Treatment Information and Considerations
At Williamstown Road Dental Surgery, your oral health and overall well-being are our top priorities. All our clinicians are registered with AHPRA and strictly adhere to professional protocols. Before any treatment, we recommend a consultation so you have a clear understanding of your options, potential benefits, lifestyle considerations for long-term success, and any associated risks.
If you are considering, or have been recommended elsewhere, to undergo any of the following cosmetic or restorative dental procedures, please take the time to understand each treatment and its potential risks before proceeding.
Note: The risks and considerations outlined are general in nature. Individual circumstances may involve additional considerations. A comprehensive consultation or a second opinion is recommended before proceeding with treatment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Suitable for patients seeking to lighten the colour of their teeth and remove surface stains.
- Not recommended for individuals with untreated decay, gum disease, exposed tooth roots, very thin enamel, or certain medical conditions.
- A qualified dentist assessment is essential to determine the safest and most effective whitening option.
Potential Risks and Consideration
- Patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, which usually resolves after treatment. We request our patients to contact us if they experience prolonged dental sensitivity.
- Whitening gel may cause gum irritation if it comes into contact with soft tissues; protective barriers are applied during professional treatment.
- Teeth with intrinsic stains or existing restorations may whiten unevenly, potentially creating slight colour differences. Teeth whitening treatments will not change the colour of your existing prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures.
- Overuse or unsupervised application of whitening products can weaken enamel or exacerbate sensitivity.
- Rare allergic reactions to whitening agents can occur. We request our patients to let us know beforehand of any known allergens.
- Teeth whitening treatments will not result in permanent sensitivity. Maintenance may require periodic touch-ups to retain desired shade; lifestyle factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking can affect longevity.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ideal for patients seeking cosmetic improvement for discolouration, chips, gaps, minor misalignment, or uneven teeth.
- Requires sufficient enamel for bonding; patients with active decay, gum disease, or severe structural issues may not be suitable candidates. Treatment of such concerns may be recommended prior to veneer treatment. Prices of each treatment will be discussed with you prior to the actual treatment.
- Both composite and porcelain options are available, with porcelain being more durable and stain-resistant.
Potential Risks and Consideration
- Placement of porcelain veneers involves enamel removal, making the procedure irreversible; long-term commitment is required.
- Temporary sensitivity to temperature changes may occur following preparation and bonding.
- Porcelain veneers, while highly durable, may chip or crack if excessive force is applied, requiring repair or replacement.
- Composite veneers are less durable than porcelain and may stain or wear faster, often requiring more frequent maintenance.
- Colour mismatch can develop over time if natural teeth change colour while veneers remain unchanged.
- Replacement of veneers may be required after several years to maintain function and aesthetic outcomes, depending on care and oral hygiene.
- Patients must maintain excellent oral hygiene and avoid biting hard foods to prevent damage.
Eligibility Criteria
- Crowns are recommended for teeth that are weakened, fractured, discoloured, or following root canal treatment.
- Bridges are suitable for replacing one or more missing teeth, relying on adjacent teeth or implants for support.
- Requires sufficient oral health, healthy gums, and adequate tooth structure for successful restoration.
Potential Risks and Consideration
- Mild sensitivity to temperature changes is common following preparation and placement, which usually diminishes over time.
- Materials used in restorations may chip, crack, or wear over time, requiring repair or full replacement.
- Allergic reactions to certain dental materials are rare but possible.
- Inadequate oral hygiene may result in decay beneath a crown or around a bridge, or contribute to gum disease.
- Crowns and bridges are long-term solutions but not permanent; replacement may be necessary after several years depending on use and care.
- Protective measures, such as nightguards for teeth grinders, may be recommended to prolong longevity. Nightguards, if required, will incur additional fee.
Eligibility Criteria
- Suitable for patients seeking discreet teeth straightening for mild to moderate and some complex alignment issues, spacing, or crowding.
- Not always suitable for severe bite problems or complex orthodontic cases that require extensive orthodontics; assessment by a qualified dentist is essential.
- Requires commitment to wearing aligners for 20–22 hours per day and following treatment instructions.
Potential Risks and Consideration
- Mild pressure or soreness is common when switching to a new aligner, which usually resolves in a few days.
- Speech may temporarily change during the initial period of wearing aligners.
- Aligners must be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water; improper cleaning or non-compliance can lead to decay or gum inflammation.
- Tooth-coloured attachments may be required to aid movement and may occasionally become loose.
- Non-compliance with wearing aligners as prescribed can delay treatment outcomes or reduce effectiveness.
- After treatment, retainers are essential to prevent teeth from shifting back, requiring long-term commitment. Retainers may incur additional fee which will be communicated with you beforehand.
- Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed.
Eligibility Criteria
- Effective for patients requiring comprehensive orthodontic correction for misalignment, crowding, spacing, or bite issues.
- Suitable for both children and adults, with treatment personalised to age, dental health, and alignment complexity.
Potential Risks and Consideration
- Initial discomfort and soreness are expected after adjustments; usually temporary.
- Braces can irritate gums and cheeks; protective wax or soft liners may be required.
- Oral hygiene is more challenging, and inadequate care can lead to enamel demineralisation, decay, or gum inflammation.
- Certain foods must be avoided to prevent damage to brackets and wires; repair or replacement may be necessary if broken.
- Treatment duration can vary depending on severity of misalignment and patient compliance with appointments and care instructions.
- Retainers are essential post-treatment to prevent relapse, requiring ongoing use and monitoring.