CLOSED: 3 - 6 April

Book Appointment
07 3379 9300

Treatment Risks

Treatment Considerations and Potential Risks

At Sherwood Dental, your health and wellbeing come first. We believe in prevention and minimally invasive care, and we will always recommend the most conservative option appropriate to your individual needs.

In some situations, cosmetic, surgical, or restorative treatments may be recommended to improve the appearance, strength, or function of your teeth. These procedures can deliver outstanding results — but as with any healthcare treatment, they carry potential risks and side effects.

This page provides a general overview of risks associated with the treatments we offer. Your suitability and specific risks will be discussed in detail with one of our registered dental practitioners during your consultation.

All dental procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you are encouraged to seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Alternative options may be available. Please ask questions at any stage, we are here to help you make a fully informed decision.

Dental Veneers

What to Know Before You Decide
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. In some cases, veneer treatment may be combined with complementary procedures such as gum reshaping or recontouring to optimise the aesthetic result. Your dentist will explain whether this applies to you.
  • Timeframes: Veneer treatment is typically completed over 2 to 6 appointments, depending on complexity. Most patients continue normal daily activities throughout.

  • Recovery: Recovery varies between individuals. Tissues generally settle within approximately two weeks, though healing timelines differ.

  • Maintenance: Veneers require ongoing care and regular reviews. Your dentist will recommend a tailored maintenance plan; maintenance costs may be separate from your initial treatment fee.
  • Permanent enamel removal: Veneers typically require removing a thin layer of enamel, which does not naturally regenerate.

  • Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common. In some cases, sensitivity may persist and require additional management.
  • Chipping, cracking, or debonding: Veneers are durable but can fracture or come loose over time, particularly with heavy bite forces, grinding/clenching, or trauma.

  • Aesthetic concerns: Shade matching is performed with care; however, the final appearance may not fully align with expectations in every case.
  • Gum irritation or inflammation: Veneers that are difficult to clean around, or changes to oral hygiene habits, may contribute to gum issues.

  • Future repair or replacement: Veneers are not lifetime restorations and may need replacement due to wear, damage, gum changes, or shifts in neighbouring teeth.
  • Discomfort or sensitivity: Mild discomfort is common initially. Rarely, symptoms may persist longer than expected.

  • Bite changes: Your bite may feel different at first. Minor bite adjustments may be required for comfort.

  • Uncommon reactions: Rarely, patients may react to anaesthetic or dental materials. Please inform your dentist of any allergies, sensitivities, or medications before treatment.

Smile Makeover

What to Know Before You Decide

A smile makeover at Sherwood Dental is a personalised treatment plan combining two or more cosmetic or restorative procedures to transform the overall appearance of your smile. Common treatments may include veneers, teeth whitening, composite bonding, crowns, Invisalign, implants, or gum contouring — selected based on your unique goals, oral health, and anatomy.

Because a smile makeover is a multi-treatment journey, the risks and considerations associated with each individual procedure apply. Your dentist will prepare a comprehensive plan outlining what is involved, expected outcomes, and any relevant risks before any treatment begins.

  • Timeframes: Smile makeovers may take place over several weeks to several months depending on the combination of treatments involved. Your dentist will provide a personalised timeline.

  • Staged treatment: Some procedures must be completed in a specific order (e.g., gum work before veneers, or whitening before bonding). Your dentist will explain the sequence and rationale.

  • Temporary restorations: Provisional crowns, veneers, or bonding may be placed during the process so you can preview the look and function before final restorations are fitted.

  • Maintenance: Long-term success depends on ongoing oral hygiene, professional reviews, and in some cases, retainers or night guards. Maintenance costs may apply separately.

 

  • Digital planning & previews: Where appropriate, we may use digital smile design or wax-ups to help you visualise your result. These are guides, not guarantees of the exact final outcome.

  • Shade and proportion: Achieving the right balance of colour, shape, and proportion is a collaborative process. While we aim for results that meet your expectations, individual anatomy and biological variation can influence the final look.

  • Staged aesthetic decisions: Final shade and shape selections are made progressively. It is important to communicate openly with your dentist at each stage.

Because smile makeovers involve multiple procedures, the risks associated with each individual treatment apply. These may include:

  • Sensitivity or discomfort during or between treatment stages
  • Gum irritation or temporary changes to gum appearance
  • Bite changes requiring adjustment
  • Need for additional appointments or refinements
  • Risk of reactions to anaesthetic, materials, or whitening agents
  • Unpredictable healing timelines


Please refer to the relevant sections in this document for the specific risks associated with each treatment included in your plan.

