Cosmetic Dentistry Information & Patient Guidance
General Compliance Statement
At our practice, we are committed to honest, ethical, and transparent communication with all patients.
We do not use patient testimonials, guarantee outcomes, or suggest that results are typical.
Please Note: All images used on our website or marketing materials are illustrative only and do not depict guaranteed results.
Your Responsibilities as a Cosmetic Dental Patient
Before starting any cosmetic dental treatment, we ask that you:
- Follow all provided instructions and attend regular check-ups
- Inform us immediately if you experience pain, complications, or are unhappy with the results
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene at all times
- Wear retainers or nightguards if recommended
- Understand that cosmetic work often requires lifelong maintenance, including repair or replacement at your own expense
- Ask questions and ensure full understanding of all risks, alternatives, and Restrictions before starting treatment
Please note that outcomes and risks associated with cosmetic dental procedures may vary significantly from one patient to another. Several factors, including individual health conditions, oral hygiene practices, anatomy, lifestyle choices, and adherence to post-procedure care instructions, can influence the results and potential complications of treatment.
While every effort is made to achieve the desired outcome and minimize risks, no guarantees can be made regarding the success, longevity, or specific aesthetic results of any cosmetic dental procedure. A thorough consultation and evaluation are required to assess your unique needs and to discuss potential benefits and limitations.
General Risks of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
While we take every precaution, all cosmetic treatments carry some level of risk. These may include:
- Gum irritation, recession or inflammation
- Dissatisfaction with colour, shape, or final appearance
- Need for long-term maintenance or future replacement
- Sensitivity or discomfort
- Additional procedures not included in the initial treatment fee
- Material chipping, dislodgement, or wear
- Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic, drugs, medications
Treatment Options & Key Information of Risks
Porcelain Veneers
Custom-crafted ceramic shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, colour, and alignment.
Risks & Considerations:
- Enamel removal is permanent
- Risk of tooth sensitivity or nerve damage requiring root canal treatment
- Veneers may chip, debond, fracture, or not match aesthetic expectations
- Requires long-term maintenance and future replacement
- Reductions or roughening of tooth structure
Note: Retainers or splints may be recommended. Habits like smoking, grinding, or nail-biting can increase risk of failure.
Composite Veneers
Tooth-coloured resin applied directly to teeth — a more affordable, minimally invasive option.
Risks:
- Higher risk of chipping, staining, and wear compared to porcelain
- Will discolour over time compared porcelain
- More frequent touch-ups required to maintain aesthetics
- Higher risk of failure without protective splints for grinders/clenchers
- Potential need for removal of tooth structure
Orthodontic Aligners & Braces
Aligners – Clear, removable trays that gradually move teeth into alignment.
Braces – Orthodontic devices made of metal or ceramic brackets, arch wires, and elastic bands that work together to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall dental alignment
Risks:
- Must be worn 22+ hours/day to be effective (Aligners)
- Gum irritation, soreness, or dry mouth
- Temporary speech changes (e.g., mild lisp)
- Relapse or black triangle spaces if retainers aren’t worn
- Attachments may fall off and need replacing
- May not be suitable for complex cases (e.g., implants, severe bite issues)
- Jaw joint tenderness
- Reduced periodontal health
- Loss of tooth/ Weakened tooth
- Temporary mobility of teeth
- Irritation and sore spot
- Accidental swallowing of foreign matter
Your Responsibilities:
- Wear aligners exactly as instructed
- Wear rubber bands / appliances exactly as instructed
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Avoid sugary and or Hot drinks with aligners in
- Attend regular reviews as directed by your practitioner
- Wear retainers long-term post-treatment
Orthodontic Expander Appliance
The expander appliance we inserted in your mouth is non-removable/removable and is designed to widen the palate.
Risks:
- Gum irritation, soreness, or dry mouth
- Jaw Joint tenderness
- Temporary speech changes (e.g., mild lisp)
- Excessive Salivation
- Asymmetrical Expansion
Composite Bonding
Ideal for repairing minor flaws like chips, gaps, or irregular shapes using resin in shades to match tooth colour.
