Treatment Considerations and Risks

At Prestons Dental, your health and well-being come first. Our AHPRA‑registered dentists focus on preventive, minimally invasive care, tailoring treatments to your individual needs. Using advanced technology, we conduct thorough consultations and assessments to recommend the safest and most effective options, while ensuring you understand any potential risks associated with procedures.

  • Dental Veneers

    Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their colour, shape, size, or alignment.

    Key Considerations:

    • Irreversible Procedure: Preparing a tooth for a veneer involves permanently removing a small amount of tooth enamel. This process cannot be reversed.
    • Tooth Sensitivity: You will likely experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold after preparation and veneer placement.
    • Long-Term Maintenance: Veneers are strong but can chip, crack, or debond. They may need replacement every 10-15 years and require diligent oral hygiene. The do's and don'ts will be discussed with you both during consultation and post-treatment.
    • Colour Permanence: The colour of porcelain veneers cannot be altered after placement. You may need to consider whitening other teeth first if you desire a brighter shade.
    • Alternatives: Depending on your goals, alternatives may include teeth whitening, dental bonding, or orthodontic treatment (aligners).

    Potential Risks & Complications:

    • Pulp Damage: In rare cases, the process of tooth preparation can irritate the tooth's nerve (pulp), potentially requiring root canal treatment. In such an occurrence, we request you to contact our practice as soon as possible to assess the condition further.
    • Debonding: The veneer may separate from the tooth.
    • Fracture: Veneers can chip or break under excessive force (e.g., nail-biting, chewing hard objects).
    • Marginal staining: Over time, the edge where the veneer meets the tooth can become stained if oral hygiene is not maintained.
    • Aesthetic Dissatisfaction: While we use digital planning to preview results, the final shade, shape, or texture may not perfectly meet your expectations.
    • Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the local anaesthesia, temporary materials, or composite resins used in the bonding process. It is critical that you disclose any known allergies to us prior to your treatment.
  • Teeth Whitening

    Whitening is a process that uses peroxide-based gels to lighten the colour of your natural teeth.

    Key Considerations:

    • Existing Restorations: Whitening gel does not change the colour of existing fillings, crowns, or veneers. These may need to be replaced after whitening to match your new tooth shade.
    • Realistic Expectations: Results vary significantly from person to person and depend on the original cause and severity of staining. Not all teeth whiten to the same degree. Yellowish tones typically respond better than greyish tones.
    • Results Are Not Permanent & Lifestyle Dependent: The whiteness achieved is not permanent. The longevity of your results is highly dependent on your lifestyle and dietary habits. Consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and tobacco will cause teeth to gradually darken again. The rate of this colour relapse varies from patient to patient.
    • Tooth Sensitivity: Temporary tooth and gum sensitivity during and after treatment is the most common side effect.
    • Not for Everyone: Whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, people with untreated gum disease, worn enamel, extreme tooth sensitivity, or allergies to peroxide.

    Potential Risks & Complications:

    • Gingival Irritation: Bleaching gel can irritate the soft tissues of the gums and mouth if not applied correctly, potentially causing blisters or burns.
    • Uneven Results: Teeth with bands, spots, or fluorosis may whiten unevenly.
    • Relapse: Teeth will gradually darken again over time. Touch-up treatments may be required to maintain results.
  • Spark Clear Aligners

    Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable trays that gradually move your teeth into a new position. At Prestons Dental, we offer 'Spark Clear Aligners' brand, trusted by dentists and orthodontists worldwide.

    Key Considerations:

    • Patient Compliance: Success is entirely dependent on wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day, as directed. Failure to do so will disrupt the treatment plan.
    • Attachments: Most cases require tooth-coloured composite "attachments" to be bonded to your teeth to facilitate specific movements. These are removed after treatment.
    • Diet and Lifestyle: Aligners must be removed for eating and drinking anything other than water. Smoking can stain them.
    • Refinement Potential: Treatment is dynamic. Mid-course corrections (refinements) with new sets of aligners are common to achieve the ideal result.
    • Tooth Extraction: In cases of significant crowding or to achieve specific aesthetic and functional goals, the creation of space may be clinically necessary. This could involve the extraction of one or more teeth as part of your overall treatment plan.
    • Fixed Retention is Mandatory: Once active treatment is complete, teeth have a high tendency to shift back (relapse). After completion of the treatment, a permanent fixed retainer wire may be bonded behind the front teeth, and a removable retainer will also be recommended for long-term. These retention treatments may incur additional fees which will be discussed during your consultation.

    Potential Risks & Complications:

    • Tooth Discomfort: Aches and pressure are common for the first few days with each new aligner.
    • Soft Tissue Irritation: The edges of the aligners can occasionally irritate the lips or cheeks.
    • Root Resorption: All orthodontic treatment involves a small risk of root shortening. We monitor this with x-rays.
    • Gum Issues: Poor hygiene while wearing aligners can increase the risk of decay and gum inflammation.
    • Not for All Cases: Severe skeletal discrepancies or complex tooth movements may still require traditional braces or orthognathic surgery.
  • Dental Crowns & Bridges

    A crown is a "cap" placed over a damaged tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.

    Key Considerations:

    • Irreversible Procedure: Preparing a tooth for a crown involves significant removal of tooth structure. This is permanent.
    • Pulp Health: There is a risk of irritating the nerve (pulp) during preparation, which could lead to the need for root canal treatment, either immediately or in the future.
    • Abutment Teeth: For a bridge, the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap must be prepared for crowns to support the bridge. This subjects otherwise healthy teeth to the risks of crown preparation.
    • Alternatives: Alternatives to a crown may include a large filling or onlay. Alternatives to a bridge include a removable partial denture or a dental implant.

    Potential Risks & Complications:

    • Chipping or Fracture: The porcelain layer on ceramic crowns and bridges can chip.
    • Debonding: A crown or bridge can become loose or fall out.
    • Recurrent Decay: Decay can develop underneath the crown or at the margin where the crown meets the tooth, especially if oral hygiene is poor. This can compromise the entire restoration.
    • Occlusal Issues: The new crown/bridge must fit harmoniously with your bite. Adjustments are often needed, and occasionally, the bite can feel "off" for a period.
    • Allergic Reactions: In very rare cases, patients can have allergic reactions to the metals or materials used.

Your Informed Consent Journey

We are committed to a transparent process. Before proceeding with any treatment, you will receive:

  • A detailed treatment plan with costs.
  • A thorough verbal explanation of all considerations and risks.
  • A mandatory cooling-off period of 7 days applies to individuals under 18 years.
  • A written consent form that you are encouraged to read carefully and discuss with us.
  • For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.

0422 56 07 07 Schedule appointment
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