  • Staged costs: Smile makeovers are often completed in stages, and costs are generally confirmed at the planning stage. Additional procedures may affect the overall investment.

  • Longevity: Results are long-lasting with proper care but are not permanent. Future maintenance, replacement, or refinement costs may apply over time.

Invisalign & Clear Aligners

What to Know Before You Decide

Invisalign (and other clear aligner systems) are orthodontic treatments designed to gradually move teeth into improved positions using a series of removable, custom-made aligners. Aligners are typically worn for most of the day and changed regularly according to your treatment plan.

While clear aligners can deliver excellent results for suitable cases, outcomes depend on individual biology, starting tooth position, treatment complexity, and how closely aligners are worn as prescribed. As with any dental treatment, there are risks and possible side effects.

All dental procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Alternative treatment options may be available. We encourage you to ask questions and seek clarification so you can make a fully informed decision.

The information below is general in nature. Your dentist will discuss your specific circumstances, suitability, and expected outcomes during your consultation.

In some cases, Invisalign treatment may involve additional procedures such as:

  • Tooth shaping (interproximal reduction/IPR) to create small amounts of space
  • Attachments (small tooth-coloured resin buttons) to help guide tooth movement
  • Elastics (rubber bands) to assist bite correction
  • Refinements (additional aligners) to fine-tune the final result


These components have their own considerations, which will be explained if recommended for your case.

Treatment length varies depending on complexity and compliance. Most patients can continue normal daily activities throughout treatment.

Ongoing reviews, oral hygiene, and retainer wear after treatment are essential. Your practitioner will recommend a personalised maintenance plan, and additional costs may apply (e.g., retainers, replacement aligners, refinements if required).

Comfort and tooth movement changes

  • Pressure or soreness: Mild to moderate discomfort is common when starting aligners or changing to a new set. This typically settles within a few days.
  • Temporary bite changes: Your bite may feel different during treatment as teeth move. This is usually expected, but may sometimes require adjustments to the plan.
  • Speech changes: Some patients experience a temporary lisp or altered speech while adapting to aligners.


Oral health considerations

  • Gum irritation: Aligners or attachments may cause irritation to gums, cheeks, or lips, especially early in treatment.
  • Increased risk of decay or gum inflammation: If aligners are worn without adequate brushing/flossing, plaque can build up and increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
  • Existing dental issues: Untreated decay, gum disease, or poor oral hygiene can affect suitability and outcomes.


Results and predictability

  • Results may vary: Tooth movement is influenced by biological factors and may not follow the plan exactly in all cases.
  • Need for refinements: Additional aligners may be required to achieve the desired result, especially for complex movements.
  • Aesthetic or functional dissatisfaction: While planning aims for the best possible outcome, final results may not fully match expectations in every case.


Wear time and handling

  • Insufficient wear time: Aligners generally need to be worn as prescribed (often 20–22 hours per day). If not worn consistently, treatment can take longer, become less predictable, or not achieve the intended result.
  • Loss or damage to aligners: Lost, cracked, or warped aligners can delay progress and may incur additional costs.


Attachments, tooth shaping, and related risks

  • Attachment debonding: Attachments can occasionally come off and may need replacement.
  • Tooth sensitivity after IPR: If enamel is gently reduced to create space, temporary sensitivity may occur.
  • Enamel wear: Improper handling, poor hygiene, or grinding can contribute to unwanted wear in some cases.


After treatment: what you may notice

  • Relapse (teeth shifting back): Teeth naturally tend to move over time. Wearing retainers as instructed is crucial to help maintain your result.
  • Retainer maintenance/replacement: Retainers may wear out, distort, or break and may need replacement over time.


Uncommon complications

  • Root resorption: Rarely, orthodontic tooth movement can contribute to shortening of tooth roots. This is uncommon but can occur, particularly in higher-risk cases.
  • Jaw discomfort (TMJ symptoms): Some patients may experience jaw discomfort or muscle fatigue during treatment, especially if there are bite changes.

Dental Implants (including All-on Implants)

Dental implants can replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch. Traditional implants replace missing teeth in specific positions. All-on treatments use multiple implants (often 4–6) to support a full arch of teeth.

We use careful planning and modern imaging (including 3D planning where appropriate) to guide treatment and reduce risk. However, surgery always involves inherent risks.

Prior to surgery, you may need to adjust certain habits (such as smoking) or medical factors to reduce complications and support healing. Long-term changes to diet and oral care may also be recommended to protect your outcome. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

What to Know Before You Decide

Implant treatment may involve additional procedures such as bone grafting (to improve bone volume) or a sinus lift (to create space in the upper jaw so implants can be placed safely). These procedures have their own risks and will be discussed if relevant to your case.

