Treatment risks, recovery and considerations
Your health comes first — always.
At Green Door Dental, we focus on prevention and minimally invasive care. When we recommend a treatment, it's because we genuinely believe it's right for you — not because it's the most complex or costly option available.
That said, some cosmetic, surgical or restorative procedures involve real considerations you should understand before you decide. This page exists to make sure you do. Below you'll find a summary of the potential risks and side effects associated with specific treatments we offer. This is not exhaustive, and your individual circumstances matter enormously — which is why every patient receives a thorough consultation with a registered dental practitioner before any treatment begins. Specific risks, alternatives and suitability will always be discussed with you in person. Undergoing any dental treatment is a serious decision. We encourage you to ask every question you have, seek a second opinion if it gives you confidence, and take the time you need to feel ready.
The information on this page is intended to support informed decision-making and does not replace a consultation with a registered dental practitioner. Individual risks, suitability and treatment outcomes depend on your personal circumstances and will be discussed with you prior to treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
About the process
Veneer treatment is generally completed over 2 to 6 appointments, depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients continue with their normal daily activities during treatment. However, depending on the procedures involved and how your body responds, some patients may need time to rest and recover between appointments. Your treating dentist will talk you through what to expect for your specific situation.
Healing and recovery vary from person to person. Most patients find any post-procedure sensitivity or discomfort settles within two weeks, though this can vary depending on your individual circumstances. Ongoing maintenance is an important part of protecting your investment — your dentist will outline a personalised care plan, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment.
Tooth preparation and sensitivity
- Preparing teeth for veneers requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel. This change to your tooth structure is permanent and cannot be reversed.
- Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure following the procedure. In some cases, sensitivity may persist for longer and could require further treatment.
Veneer longevity and appearance
- Porcelain is a strong material, but veneers can chip, crack or come loose over time — especially if you grind or clench your teeth, or place heavy biting forces on them regularly.
- Colour matching is done with care, but the final result is unique to you and may differ from what you envisioned. Your dentist will walk you through what to expect before any preparation begins.
Gum and oral health
- Poor oral hygiene or an imperfect fit can lead to gum irritation or inflammation around veneered teeth.
- Veneers are not permanent restorations. They may need to be replaced due to wear, damage, or changes to surrounding teeth or gum tissue over time.
Post-treatment effects
- Some discomfort, inflammation or sensitivity following treatment is normal. In rare cases, these symptoms may persist and require follow-up care.
- Your bite may feel different after treatment. Minor adjustments are sometimes needed to restore a comfortable, natural feel.
Rare reactions
- A small number of patients experience a reaction to anaesthetic or materials used during treatment. Please let us know about any known allergies or current medications before your appointment.
Teeth Whitening
About the process
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that uses a whitening agent to lighten the colour of your teeth and reduce the appearance of staining caused by food, drinks, smoking or the natural ageing process. At Green Door Dental, in-chair whitening is performed under professional supervision. A take-home whitening kit may also be provided as part of your treatment for ongoing maintenance.
This decision should be made carefully, with a full understanding of the potential risks and whether the treatment is right for you. This information is intended to support that decision — it doesn't replace a consultation with your dentist, during which your specific circumstances will be assessed and discussed in full.
We encourage you to ask questions, explore all available options, and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner if you'd like one.
Before your treatment
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. A full assessment by a registered dental practitioner is required before any treatment can begin. Whitening may not be recommended if you:
- Have untreated tooth decay, gum disease or significant dental sensitivity
- Have existing restorations such as crowns, veneers or composite bonding in your smile zone — whitening agents do not lighten artificial materials, which can result in colour differences between your natural teeth and any restorations
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under 18 years of age
We recommend a check-up and clean before beginning any whitening treatment to ensure your mouth is in good health and that whitening is the right option for you.
Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is the most commonly reported side effect of teeth whitening. This typically presents as a sharp or intense sensation in response to hot or cold temperatures. For most patients, sensitivity is temporary and resolves on its own after treatment. In some cases it may be more pronounced or take longer to settle. If you have a history of dental sensitivity, please discuss this with your dentist before proceeding.
Gum and soft tissue irritation
The whitening agent used during in-chair treatment is a concentrated solution. Contact with gum tissue or other soft tissues in the mouth can cause temporary irritation, redness or discomfort. Every care is taken to protect the surrounding tissue during your appointment, but some mild irritation may still occur.
Results and realistic expectations
The degree of whitening achievable varies from person to person. Your results will depend on the natural colour and characteristics of your teeth, the nature and depth of any staining, and your lifestyle habits. Results cannot be guaranteed, and the outcome one patient experiences will not necessarily reflect what another patient can expect.
Whitening agents do not affect the colour of existing dental restorations. If you have crowns, veneers or composite bonding, your dentist will discuss how this may affect your overall result before treatment begins.
How long results last
Teeth whitening is not permanent. Results will fade over time, influenced by diet, lifestyle habits and the natural characteristics of your teeth. Some patients notice results beginning to change after a few months. If a take-home kit has been provided, it can be used periodically to help maintain your results — your dentist will advise on appropriate use.
After your treatment
To protect your results in the days following treatment, avoid strongly pigmented food and drinks including tea, coffee, red wine, tomato-based sauces, curries, soy sauce and beetroot. Using a straw or diluting beverages does not meaningfully reduce staining risk during this period.
