Your health, safety and wellbeing are always our priority at MyDental Prospect. We recommend treatment options based on your individual oral health, treatment goals and clinical needs, with a focus on personalised, evidence-informed care.
Some treatments, including teeth whitening, dental veneers and clear aligners, may be recommended to improve the appearance of your smile or address specific dental concerns. While these treatments may provide benefits for suitable patients, all dental procedures carry potential risks, limitations and possible complications.
This page provides general information about potential risks associated with these treatments. Your individual suitability, expected outcomes, risks, benefits, alternative treatment options and associated fees will be discussed with your dentist during your consultation.
Suitability
Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. A comprehensive dental examination is required to assess your oral health before treatment can proceed.
Tooth Sensitivity
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening treatment. This usually settles over time, although the severity and duration vary between individuals.
Gum Irritation
Temporary irritation of the gums or other soft tissues may occur if whitening products come into contact with these areas.
Existing Dental Restorations
Teeth whitening does not change the colour of existing restorations such as fillings, crowns, veneers or bridges. Differences in shade between natural teeth and existing dental work may become more noticeable after treatment.
Individual Results
Whitening outcomes vary depending on factors such as the natural shade of your teeth, the cause of staining and your individual response to treatment. The degree of whitening achieved cannot be predicted or guaranteed.
Oral Health Requirements
Teeth whitening may not be appropriate if untreated tooth decay, active gum disease or other oral health concerns are present. Your dentist may recommend addressing these issues before whitening treatment.
Suitability
Dental veneers are not appropriate for every patient. Your dentist will assess your oral health, bite, gum health and treatment goals before recommending this treatment.
Tooth Preparation
Veneer treatment commonly requires the removal of a small amount of natural tooth enamel. As enamel does not regenerate, this process is generally irreversible.
Sensitivity
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity following tooth preparation or veneer placement. In some cases, sensitivity may persist and require further assessment or management.
Strength and Durability
Although veneers are designed to be durable, they may chip, crack, debond or wear over time, particularly in patients who grind or clench their teeth or experience dental trauma.
Aesthetic Outcomes
Every effort is made to achieve a natural-looking result. However, individual expectations, tooth anatomy and surrounding teeth may influence the final appearance.
Longevity
Dental veneers are not considered lifetime restorations and may require maintenance, repair or replacement over time due to normal wear or changes in your oral health.
Suitability
Not every orthodontic concern can be treated using clear aligners. A comprehensive assessment is required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate.
Treatment Compliance
Successful treatment depends on wearing your aligners as instructed by your dentist. Reduced wear time may affect treatment progress and overall treatment outcomes.
Discomfort
Temporary pressure or mild discomfort is common when beginning treatment or changing to a new set of aligners. This usually settles within a few days.
Treatment Duration
Treatment times vary depending on the complexity of each case. Some patients may require additional refinement aligners or modifications to achieve the planned result.
Retention
Following active treatment, retainers are generally recommended to help maintain tooth position. Without appropriate retention, teeth may gradually move over time.
Additional Procedures
Some patients may require tooth-coloured attachments, interproximal enamel reduction or other auxiliary procedures to assist tooth movement. Your dentist will discuss these with you if required.
Important Information
Every dental procedure comes with some level of risk and may not suit every patient. Before proceeding with any treatment, you’ll need a full consultation with an Australian-registered dentist to assess your oral health and determine which options are appropriate for you. Individual results and recovery times differ from person to person, and nothing on this website is intended to substitute for a one-on-one dental assessment, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Our practice offers comprehensive general dentistry alongside a range of services where our team members hold particular interest and experience. For more on treatment risks, visit this page.
