Dental Treatment Guide
We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your dental care.
This guide provides general information about common dental treatments to help you prepare for a conversation with your dentist.
Every patient and treatment is different. Our experienced dentists can assess your individual needs, explain your treatment options and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Braces
Braces
Treatment
Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and improve bite function. Treatment involves placing corrective appliances to align teeth.
The procedure is typically completed over multiple appointments:
- Initial assessment and digital scans or impressions.
- Creation of a series of custom appliances.
- Wear each appliance as prescribed before progressing to the next stage.
- Regular check-ups to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
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After Treatment
After treatment, you may notice:
- Mild discomfort or tenderness, particularly after adjustments or when braces are first fitted. Soft foods and mild analgesics such as Panadol or Nurofen can help manage this discomfort.
- Tooth sensitivity, particularly after adjustments.
- Temporary changes in speech or salivation as your mouth adapts.
- The need to maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay, staining, or gum inflammation.
- Retainers are essential to maintain teeth in their new positions. Fixed or removable retainers may be used. Fixed retainers may be placed on the upper or lower arches to help prevent tooth movement. Proper retainer wear can help maintain treatment results, but teeth may relapse if retainers are not used as advised.
Treatment generally takes between 18 and 24 months, but this can vary depending on your individual case.
With ongoing care, including wearing any prescribed retainers, the results can be permanent. Without proper aftercare, there is a risk of relapse.
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Risks
While braces are generally safe, potential risks include:
- Root resorption (shortening of the root of the tooth during orthodontic treatment).
- Bone or tooth loss due to difficulty maintaining oral hygiene.
- Gum recession, which in severe cases may require surgery.
- Tooth decalcification leaves permanent white marks or increases the risk of decay.
- Incomplete bite correction due to skeletal resistance or non-compliance.
- Poorly angled front teeth in some cases, which may result in a protruded or retruded appearance.
- TMJ (jaw joint) symptoms, potentially aggravated by bite changes.
- Further orthodontics may be required if growth continues after treatment.
- Open contacts after treatment, occasionally requiring fillings or crowns.
- Surgery-related risks if extractions, gingival grafting, corticotomy, or orthognathic surgery are required.
- Changes in the treatment plan may occur during the course of care.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners
Treatment
Clear Aligners are an orthodontic treatment in which you wear a series of removable aligners that gradually move your teeth to straighten them and improve your bite.
The procedure is typically completed over multiple appointments:
- Initial assessment and digital scans or impressions.
- Creation of a series of custom aligners.
- Wear each aligner for the prescribed period (usually 1–2 weeks) before progressing to the next.
Regular check-ups to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
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After Treatment
After treatment, you may notice:
- Mild discomfort or tenderness, especially when moving from one aligner to the next.
- Temporary changes in speech or salivation as your mouth adapts.
- Pressure or soreness from attachments (engagers) if used.
- Changes in bite or alignment adjustments over time.
Proper care is essential to maintain your results:
- Wear any prescribed retainers as directed.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor teeth and retainer fit.
The duration of Clear Aligner treatment varies depending on your individual case, but it typically ranges from 6 to 24 months. Proper compliance, such as wearing the aligners for the prescribed 22+ hours per day and attending all appointments, helps ensure the treatment progresses as planned.
With ongoing care, including wearing any prescribed retainers, the results can be permanent. Without proper aftercare, there is a risk of relapse.
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Risks
While Clear Aligners are generally safe, potential risks include:
- Tooth sensitivity and tenderness of the mouth, especially when progressing from one aligner to the next.
- Gum sensitivity or irritation, particularly around the margins of teeth or attachments.
- Root resorption (shortening of the tooth root), which can occur in rare cases; progress X-rays may be required.
- TMJ (jaw joint) symptoms include pain in the head, jaw, or face, especially if pre-existing conditions are present.
- Relapse of teeth if retainers are not worn as directed.
- Accidental swallowing or aspiration of an aligner, in whole or in part.
- Existing dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges, may become loose or require repair.
- Black triangles or gaps between teeth may appear when overlapping teeth are aligned.
