Treatment Considerations and Risks
At Delicate Dentistry, we ensure patients have a good understanding of all the available treatment options in order to make an informed decision. Each individual case will differ based on personal oral health, lifestyle and other factors which might affect treatment and its outcomes.
The information presented below is intended to provide patients with useful insight into treatment, but is not intended to replace a professional consultation with a registered dental practitioner. A thorough evaluation by a registered dental professional is necessary to discuss treatment options and outcomes that would be relevant in each individual case.
Eligibility Criteria
- If you are interested in getting your teeth reshaped in order to achieve better aesthetic results and to restore worn down teeth then dental veneers might be an ideal solution.
- If you are interested in getting your teeth reshaped in order to achieve better aesthetic results and to restore worn down teeth then dental veneers might be an ideal solution.
- Cases where gum diseases, cavities or bruxism exist which can affect the outcome of dental veneers treatment, patients may be recommended to treat or manage these conditions first.
- Dental veneers are generally not suitable for moderate to severe orthodontic cases. In such cases, alternative orthodontic or more appropriate treatment options may be recommended.
What to Expect After Treatment Begins
- In order for the dentist to apply veneers it might involve removing a thin layer of enamel, which is not reversible.
- Sensitivity to temperature or pressure may occur temporarily. If the sensitivity does not subside after a few days of treatment, we ask patients to get in touch immediately.
- It's likely that patients may initially experience changes in biting, speech and even the contour of the tooth.
- Reviews will need to be done following application of veneers.
Risks and Ongoing Care
- There is a chance that veneers can chip, debond, fracture or stain over time particularly when exposed to excessive pressure or force from habits such as teeth grinding, clenching, nail biting, chewing hard objects, or accidental trauma.
- Composite resin veneers may discolour over time and become less polished.
- Changes in the level of your gums can affect the margin and aesthetic of veneers.
Longevity Expectations
- Although dental veneers are considered as a long-term tooth restoration treatment, they are not designed to last a lifetime.
- Porcelain veneers generally have a longer lifespan compared to composite resin veneers, although longevity can vary depending on oral hygiene, lifestyle, and personal habits. With appropriate care and maintenance, composite veneers may last approximately 4–8 years, while porcelain veneers can often last around 10–15 years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Teeth whitening may be suitable for patients seeking improvement in the brightness of their natural teeth.
- Prior to undergoing the whitening process, it is advisable to first seek a dental check-up in order to assess oral health, as whitening treatment may further inflame or irritate existing gum disease.
- Whitening may not produce the desired outcome in cases where the staining is caused by conditions such as but not limited to medications, trauma or internal causes.
- Teeth that have previous restorations like crowns, fillings or veneers cannot be whitened since only natural teeth react.
- If you suffer from cavities or periodontal diseases then you might need to receive treatment for it before whitening treatment.
What to Expect After Treatment Begins
- Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet food and drinks is very common.
- Patients may experience mild gum irritation during or temporarily after whitening treatment.
- Whitening outcomes vary between individuals depending on enamel characteristics and the nature of staining present.
- In-chair or take-home treatments yield different rates and degrees of whitening response.
Risks and Ongoing Care
- Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. Over time, the effects will gradually fade.
- Some teeth may whiten unevenly or respond less effectively than anticipated.
- Consumption of staining substances and smoking can decrease the life span of the results.
- Future maintenance and touch-ups will be required.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental care may help support longer-lasting results.
Longevity Expectations
- It is difficult to establish how long whitening results will last, as they vary between individuals and lifestyle habits. Generally, the results are expected to last for 6 months or longer.
- Results may depend on a variety of factors such as hygiene, diet, smoking and so forth.
- Whitening treatment may need to be repeated in future periodically to maintain brightness.
Eligibility Criteria
- Patients with single or multiple missing teeth or those who require extraction and replacement of teeth may be suitable for dental implants.
- Evaluation of gum health, oral hygiene, medical conditions and the quality of bone in the jawbone are all essential in determining eligibility.
- Comprehensive assessment and imaging are required to evaluate individual suitability and treatment complexity.
- Bone grafting or sinus lift may be needed prior to placing an implant.
What to Expect After Treatment Begins
- As with any surgical procedures, mild swelling, bruising, discomfort or minor bleeding may occur following implant placement procedures during the healing phase.
- Healing periods are necessary to allow the implant to integrate with the surrounding bone before final restorations are placed.
- Temporary dietary restrictions may apply during this period.
- Depending on the case, temporary restorations may be provided.
- Treatment involves multiple appointments and sessions.
Risks and Ongoing Care
- Implants carry some risks which include delayed or incomplete healing, infection, implant failure or nerve irritation.
- Smoking, poor dental hygiene, teeth grinding, and uncontrolled health conditions increase the risks of complications.
- Professional maintenance is essential for optimal function of implants.
- Changes in the bone and gums surrounding implants can occur over time and may affect long-term stability.
- Replacements or repairs may be needed occasionally if complications develop.
Longevity Expectations
- Dental implants can serve patients for a very long time, although each individual case will vary.
- The implant fixture and the restoration attached to it may have different lifespans and maintenance requirements. Generally, a restoration crown requires replacement every 10–15 years, or longer in some cases.
- When maintained properly, dental implants can serve patients for a very long time.
Eligibility Criteria
- Orthodontics can be used to treat bite imbalances, crooked teeth, overcrowding, spaces and other related conditions.
- Factors that need to be assessed in order to recommend a specific orthodontic solution include age, oral health, bite complexity and others.
- Different orthodontic systems such as braces, clear aligners, expanders, or myofunctional appliances may be recommended depending on individual needs.
- Existing dental problems such as decay, gum disease, or impacted teeth must first be sorted out prior to orthodontics.
- Some complex cases may require multidisciplinary care or referral to a specialist practitioner.
What to Expect After Treatment Begins
- Tenderness or sensitivity following tooth movement is expected due to adjustments or change of aligners' pressure.
- Temporary speech changes, irritation of cheeks or lips and problems with chewing may be experienced due to the appliance.
- Treatment period is highly dependent on the individual biological reaction to treatment.
- Regular follow-ups for monitoring purposes are mandatory.
Risks and Ongoing Care
- Insufficient oral hygiene while wearing orthodontic appliances can increase the risk of complications such as gingivitis and caries.
- If retainers are not worn, there is a high probability that teeth can relapse or shift.
- Some patients might encounter root shortening, recession of gums, bite changes or delayed tooth movement.
- Appliance breakages, lost aligners, or inconsistent wear may prolong treatment duration and affect outcomes.
- Long-term retention and ongoing maintenance are important to support treatment stability.
Longevity Expectations
- Tooth repositioning can revert to normal once treatment ends and therefore regular use of retainers is required.
- Long-term stability varies between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.