Treatment Risks
At Proactive Dental, your health and well-being come first – beyond just your smile. Our approach is prevention-driven and minimally invasive, ensuring we always recommend the most conservative treatment option tailored to your needs. In some cases, cosmetic, surgical, or restorative procedures may be advised to restore function, strength, or aesthetics. While these treatments can achieve excellent outcomes, it’s important to remember that all procedures involve potential risks. Below is a summary of possible risks and side effects associated with dental treatments. Any decision to proceed should be made with full awareness, and during your consultation, our qualified dental team will discuss your specific risks and treatment suitability in detail.
Veneers - Information & Considerations
Important Information
At Proactive Dental, we want you to feel fully informed and confident about your veneer treatment and any related procedures. In some cases, additional treatments such as gum recontouring or reshaping may be recommended. These carry their own risks, and your dentist will discuss them with you in detail. For more information about gum augmentation, click here.
Every dental procedure comes with risks. Before proceeding, we recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional. There may also be alternative treatment options available. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification at any stage—we are here to guide and support you.
Treatment Process & Recovery
Veneer treatment typically takes 2 to 6 visits, depending on your case. Most patients can continue their daily routines throughout treatment, though in some situations rest may be needed. Recovery times differ from person to person, but generally, things settle within two weeks.
Ongoing Care
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your veneers look and function well for years. Your dentist will provide a personalised care plan, which may involve costs beyond your initial treatment.
Tooth Preparation & Sensitivity
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Enamel removal: A thin layer of enamel must be removed to place veneers—this does not grow back naturally.
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Sensitivity: Some patients may feel temporary or prolonged sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, sometimes requiring further care.
Veneer Durability & Appearance
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Chips or cracks: Veneers are strong, but they may chip, crack, or loosen over time, particularly if you grind or clench your teeth.
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Colour matching: We match veneers as closely as possible to your natural teeth, but results may vary slightly.
Gum & Oral Health
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Gum irritation: Poor oral hygiene or an imperfect fit can lead to gum inflammation.
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Replacement: Veneers are not permanent and may require replacement over time due to wear, damage, or changes in surrounding teeth and gums.
Post-Treatment Effects
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Temporary discomfort: Mild sensitivity, inflammation, or discomfort is common and usually short-lived.
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Bite adjustments: Your bite may feel different initially but can be fine-tuned for comfort.
Rare Reactions
Although uncommon, some patients may react to anaesthetic or dental materials. Please let us know about any allergies or medications before treatment begins.
👉 At Proactive Dental, our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care while making sure you feel comfortable, supported, and confident throughout your veneer journey.
Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners (Invisalign® / Clear Aligners)
Important Information
At Proactive Dental, we want you to feel fully informed before beginning orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Like any dental procedure, aligner treatment carries some risks. Before proceeding, we recommend seeking a second opinion from a qualified health professional. Alternative treatment options may also be available. Please ask our team any questions at any stage—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Treatment Process & Considerations
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Gradual & consistent: Treatment length depends on case complexity and compliance with wear schedules. Retainers are required long-term to maintain results.
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Compliance matters: Skipping wear time, missing appointments, or inconsistent use may delay progress or limit results.
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Additional procedures: Some complex cases may need elastics, bonded buttons, minor restorative work, or temporary devices.
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Health factors: General medical conditions or medications may influence tooth movement and treatment outcomes.
Functional Adjustments
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Mild tenderness or pressure may occur when switching aligners.
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Gums, lips, or cheeks may feel slightly irritated.
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Bite changes can cause temporary discomfort.
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Temporary increase in saliva, dryness, or minor lisp (usually resolves within 1–2 weeks).
Retention & Stability
After treatment, teeth can shift naturally. Wearing retainers as instructed is essential to maintain your new smile.
Oral Health Risks
Without excellent oral hygiene, risks may include:
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Tooth decay, gum disease, or white spots (decalcification).
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Changes to gum or bone health.
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Small “black triangles” between teeth if gums don’t fully fill spaces after alignment.
Attachments, Adjustments & Appliance Wear
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Small bonded attachments may be required and are removed after treatment.
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Attachments may occasionally come off and need replacement.
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Some teeth may require minor reshaping (IPR) for alignment.
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Rarely, aligners may show surface wear from grinding without affecting effectiveness.
Bite & Surgical Considerations
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A minor bite adjustment may be needed at the end of treatment.
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Severe crowding or jaw imbalances may require oral surgery.
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Teeth with past trauma, restorations, or root treatment may respond differently and require additional care.
At Proactive Dental, our focus is on helping you achieve a confident, healthy smile through safe, effective, and personalised clear aligner treatment.
Implants and All-on-Implants – Information and Risks
Traditional implants are used to replace one or several missing teeth, while All-on implants can restore a full upper or lower arch using just 4–6 implants to support a complete set of teeth.
At Proactive Dental, our experienced dentists use advanced 3D digital technology to plan implant placement with precision, helping minimise risks and achieve predictable, long-term results.
Before implant surgery, some lifestyle adjustments may be required—such as quitting smoking—to support healing and implant success. In some cases, bone grafting or sinus lifts may also be recommended to ensure a stable foundation.
Important Information
Any dental or surgical procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we recommend seeking a second opinion from a suitably qualified health practitioner. Please feel free to ask our team any questions—we want you to feel confident about your treatment.
Treatment is usually completed over 3–6 visits, depending on your case. Most patients resume daily activities within a few days, while full healing typically takes around two weeks. Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, ongoing care, and regular check-ups.
Surgical & Post-Surgical Risks
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Upper Jaw: Implants are placed near the sinus, which can occasionally lead to sinus-related complications.
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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.
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Implant Stability: In some cases, implants may not stabilise immediately, requiring a temporary removable solution until healing occurs.
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Implant Failure: Though uncommon, implants can fail to integrate with bone. Regular check-ups every 4–6 months are vital to monitor implant health.
Recovery & What to Expect
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Swelling, bruising, bleeding, and mild discomfort are normal and usually improve within the first week.
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Pain is manageable with prescribed medication.
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Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours and heavy exercise/sports for up to 10 days.
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Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
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Stick to soft, cool foods during initial healing.
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Some patients may require a short period off work, particularly after general anaesthesia.
At Proactive Dental, our goal is to make your implant journey safe, comfortable, and supported with personalised care every step of the way.