- Changes in the treatment plan may be required to achieve optimal results.
- In some cases, finishing with fixed braces may be needed to complete tooth movements.
Rare complications such as severe pain or infection may require dental attention.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and Bridges
Treatment
Crowns and bridges are used to restore strength, function, and appearance to damaged or missing teeth. Treatment involves shaping the natural tooth or teeth to fit the restoration. This is not a reversible procedure because the natural tooth structure is permanently altered.
There are two variations of the procedure:
- Traditional method: The teeth are shaped, and a digital scan is taken. A temporary crown or bridge is placed while the permanent crown or bridge is fabricated, usually ready in about two weeks. You return to have the final restoration bonded in place.
- Same-day CEREC method: Crowns can be designed, milled, and bonded in a single appointment using digital scanning technology, eliminating the need for a temporary restoration.
The procedure duration varies depending on the number of teeth treated and the complexity, but usually one appointment is needed for preparation and scanning (or a single-visit CEREC), and a second appointment for placement if not using CEREC.
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After Treatment
After your crowns or bridges are placed, you may experience:
- Mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days.
- A temporary feeling of bulkiness or difference when chewing, which usually resolves within two weeks.
Proper care is essential to ensure long-term success:
- Maintain daily brushing and flossing.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and professional cleans.
Crowns and bridges are designed to last many years. With proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and professional cleanings, they last, on average, 10–15 years, though some may last longer. Replacement may be required over time.
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Risks
While these treatments are generally safe, potential risks include:
- Depending on the amount of residual structure, this can increase the likelihood of bulk fracture (whole-tooth fracture) or devitalisation (the tooth’s nerve requires further treatment).
- Teeth may be mildly to severely sensitive after preparation. Rarely, this sensitivity can develop into pulpitis or degeneration, which may require root canal treatment.
- Crowns and bridges are strong but can occasionally chip or break. Factors include chewing excessively hard materials, changes in biting forces, or traumatic blows. Undetectable cracks may develop, leading to later breakage. Breakage due to defective materials or construction is uncommon. All crowns are made in Australia.
- Patients are given the opportunity to observe and change the appearance of crowns or bridges before final cementation. In some situations, it is not possible to exactly match the colour of the artificial restoration to the surrounding teeth. After cementation, no colour changes can be made.
- Many factors affect how long crowns and bridges last, including general health, oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental check-ups. Poor oral hygiene may cause decay under or around the margins of the crown or bridge, which could lead to additional dental treatment and possible replacement. No guarantees can be made regarding longevity.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
Dentures
Dentures
Treatment
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth, restore your ability to eat and speak, and improve your appearance and overall well-being. This treatment involves creating a custom-fit appliance that rests on your gums and, for partial dentures, may attach to your remaining teeth.
There are two main types of dentures:
Full or partial dentures: Fabricated after assessing your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth. Adjustments may be required for fit and comfort.
Immediate dentures: Inserted immediately following tooth extraction. The fit will change as your gums heal, and adjustments, relining, or remaking may be required.
Dentures can be made of two materials: cobalt chrome and acrylic.
- Cobalt chrome: more hygienic and retentive, can be thinner and easier to adjust to, difficult to add teeth in the future if required,
- Acrylic: less comfortable as it is bulkier, possible to add teeth in the future if required, but may compromise the denture and is dependent on the tooth being removed,
The procedure is typically completed over multiple appointments, including impressions or digital scans, trial fittings, and final placement.
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After Treatment
After receiving your dentures, you may experience:
- Mild discomfort, sore spots, or ulcers as your mouth adjusts.
- Temporary changes in speech or chewing ability.
- Food caught between the denture and the gums needs to be removed for cleaning.
- Taste alterations, especially if the denture is not cleaned properly.
Proper care is essential to ensure long-term success:
- Remove dentures at night and clean them daily.
- Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor fit and oral health.
- Report any persistent discomfort, looseness, or damage promptly.
Dentures are not as strong as natural teeth and may occasionally break, chip, or have clasps come loose. Adjustments, relining, or replacement may be needed over time. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dentures typically last 5–10 years, though this varies depending on changes in your gums and bone.
