Important Information

At Proactive Dental, we want you to be fully informed before beginning orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Like any dental procedure, orthodontic care carries risks. Before proceeding, we recommend considering a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Alternative treatment options may also be available. Please feel free to ask our team any questions or seek clarification at any stage—we’re here to guide you through every step of your smile journey.

Treatment Process & Considerations

Clear aligner treatment is a gradual process that requires commitment and consistency. The total treatment time varies depending on case complexity and how closely you follow your wear schedule. Long-term retention with retainers is essential to maintain results.

• Compliance matters: Not wearing aligners for the recommended hours per day, missing appointments, or inconsistent use may delay treatment or limit results.

• Additional procedures: Some cases may require added treatments such as bonded buttons, elastics, temporary anchorage devices, or minor restorative work.

• Medical considerations: General health and certain medications can influence tooth movement and overall outcomes.

Functional Adjustments

• Mild tenderness or pressure may occur when switching to a new aligner set.

• Gums, cheeks, or lips may feel temporarily irritated.

• Your bite may shift during treatment, sometimes causing mild discomfort.

• Aligners may briefly affect saliva flow, cause dryness, or lead to minor speech changes (such as a lisp), which usually resolve within 1–2 weeks.

Retention & Stability

After treatment, teeth can naturally shift over time. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is essential to reduce relapse and preserve your new smile.

Oral Health Risks

Good oral hygiene is vital during aligner treatment. Without proper care:

• Tooth decay, gum disease, or permanent marks (decalcification) can develop.

• Gum and bone health supporting the teeth may be affected.

• Small “black triangles” may appear if gums do not fully fill spaces between newly aligned teeth.

Attachments, Adjustments & Appliance Wear

• Small attachments may be bonded to your teeth to help with movement; these will be removed after treatment.

• Attachments can occasionally fall off and may need to be replaced.

• Some teeth may require minor reshaping (interproximal reduction) to create alignment space.

• Rarely, aligners may show surface wear from grinding—this usually does not affect their effectiveness.

Bite Adjustments

At the end of treatment, some patients may require a small bite (occlusal) adjustment for comfort and function.

Surgical & Pre-existing Condition Considerations

• In severe cases of crowding or jaw imbalance, oral surgery may be required before or during aligner treatment. If necessary, risks and healing considerations will be explained in detail.

• Teeth that have been traumatised, heavily restored, or root-treated may respond differently to treatment. In rare cases, these teeth may require additional care such as root canal therapy, further restorative treatment, or may be at higher risk of loss.

At Proactive Dental, our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile through the safest and most effective treatment pathway for your individual needs.

Dental Implants at Proactive Dental

Traditional implants are designed to replace one or several missing teeth, while All-on implants can restore an entire upper or lower arch using just 4–6 implants to support a full set of teeth.

At Proactive Dental, our experienced dentists use advanced 3D technology to plan your treatment with precision, minimise risks, and deliver the best possible outcomes.

Before implant treatment, certain lifestyle adjustments—such as quitting smoking—may be required. Your dentist will guide you through the changes needed before and after surgery to help ensure long-term success. In some cases, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts may be recommended to create a stable foundation for your implants.

Important Information

Any surgical or dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. We encourage you to ask questions and request clarification about your treatment plan at any time.

• Treatment is usually completed over 3–6 visits, depending on your individual needs.

• Recovery times vary, but most patients resume normal activities within a few days.

• Full healing typically takes around two weeks.

• Long-term success depends on proper care, maintenance, and regular dental checkups.

Surgical & Post-Surgical Risks

• Upper jaw: Implants are placed close to the sinus, which can occasionally lead to sinus involvement or bone instability.

• Lower jaw: Implants may be positioned near nerves that affect the lips, chin, or tongue. Rarely, this can cause temporary or permanent changes in sensation.

• Implant stability: In some cases, implants may not achieve stability right away. A temporary removable appliance may be needed until healing is complete.

• Implant failure: Though uncommon, implants can fail if they do not integrate with the bone. Regular check-ups every 4–6 months are essential to monitor implant health.

Recovery & What to Expect

• Swelling, bruising, bleeding, and discomfort are normal after surgery and usually improve within the first week.

• Pain can be managed with prescribed medications.

• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours, and sports or exercise for up to 10 days.

• Smoking greatly increases the risk of implant failure.

• Stick to soft, cool foods during initial healing.

• Some patients may need a short recovery period off work, especially after general anaesthesia.

At Proactive Dental, our priority is to ensure your implant journey is safe, comfortable, and fully supported with ongoing care at every stage.