At-home whitening
If you have been provided with a take-home kit, use it only as directed by your dentist. Overuse or incorrect application can increase the risk of sensitivity or soft tissue irritation. Do not use the kit more frequently than advised, and contact us if you experience any discomfort.
Rare reactions
A small number of patients experience a reaction to the whitening agent or other materials used during treatment. Please let us know about any known allergies or current medications before your appointment.
Dental Implants — Important Information
About the process
Dental implants replace missing teeth by replicating the structure of a natural tooth. A small titanium implant is placed into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial tooth root. Over the following months, the bone grows around and integrates with the implant — a process called osseointegration. Once complete, a custom-made crown, bridge or prosthesis is attached on top.
Implants can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth using an implant-supported bridge, or — if you're missing all or most of your teeth — a full fixed arch supported by four to six implants placed strategically in the jaw.
Before proceeding, ask questions, seek clarification and consider a second opinion. There may be alternative treatment options available. Most patients require three to six visits depending on the complexity of their case.
Some patients require additional procedures before implants can be placed — most commonly bone grafting or a sinus lift. Both carry their own risks, which your dentist will discuss with you. Implants also require ongoing maintenance, which may involve costs beyond your initial treatment plan.
Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.
Surgical risks
Depending on your anatomy and implant placement, risks may include:
- Insufficient implant stability
- Bone fracture at or near the implant site
- Unintended contact with or entry into the sinus cavity
- Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes to sensation in the lip, chin or tongue
If complications occur, additional procedures may be required.
Post-surgical risks
If an implant doesn't achieve sufficient stability at placement, a temporary removable appliance may be used during healing instead of a fixed temporary tooth.
Occasionally an implant does not bond with the surrounding bone, or detaches after initially integrating. This can occur due to biological factors that cannot always be predicted. Infection around the implant site (peri-implantitis) can also develop post-surgery and, if left untreated, may contribute to implant failure. A failed implant must be removed, and replacement may require further procedures.
Because complications are not always noticeable, four to six monthly check-ups are essential.
Recovery: what to expect
Individual recovery varies. As a general guide:
- Swelling and bruising are normal and typically peak around day four
- Bleeding is expected for the first 24 to 48 hours
- Pain and discomfort may continue for up to two weeks — take prescribed pain relief as directed
- Avoid strenuous exercise and sport for up to 10 days
- Soft, cold foods are recommended initially
- Fatigue is normal in the first 12 to 24 hours
- Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications including implant failure — ceasing before and during recovery is strongly recommended
- You may need time off work; having someone available to assist you is advisable, particularly if sedation is involved
Healing timelines and outcomes vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations for your specific circumstances.
Invisalign — Important Information
About the process
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Each aligner is worn for a set period before being replaced by the next in the series, moving the teeth incrementally toward the planned position. Treatment begins with a full assessment and digital scan, from which a personalised aligner series is custom-fabricated to your treatment plan.
Most patients wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss. Attachments — small tooth-coloured buttons bonded to certain teeth — may be used to facilitate more precise movement and are removed once treatment is complete. Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case, and retainers are required at the end of active treatment to maintain your results.
Before proceeding, ask questions, seek clarification and consider a second opinion — there may be alternative treatment options available. Some cases require supplemental treatment alongside aligners where aligners alone may not achieve the desired tooth movement, and general health conditions or medications can affect how teeth respond. Your dentist will walk you through a personalised plan, including any additional treatment requirements, before anything begins. Ongoing maintenance may involve costs beyond your initial treatment plan.
Invisalign treatment involves a series of dental procedures. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.
Treatment considerations
- Attachments may be bonded to one or more teeth to assist with tooth movement — these are removed at the end of treatment but may occasionally detach and require replacement during treatment
- Some teeth may require minor reshaping between contact points (interproximal reduction) to create space for alignment
- Severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies or jaw imbalances may require additional or alternative treatment — your dentist will assess this at your consultation
- A tooth that has previously been traumatised or heavily restored may respond differently to orthodontic forces — your dentist will assess any at-risk teeth before treatment begins
- General medical conditions and certain medications can influence how teeth respond to orthodontic treatment
What you may experience during treatment
- Tenderness or pressure when switching to a new aligner — this is normal and typically settles within a day or two
- Temporary irritation to the gums, cheeks or lips
- Changes to your bite throughout treatment, which may cause temporary discomfort
- A temporary increase in saliva production or mouth dryness — certain medications can heighten this effect
- A temporary lisp when you first begin wearing aligners, which typically resolves within one to two weeks
- In rare cases, slight surface wear on aligners where teeth grinding occurs — this does not generally affect aligner function or integrity
Oral health risks
Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout treatment is essential. If teeth are not brushed and flossed thoroughly before wearing aligners, or if sugary foods and drinks are consumed while aligners are in, the risk of the following increases:
- Tooth decay
- Gum inflammation or periodontal disease
- Permanent white spot marks on teeth (decalcification)
- Impaired bone or gum health supporting the teeth
If teeth have been crowded or overlapping for an extended period, the gum tissue between them may not fully recover after straightening, leaving a small triangular gap known as a "black triangle." Your dentist will discuss this with you if it is relevant to your case.
Retention
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift after orthodontic treatment. Wearing retainers consistently at the end of treatment is essential to maintaining your results. Retainer wear is typically required long-term.