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Risks
While dentures are generally safe, potential risks include:
- Gum tissues may be tender, jaw ridges may not provide sufficient support, musculature may not adapt, or excessive gagging, saliva, or dryness may occur. Psychological or physical issues can also interfere with success.
- In addition to the factors above, natural teeth supporting the denture (abutment teeth) may become sore, mobile, or develop decay. Supporting tissues may fail.
- Dentures can break, chip, or lose attachments due to biting hard materials, changes in bite, trauma, or dropping.
- Stains can occur on dentures, and their appearance may change over time. Good oral hygiene helps maintain their look.
- Poor denture hygiene may cause ulcers, fungal infections, or sores. Partial dentures increase the risk of decay in remaining teeth. Acrylic parts may collect microscopic food debris, causing odour.
- Numbness of the lower lip due to pressure on underlying nerves, severe or persistent pain, or infection requiring antibiotics.
- Denture clasps can wear down the tooth they clasp onto.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
Implants (Single and Full Mouth)
Single Implants and Full Mouth Implants
Treatment
Dental implants are a treatment option to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth anchored securely into the jawbone with a titanium screw.
- Single Implant – replaces a single missing tooth with an implant and crown.
- Full Mouth Implants – replace an entire arch of teeth with a fixed prosthesis supported by multiple implants.
Treatment is typically completed over multiple appointments:
- Initial assessment and planning: Digital scans and imaging are taken to plan implant placement.
- Surgical placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Some implants may require a second stage to uncover them after initial healing.
- Prosthetic phase: Once healed (typically 2–6 months, allowing the implant to integrate with your bone), the final restoration is placed—a crown for single implants or a full-arch prosthetic for Full Mouth Implants.
Follow-up appointments are required to monitor healing and ensure proper integration of the implants. For Full Mouth Implants, temporary teeth are provided 24–48 hours after surgery to maintain function and appearance until the final prosthesis is placed.
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After Treatment
After receiving dental implants, you may experience:
- Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the first few days. Mild analgesics such as Panadol or Nurofen can help manage these symptoms.
- Minor bleeding at the surgical site.
- Temporary dietary restrictions, usually a soft or liquid diet for 2–3 weeks to protect the implants while healing.
- Sedation or anaesthetic effects, such as drowsiness, may require avoiding driving, operating machinery, or drinking alcohol until fully recovered.
For single implants, the crown is typically placed once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, usually 2–6 months after placement. For Full Mouth Implants, temporary teeth are provided 24–48 hours after surgery, with the final prosthesis placed once healing is complete (typically 2–6 months).
With proper care, dental implants themselves can last many years. Crowns for single implants typically last 10–15 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
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Risks
Potential risks of dental implants include:
- Post-operative discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding for the first week. Very rarely, a jaw joint injury or muscle spasm may occur.
- Numbness or tingling due to injury of the inferior alveolar nerve or lingual nerve, which may persist for weeks, months, or, very rarely, be permanent.
- Infection that may cause implant or graft failure and require additional treatment.
- Perforation into the sinus for upper back teeth may prevent implant placement or require a second attempt.
- Damage to adjacent teeth or existing fillings, including temporary tooth sensitivity.
- Allergic reaction to drugs administered, such as anaesthetics or sedatives. There is no documented allergy to titanium.
- Accidental swallowing of foreign objects, potentially requiring X-ray or surgery.
- Compromised aesthetic outcome due to bone or gum resorption, causing elongation of teeth or visible gaps.
- Impact on speech in some cases.
- Bone grafts may fail to generate sufficient bone, necessitating repeat grafting.
- Extended treatment time due to complications.
- Unpredictable healing outcomes are influenced by medical conditions, diet, smoking, alcohol use, oral hygiene, and medications.
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, or sugar intake may compromise healing. Smoking decreases long-term implant survival from 95–98% to 80–85% over 10 years.
- Periodontal disease increases the risk of peri-implantitis and implant failure if hygiene is not maintained.
