a bone graft, you may notice small sand-like granules in your mouth afterwards,, this is normal and should reduce over time.

Teeth Whitening

Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the colour of your teeth, helping to reduce staining and discolouration from things like food, drinks, smoking, or natural ageing. Our whitening treatments are carried out in-clinic under professional supervision, with an at-home kit also provided so you can top up your results over time.

As with any dental procedure, there are risks to consider. We encourage you to seek a second opinion from a suitably qualified practitioner before going ahead, and to raise any questions you have about the procedure itself or the alternatives available to you. Whitening isn't suitable for everyone, so a full assessment by a qualified dentist is essential before treatment can go ahead. We also encourage you to ask your dentist any questions and explore what alternative treatment options may be available.

The information below is general in nature, your dentist will talk through what applies specifically to you during your consultation.

Before your treatment

Good oral health is essential for whitening to work well. We recommend a check-up and clean beforehand.

During and after treatment

Food and drink
For around 3 days after treatment, it's best to avoid dark-coloured food and drink, including tea, coffee, red wine, bolognese sauce, tomato or beetroot-based sauces, curries, and soy sauce. Using a straw or diluting these won't prevent staining.

How long results last
Whitening isn't permanent. How quickly your teeth respond, and how soon they start to discolour again, depends on your lifestyle habits and the natural characteristics of your teeth. Some people notice results starting to fade after 3–6 months. If you purchase an at-home kit with your initial treatment this can be used periodically to help maintain your results.

Sensitivity

Some sensitivity, a sharp response to hot or cold, is common during and after treatment. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own.

Most whitening treatment is completed in a single visit. You may need to adjust some dietary habits to help achieve and maintain your results, and your dentist may recommend an at-home routine to continue the treatment as prescribed.