All dental procedures carry risks. You may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner. Alternative treatment options may be available. We encourage you to ask questions so you fully understand the treatment, alternatives, and expected outcomes.

Implant treatment is commonly completed over 3 to 6 visits, depending on complexity. Some patients may need to modify normal activities briefly after surgery. Depending on your procedure and response, additional rest may be recommended.
Healing varies between individuals. Many patients feel significantly better within days, and tissues often settle over approximately two weeks, though full bone integration takes longer and is assessed case-by-case.
Implants and implant-supported teeth require ongoing monitoring and professional maintenance. Regular reviews may be recommended (often every 4–6 months depending on risk factors). Maintenance costs may be separate from initial treatment fees.

Implant placement occurs near important anatomical structures.

Upper Jaw

  • The upper jaw may have softer bones and is close to the sinus.
  • Possible complications include reduced implant stability, bone fracture, or sinus involvement (including accidental entry or perforation).
  • These complications may require additional procedures and may increase costs.

Lower Jaw

  • In the lower jaw, implants may be placed near nerves that supply sensation to the lip, chin, and tongue.
  • Swelling or surgical proximity can cause altered sensation, numbness, tingling, or discomfort.
  • These effects are uncommon and are often temporary, but in rare cases may be prolonged or permanent.

 

After surgery: what may occur

  • Unpredictable stability: If implants do not achieve enough initial stability, immediate loading (placing a fixed temporary bridge/crown quickly) may not be possible. A removable temporary appliance may be required during healing.
  • Implant failure: Rarely, an implant may fail to integrate with the bone (for reasons that can be biological and unpredictable).
  • Removal and replacement: A failed implant may need removal and possible replacement. Additional procedures may be required if bone volume is insufficient.

 

Recovery: what to expect after surgery

    • Swelling and bruising: Swelling is common and may peak around day 3–4, then gradually reduce.
    • Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, and may occur for 24–48 hours.
    • Pain and discomfort: Discomfort can last several days, and sometimes longer. Pain relief may be prescribed or recommended.
    • Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours, and avoid intense exercise (e.g., gym/sport) for up to 10 days if advised.
    • Tiredness: Feeling tired for the first 12–24 hours can be normal.
    • Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of poor healing and implant complications, including infection and treatment failure.
    • Diet: Soft, cool foods are often recommended in the early stage.
    • Support at home: If sedation or general anaesthetic is used, you may need someone to assist you. Anaesthetic-related risks will be discussed with you by your dentist and, if applicable, the anaesthetist.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment used to lighten tooth colour and reduce staining from food/drinks, smoking, and natural ageing. Whitening may be performed in-clinic under professional supervision, and may be supported with take-home whitening for maintenance (where appropriate).

All dental procedures carry risks. Not everyone is suitable for whitening. A dental assessment is required before treatment to check for cavities, gum issues, enamel wear, and existing restorations that may affect results. You may also wish to seek a second opinion or discuss alternative options. Please ask questions at any stage.

This section outlines general risks and considerations. Your dentist will discuss your specific circumstances during consultation.

Before whitening
  • Oral health first: For best outcomes, a check-up and professional clean may be recommended prior to whitening.
  • Existing dental work: Crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding do not whiten the same way natural teeth do. Colour differences may occur.
  • Diet and staining: It is commonly recommended to minimise strongly coloured foods and drinks for around 72 hours, such as tea/coffee, red wine, curry, soy sauce, tomato-based sauces, beetroot, and similar staining foods/drinks.
  • Results and longevity: Whitening is not permanent. Re-staining depends on diet, smoking, oral hygiene, and your natural tooth structure. Many people notice fading over 3–6 months, and top-ups may be recommended depending on your plan.
  • Sensitivity: Some patients experience sensitivity during or after whitening (often a short sharp response to cold/hot). This is usually temporary, but can occasionally last longer.
  • Gum irritation: Temporary gum irritation can occur if whitening gel contacts soft tissues.
In many cases, in-chair whitening is completed in one visit, though your dentist may recommend home-based follow-up for best results.
Ongoing oral health care and reviews may be recommended, and any future maintenance or top-ups may involve additional costs.

Final Note

The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for a personalised consultation. One of our registered dental practitioners will explain your individual risks, benefits, alternatives, and aftercare requirements in detail before any treatment proceeds.

We are committed to ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and confident at every step of your care. If you have any questions — before, during, or after treatment — please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.