Risks:
- Chipping or staining over time
- Shorter lifespan
- Requires periodic maintenance or re-treatment
Crown Lengthening / Gum Lifts
Increases visible tooth length for aesthetic purposes or to allow crown/veneer placement.
Risks:
- Swelling, bleeding, or infection
- Temporary numbness or stiffness
- Gum sensitivity or recession
- Possible “black triangle” spaces between teeth
Crowns & Bridges
Used to restore or replace damaged or missing teeth.
Risks:
- Sensitivity or nerve damage which may require root canal treatment
- Reduction or roughening of tooth structure
- Risk of fracture, chipping, or debonding
- Lifespan depends on hygiene and oral habits
- Gum irritation or food trapping
- Possible aesthetic mismatch despite previews
In-Chair Whitening
Professional whitening treatment performed in-office.
Risks:
- Temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation
- Existing white spots may become more visible
- Results fade over time — repeat treatments may be needed
- Whitening results vary from patient to patient
Internal Bleaching (Single-Tooth Whitening)
Increases visible tooth length for aesthetic purposes or to allow crown/veneer placement.
Risks:
- Swelling, bleeding, or infection
- Temporary numbness or stiffness
- Gum sensitivity or recession
- Possible “black triangle” spaces between teeth
Take-Home Whitening
Custom-made trays with whitening gel for at-home use.
Risks:
- Same as in-chair whitening: sensitivity, uneven results
- Whitening effects are temporary
- Gum blanching (temporary lightening of the gums) may occur
Bone Graft
The outcome of bone grafting is to cover areas of bone loss.
Risks:
- Post-surgery infection, bleeding, pain, swelling, bruising, discomfort
- Burning, tingling, numbness to affected areas.
- Tooth or gum sensitivity/injury /mobility
- Gum recession
- Facial discolouration – bruising
- Transient or on rare occasion permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, chin, gum, palate from anaesthetic – very rare
- Allergic reactions
- Delayed healing
- Accidental swallowing of foreign matter
- TMJ issues
Soft Tissue Graft / Gum Graft
The outcome of soft tissue grafting is to either cover areas of recession, prevent recession, aesthetics, maintaining gum health and adding gingival thickness.
Risks:
- Post-surgery infection, bleeding, pain, swelling, bruising, discomfort
- Burning, Tingling, Numbness to affected areas.
- Tooth or gum sensitivity/injury /mobility
- Transient or on rare occasion permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, chin, gum, palate
- Facial discolouration
- Allergic reactions
- Delayed healing
- Accidental swallowing of foreign matter
Implants (Single & Multiple)
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root usually made from titanium that is inserted into the jaw. This creates an anchor for the replacement artificial teeth which is then sculpted against the tissues to create a natural looking replacement tooth or teeth.
Risks:
- Surgical implications: Fracture of the bone, Blood vessel damage, injury or sensitivity to the teeth or gums, sinus perforations.
- Accidental swallowing of foreign matter
- Post-surgery infection, bleeding, pain, swelling, bruising
- Facial discolouration (bruising)
- Transient or on rare occasion permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, chin, gum
- Jaw joint tenderness or restricted ability to open for a few days or weeks.
- Allergic reactions
- Delayed healing/Implants failing to integrate/Failing implants/Gum disease around implants
Post-surgery implications: Fracture or wear of the ceramic/acrylic denture, Screw loosening, resorption surrounding the implant, adjacent teeth movement.
Final Reminders
✅ We do not use patient testimonials or guarantees in our advertising
✅ Patients are encouraged to ask questions and seek a second opinion
✅ Informed consent is required for every procedure
✅ Results will vary — follow-up and ongoing care are essential for success
Questions? Need More Information?
We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your smile.
Contact us to book a consultation or request more detailed information about any treatment.