Treatment Information & Considerations

Veneers – Information and Considerations

Important Information

• Additional procedures such as gum recontouring or reshaping may be recommended alongside veneers. Each carries its own risks.

• All dental procedures involve risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

• Treatment typically requires 2 to 6 visits depending on case complexity. Most patients can continue daily activities, though rest days may be needed for recovery.

• Healing varies from person to person, with most patients settling within two weeks.

• Long-term maintenance and care are essential. Your dentist will provide a tailored plan, which may involve additional costs.

Tooth Preparation and Sensitivity

• A thin layer of enamel must be removed during preparation. This cannot be naturally restored.

• Some patients experience temporary or prolonged sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, which may require further treatment.

Veneer Durability and Appearance

• Veneers, though durable, can chip, crack, or detach, particularly in cases of heavy biting, clenching, or grinding.

• While colour matching is carefully done, aesthetic outcomes may not always meet expectations.

Gum and Oral Health

• Poor hygiene or an improper fit can lead to gum irritation or inflammation.

• Veneers are not permanent and may need replacement due to wear, damage, or natural changes in surrounding teeth and gums.

Post-Treatment Effects

• Post-operative discomfort, inflammation, or sensitivity can occur. Rarely, symptoms may persist.

• Your bite may feel different at first. Some patients need adjustments to achieve the right fit.

Rare Reactions

• In rare cases, reactions to local anaesthetic or dental materials may occur. Always inform us of allergies, sensitivities, or medications before treatment.

Quick FAQs

How long do veneers last?
With proper care, veneers generally last 10–15 years. Habits like teeth grinding or biting hard objects may shorten their lifespan.

Do veneers damage natural teeth?
Veneers require removing a small amount of enamel, which is irreversible. However, when done correctly, the underlying tooth remains strong and functional.

Can I whiten my veneers later?
No. Veneers do not respond to whitening treatments. If you’re considering whitening, it’s best to do so before your veneers are placed.

What happens if a veneer falls off?
If a veneer chips or comes loose, contact us immediately. In many cases, it can be repaired or replaced quickly.

Invisalign & Clear Aligner Information and Considerations

At Forest Road Dental in Hurstville, we offer advanced clear aligner solutions including Invisalign®, Spark™, and Angel Aligners. These treatments are discreet, removable, and highly effective for many orthodontic cases.

Like all dental procedures, aligner therapy comes with considerations and potential risks. The following information is designed to help you make an informed decision. Specific suitability, risks, and alternatives will always be discussed during your consultation with one of our experienced dentists.

Important Information

• All dental treatments carry risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

• Treatment time varies depending on case complexity and patient compliance. For best results, aligners must be worn as directed, typically 20–22 hours per day.

• Orthodontic treatment is a long-term process. Wearing a retainer indefinitely after treatment is essential to maintain results.

• Most patients continue daily activities with little disruption. Some eating habits may need to be adjusted.

• Temporary discomfort is common when starting or switching aligners. This usually subsides as you adapt.

• Ongoing care and maintenance of your aligners are crucial. Your dentist will provide a personalised care plan, which may involve additional costs.

Treatment Considerations

• Compliance matters: Failure to wear aligners as directed, missing appointments, or atypical tooth shapes may prolong treatment or limit results.

• Complex cases: Severe bite issues, jaw discrepancies, or mixed dentition may require additional orthodontic procedures.

• Additional aids: Bonded buttons, elastics, temporary anchorage devices, or restorative dental work may be needed for more complex corrections.

• Medical factors: General health conditions and certain medications can influence treatment success.

Functional Adjustments

• Mild tenderness or pressure is common after switching aligners.

• Aligners may irritate gums, cheeks, or lips temporarily.

• You may notice changes in your bite throughout treatment.

• Aligners can briefly affect speech, often causing a mild lisp that resolves within 1–2 weeks.

• Some patients experience increased saliva or dryness in the mouth.

Retention & Tooth Position Stability

• Teeth can shift after treatment if retainers are not worn as prescribed.

• Wearing your retainer consistently is the best way to maintain your smile long-term.

Oral Health Risks

• Poor hygiene while wearing aligners increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or decalcification (white spots).

• Long-standing crowding may lead to small gaps (“black triangles”) between teeth after alignment.