- Bisphosphonate medications may increase the risk of osteonecrosis after surgery.
- Early implant loss due to infection or fibrous tissue encapsulation rather than bone integration.
- Sedation and medication effects, including drowsiness.
- Lack of implant stability may prevent immediate temporary bridge placement; a removable denture may be required.
- Dietary restrictions post-surgery are essential to avoid implant failure.
Restorative phase risks:
- Technical complications such as screw loosening or ceramic chipping can often be repaired.
- Biological complications such as bone loss due to peri-implantitis or late implant failure.
- Prosthetic expectations: full-arch prosthetics may not feel, function, or look exactly like natural teeth.
- Personal care responsibilities: daily home care and adherence to prescribed medications are essential.
- Late implant loss due to soft-tissue issues or excessive force.
- Long-term soft tissue changes may require prosthetic relining or remaking.
- Tooth movements of adjacent natural teeth may create an uneven appearance or food traps.
- Overdenture wear or maintenance requirements, including replacement of attachments every few years.
- Temporary prosthetics are less durable than final restorations.
- Bruxism may require night guards to protect implants and prosthetics.
- Patient compliance is critical. Non-compliance may lead to implant or prosthetic failure.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
Veneers
Veneers
Treatment
Veneers are thin layers of material placed over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance, correct minor alignment issues, or restore chipped, worn, or discoloured teeth. This is a non-reversible procedure because a small amount of natural tooth enamel is usually prepared in a minimally invasive way to ensure proper fit and bonding.
There are two main types of veneers:
- Composite veneers: Applied directly to the teeth and shaped by the dentist. Usually completed in a single appointment.
- Porcelain veneers: Custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory. The teeth are prepared, impressions or digital scans are taken, and temporary veneers may be placed while the permanent ones are made. Final veneers are bonded during a second appointment.
The procedure duration varies depending on the number of teeth treated and complexity, but typically one appointment is needed for composite veneers. Porcelain veneers require an appointment for preparation and scanning, and a second appointment for final placement of the veneers.
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After Treatment
After receiving your veneers, you may experience:
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity, especially to hot or cold, usually settles within a few days.
- Temporary changes in your bite or speech.
- The need to avoid very hard foods or habits, such as nail-biting, to prevent chipping.
Proper care is essential to maintain veneers:
- Maintain good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing.
- Avoid excessive force such as grinding or clenching teeth. A night guard may be advised.
- Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your veneers and surrounding teeth.
Composite veneers may stain or wear more quickly than porcelain and generally last five to seven years, while porcelain veneers usually last ten to fifteen years with proper care.
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Risks
While veneers are generally safe, potential risks include:
- Teeth may be mildly to severely sensitive after preparation. Rarely, this sensitivity can develop into pulpitis or degeneration, which may require root canal treatment.
- Gum sensitivity or irritation may occur, particularly around the margins of veneers.
- Breakage or chipping can occur, particularly from biting hard materials, changes in biting forces, or trauma. Undetectable cracks may develop, but breakage due to defective materials or construction is uncommon.
- Patients are given the opportunity to observe and change the appearance of veneers before final cementation. In some situations, it is not possible to exactly match the colour of the artificial restoration to the surrounding teeth. After cementation, no colour changes can be made.
- Composite veneers are more susceptible to staining than porcelain. Poor cleaning or exposure to staining substances (for example, tobacco, coffee, tea) can affect appearance.
- Like natural teeth, veneers need to be kept clean with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Failure to do so can lead to decay around or beneath a veneer and gum problems at the margins.
- No guarantees can be made regarding veneer longevity — it depends on many factors, including oral hygiene, diet, bite forces, and general dental health.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Treatment
Wisdom teeth removal is usually completed in one appointment. The procedure can involve removing one to all four wisdom teeth, depending on your needs. Most discomfort settles within a few days, and full recovery typically takes three to four weeks. Once removed, wisdom teeth do not grow back.
Depending on the positioning of the wisdom teeth, a CBCT scan may be recommended to provide a more detailed view of the teeth, roots and surrounding structures. In some cases, referral to a specialist may be required, particularly where the teeth are positioned close to nerves or other structures.
