Treatment Information & Considerations

Home•Treatment Information & Considerations

No matter your unique needs, our experienced Sydney dentists remain committed to your comfort, safety, and long-term oral health. Guided by the principles of pain-free dentistry and a patient-centred approach, we strive to provide a seamless, reassuring experience from consultation to aftercare.

Although today’s dental treatments are highly predictable, each procedure involves certain considerations and potential side effects. The following information highlights important points to be aware of as you explore your treatment options.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can enhance your smile with a conservative, minimally invasive approach. Before beginning treatment, it is helpful to understand the following:

  • Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks may occur after placement, though this typically improves within a few days.
  • Consistent brushing, flossing, and routine professional care are essential to protecting your veneers and supporting long-term success.
  • Habits such as chewing on hard objects, biting your nails, or frequently consuming strongly pigmented foods may influence the durability and colour stability of your veneers.
  • A thin layer of enamel is usually reshaped to create space for the veneer, though this adjustment is generally minimal.
  • Veneers cannot be lightened with whitening products, so any desired whitening should be completed before the veneers are designed.

Implants/Implant-Supported Dentures

Dental implants and implant-supported dentures can provide exceptional stability and a natural feel, but like all surgical treatments, they require careful planning and post-treatment care:

  • Although uncommon, complications such as infection, damage to nearby structures, or failure of the implant to fuse with the bone can occur.
  • Factors such as low bone density, smoking, gum disease, and uncontrolled diabetes may increase the risk of implant failure.
  • Mild tenderness once the anaesthetic wears off is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups are essential to supporting healthy tissue around the implants.
  • Some patients may need bone grafting to provide adequate support for the implants or denture system; this is determined following detailed clinical assessment.

Crowns

Dental crowns are designed to strengthen and restore teeth that have been compromised by decay, fracture, or significant wear. For the best long-term results, keep the following in mind:

  • Clenching, grinding, chewing ice, or biting nails may place excessive pressure on a crown and shorten its lifespan.
  • Thorough brushing, flossing, and routine dental care can protect both the crown and the natural tooth beneath it.

Invisalign®

Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign® can deliver a discreet and flexible way to straighten your teeth. However, like any orthodontic system, it comes with a few considerations to keep in mind:

  • Mild soreness or pressure is common when switching to a new set of aligners and usually settles within a few days, but pain relief medication can often help.
  • Wearing a retainer after treatment is essential to maintain your new alignment and prevent gradual shifting.
  • While discreet, Invisalign® aligners are not completely invisible; a slight shine may be visible on close inspection.
  • A short-lived lisp may occur at the start of treatment as the tongue adjusts to the trays.
  • Aligners must be removed for meals. Staining beverages or foods (such as coffee, tea, or berries) should only be consumed after removing the trays and brushing before reinserting them.
  • Exposure to heat, including hot drinks or hot water, can warp aligners and should be avoided.
  • Chewing gum can stick to or deform the plastic and should not be done while wearing aligners.
  • Smoking may stain the trays, reducing their discreet appearance.
  • Some patients require small, tooth-coloured attachments to assist with specific tooth movements, though these are subtle and generally used for more complex cases.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening can noticeably brighten your smile, though it is normal for the process to cause temporary changes in how your teeth respond to temperature and stimuli. Key considerations include:

  • Brief, sharp sensations (“zingers”) may occur during or after treatment, though our systems are designed to minimise these effects.
  • Sensitivity is more likely with frequent treatments, stronger whitening formulas, or naturally more permeable enamel.
  • Adjusting the frequency of sessions, reducing gel strength, and avoiding extremely hot or cold foods or drinks after treatment can help reduce discomfort.
  • Using a desensitising toothpaste before and after whitening may improve comfort.
  • Whitening results naturally fade over time due to everyday staining and the ageing process; touch-up treatments twice a year can help maintain brightness.
  • During the first few days after whitening, enamel is temporarily more porous and more prone to staining. Dark-coloured foods and drinks should be limited during this period.

Oral Surgery

Oral surgical procedures range from simple extractions to more advanced periodontal or restorative interventions. While our dentists focus on comfort and minimally invasive oral surgery techniques, all surgical treatments include inherent considerations:

  • Some post-operative soreness is expected, though tailored pain-management strategies can keep discomfort to a minimum.
  • Sedation dentistry may be recommended to encourage a relaxed treatment experience, but each option carries potential temporary effects such as drowsiness, nausea, headache, or, in the case of IV sedation, minor bruising at the insertion site.
  • Following the provided aftercare instructions is essential for proper healing and reducing the risk of irritation or complications.

Your Comfort, Clarity, and Confidence Matter

Understanding the considerations associated with your treatment is an important part of feeling informed, empowered, and at ease throughout your dental journey. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way – from your initial questions to your final results – with compassion, transparency, and a commitment to clinical excellence.
If you’d like to explore any of these treatments further or discuss which option may be best suited to your goals, we’d be delighted to assist. Reach out to The Paddington Dental Surgery to schedule your personalised consultation today.