• Gum and bone health can be affected if oral hygiene is neglected.

Attachments, Adjustments & Appliance Wear

• Attachments (small tooth-coloured bumps) may be bonded to assist movement. These are removed after treatment.

• Attachments can occasionally dislodge and may need replacement.

• Some teeth may require interproximal reduction (slenderising) to create space.

• Minor aligner wear may occur in patients who grind teeth, but overall strength remains intact.

Bite Adjustments

• After treatment, your dentist may recommend a minor occlusal adjustment to fine-tune your bite.

Surgical & Pre-existing Condition Considerations

• In some cases, oral surgery may be necessary to address crowding or severe jaw imbalances before or during treatment.

• Teeth that are previously traumatised, heavily filled, or root canal treated may react differently. In rare cases, additional treatment or even tooth loss may occur.

Quick FAQs

Do clear aligners hurt?
Most patients feel mild pressure when starting new aligners, but this usually settles within a few days.

How long will I need to wear my aligners each day?
For best results, wear your aligners for 20–22 hours daily, removing them only for meals and cleaning.

What happens if I lose an aligner?
Contact our Hurstville clinic immediately. We may advise moving to the next set early or replacing the lost aligner.

Can clear aligners treat all orthodontic issues?
Mild to moderate cases respond very well. More complex bite or skeletal issues may require a combination of aligners and other orthodontic solutions.

Dental Implants – Information and Considerations

At Forest Road Dental in Hurstville, we provide advanced implant solutions, from single tooth implants to full-arch implant restorations. These treatments are designed to restore function, strength, and aesthetics for patients with missing or failing teeth.

While implants can deliver life-changing results, they are also surgical procedures, and it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and considerations before proceeding. Your dentist will provide a tailored treatment plan and discuss your individual suitability, risks, and alternatives during your consultation.

Important Information

• Dental implants may require additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts to ensure secure placement. These carry their own risks.

• Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

• Treatment usually involves 3–6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. Some downtime may be required for rest and recovery.

• Healing times vary from person to person, but most patients settle within 2 weeks.

• Long-term success requires ongoing maintenance and regular check-ups. Your dentist will provide a personalised care schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial plan.

Surgical Risks

Upper Jaw

• Bone quality is often softer, and implants are placed near the sinuses.

• Risks include bone fracture, reduced stability, or accidental sinus entry/puncture.

• These may require additional treatment or corrective procedures.

Lower Jaw

• Implants are placed near nerves that control sensation in the lip, chin, and tongue.

• Rarely, nerve disturbance may cause temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or altered sensation.

Post-Surgical Risks

• Implant stability can sometimes be unpredictable.

• If implants lack initial stability, a temporary removable appliance may be required instead of an immediate fixed bridge.

• Implant failure may occur if integration with bone does not take place. Failed implants must be removed and, in some cases, replaced with additional procedures.

• Regular 4–6 monthly check-ups are essential to monitor implant health and detect early issues.

Recovery & What to Expect

• Swelling and bruising: Often peaks on day 4 and gradually subsides.

• Bleeding: Common for 24–48 hours post-surgery.

• Pain or discomfort: Expected for 1–2 weeks, managed with prescribed medications.

• Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours; delay sports or gym for up to 10 days.

• Tiredness or weakness: Normal in the first 24 hours. Rest is recommended.

• Diet: Stick to soft, cool foods initially to protect healing sites.

• Smoking: Greatly increases the risk of implant failure and infection. Avoid completely for best outcomes.

• Time off work: May be required depending on procedure complexity and use of general anaesthesia.

Anaesthesia & Safety

Some implant cases may be performed under general anaesthesia. Specific risks related to anaesthesia will be explained by both your dentist and anaesthetist before treatment.

Quick FAQs

How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, implants can last 10–20 years or more. Full arch implants restorations may require replacement or adjustment of the prosthetic bridge over time.

Is implant surgery painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure thanks to anaesthesia. Post-surgery, any pain or swelling can be managed with prescribed medication.

Can I get implants if I smoke?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. For best results, patients are advised to quit before surgery and avoid smoking long-term.

What happens if an implant fails?
Failed implants can often be removed and replaced. In some cases, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required before replacement.