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After Treatment
- Some pain, swelling, and minor bleeding are expected for the first few days. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is recommended.
- Rest is advised for a few days. Avoid excessive exercise and take time off work if needed.
- A soft food diet is recommended for the first few days. Avoid disturbing the extraction site when eating or rinsing.
- Start gentle salt-water rinses six hours after surgery and continue after meals for about a week.
- Avoid smoking for seven days and alcohol for 2-3 days, as these can delay healing.
- Ice packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Warm packs may be applied after day three to relieve muscle ache.
- Some bleeding in the first 48 hours is normal. If bleeding continues, follow your dentist’s instructions or contact the clinic.
- Dry socket may occur in a small number of cases. Contact the clinic if severe pain or foul odour develops.
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Risks
- Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve may cause numbness or altered sensation in the lower teeth, lip, or chin (temporary or permanent).
- Damage to the lingual nerve may cause numbness or loss of taste on one side of the tongue (temporary or permanent).
- Damage to adjacent teeth.
- Weakness or fracture of the jaw.
- Possible sinus complications for upper teeth.
- Small root fragments may remain or require additional surgery with a specialist.
- General surgical risks include pain, swelling, bleeding, bruising, and trismus.
- If wisdom teeth are not removed, complications may include recurrent infections, airway obstruction, cyst or tumour formation, and more difficult healing if extraction is delayed.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
Whitening
Whitening
Treatment
Teeth whitening is a procedure to lighten the colour of your natural teeth using hydrogen peroxide gel. There are two main types:
- In-chair Zoom whitening involves applying the gel to your teeth and exposing them to an LED light for three 15-minute sessions, with an optional fourth session for those with dark stains. This is completed in one appointment.
- Take-home whitening kits involve applying the gel in custom trays once daily for 7 to 10 days.
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After Treatment
- Tooth sensitivity is common, especially in the first 24 hours. Sensitivity usually resolves quickly, but in rare cases, it may last longer.
- Gum, lip, or cheek irritation may occur if gel contacts soft tissue. This usually settles within a few days. Vitamin E or lip balm can help.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water during treatment and for at least two hours afterwards. Strongly coloured foods and drinks should be limited for the first 48 hours.
- Take-home trays should be stored properly, and gel should be kept refrigerated. Follow the provided instructions carefully.
- With regular brushing, check-ups, and professional cleans, whitening results typically last 12–24 months.
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Risks
- Whitening may not affect existing dental work, such as crowns, veneers, fillings, or root canal-treated teeth, which can create colour differences with natural teeth.
- Teeth with multiple colourations, bands, splotches, or spots due to tetracycline use, fluorosis, or previous orthodontic treatments may whiten unevenly, require additional treatments, or not lighten as much.
- Sensitivity or pain can occur during and after treatment, usually mild and resolving within 24 hours, but may persist longer in susceptible individuals.
- Gums, lips, or cheeks may experience temporary irritation, inflammation, or chemical burns if exposed to the gel or light. Dry or chapped lips can result from the retractor; lip balm, petroleum jelly, or Vitamin E can help.
- Teeth with open cavities or leaking fillings may experience pain; these should be treated before whitening.
- Areas of gum recession (cervical abrasion/erosion) may allow gel to penetrate teeth, causing sensitivity; these areas are protected during treatment.
- Those with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, amalgams, lingual bars, or implants may feel excessive heat during the procedure.
- Whitening results are gradual and may regress over time. This process can be accelerated by exposure to staining foods or drinks; maintenance treatments may be required.
- Zoom whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women or for those with serious illnesses without medical advice.
If you have any questions before, during, or after treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help and support you throughout your care.
The information on this page is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. It does not replace an assessment or personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner.
Any dental procedure carries potential risks, and alternative treatments may be available. We encourage you to ask questions and seek clarification from your registered dental practitioner and to consider a second opinion if needed. Your dentist will discuss the suitability of treatment and the specific risks and benefits relevant to your circumstances during your consultation.
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