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Treatment Considerations and Risks

At Market Street Dental, we believe in clear, honest communication so you can make informed decisions about your dental care. Every treatment has its own considerations, benefits, and potential risks, and understanding these is an important part of making an informed treatment decision.

In line with the guidelines set by the Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA, we provide balanced, factual information about all treatments during every consultation. We do not offer any specific guarantees about outcomes and ensure you’re aware that results can vary between individuals.

The information below is intended as a general overview only. A one-on-one consultation with a registered dentist is necessary to assess your individual oral health, discuss suitable treatment options, and explain any relevant risks, limitations, and alternatives before proceeding with treatment. You can book consultation with our dentist here.

Below is a general overview of common treatments and key considerations before proceeding.

Eligibility Criteria

  • May suit patients with discolouration, minor chips, gaps, or uneven teeth
  • No active decay or untreated periodontal (gum) disease
  • Adequate enamel structure for bonding
  • Stable bite (or bite concerns managed prior to treatment)
  • Patients with teeth grinding may require protective management (e.g. splints) prior to and after treatment

What to Expect After Treatment

  • Mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a short time, and in rare cases it may be prolonged depending on individual response
  • The bite may feel slightly different initially as your mouth adjusts to the new tooth shape and surface which is normal response and usually improves as the teeth and surrounding tissues adapt
  • Most patients find the sensation settles within a few days as the bite becomes more familiar. If the bite feels uncomfortable, uneven, or does not improve over time, a review with your dentist is recommended.

Risks and Ongoing Care

  • Veneers can chip, crack, or wear over time, especially with normal use or if exposed to excessive pressure such as grinding or biting hard foods. When this occurs, repair may sometimes be possible, however in other cases replacement of the veneer may be required to restore function and appearance
  • Composite veneers may stain over time with exposure to foods, drinks, and smoking.
  • Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are important to help maintain the condition of the veneers, protect the surrounding natural teeth and gums, and reduce the risk of decay, gum problems, or damage over time
  • Avoid biting hard objects to reduce risk of damage to your veneers

Expected longevity

  • Veneers are not considered a permanent treatment and may require repair or replacement over time. With appropriate care and regular dental maintenance, composite veneers may last approximately 4–8 years, while porcelain veneers may last approximately 10–15 years, although longevity varies between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
  • Replacement may be necessary due to material wear, staining, fracture, or changes in gum position

Eligibility Criteria

  • Suitable for patients wanting to reduce staining
  • Requires healthy teeth and gums before starting treatment. Any existing decay, infection, or gum disease will need to be treated first to ensure safe and stable results
  • Teeth whitening is designed to brighten natural tooth structure only. Existing dental restorations or prostheses, including veneers, crowns, bridges, and fillings, will not change colour and may appear different after whitening treatment.
  • In some cases, including teeth with thinned enamel, internal staining, trauma-related discolouration, or grey-toned teeth, whitening treatment may have limited effectiveness or may not achieve the desired level of brightness. Where appropriate, alternative cosmetic dental treatments may be discussed during your consultation.

What to Expect After the Procedure

  • Temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation may occur after treatment due to the whitening process. This is usually mild and settles within a short period after treatment
  • In some cases, sensitivity may last longer depending on individual tooth condition and response to whitening. If sensitivity or irritation persists or is prolonged, patients should return for review and advice
  • In-chair whitening delivers faster results in a single visit using a higher-strength gel, which may cause more sensitivity, while take-home whitening works gradually using a lower-strength gel with generally milder sensitivity over time

Risks and Ongoing Care

  • Results vary between individuals depending on the type and severity of staining, natural tooth colour, and lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking, and may require maintenance or repeat treatment over time to maintain results
  • Tooth colour may gradually change over time due to natural wear and lifestyle factors, and maintenance or repeat treatment may be required to help maintain results.

Expected longevity

  • Teeth whitening results are not permanent and will gradually diminish over time
  • The duration of results varies depending on individual factors, including dietary habits, oral hygiene, medication and lifestyle
  • Periodic maintenance or repeat treatments may be required to maintain the desired level of whitening

Eligibility Criteria

  • Suitable for mild to moderate alignment concerns
  • Not all cases can be treated with aligners alone
  • Requires commitment to wearing aligners for 20–22 hours per day for treatment to be effective.

What to Expect After the Procedure

  • Mild pressure or discomfort may be experienced when starting new aligners or changing to a new set, as the teeth begin to move; this is expected and usually settles within a few days, however if it persists or is prolonged, consult your dentist.
  • Speech may feel slightly different initially as your mouth adjusts to the aligners, and this usually improves within a short period; if changes persist or are prolonged, a review with your dentist is recommended.

Risks and Ongoing Care

  • Clear aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours per day for treatment effectiveness, and patients should follow the prescribed schedule for progressing to the next series of aligners to support appropriate tooth movement and treatment progress.
  • Inconsistent use may affect outcomes
  • Retainers required after treatment to maintain results

Expected longevity

  • Orthodontic outcomes are subject to relapse if retention protocols are not followed
  • Long-term use of retainers is typically required to maintain tooth position
  • Changes in alignment may occur over time due to natural ageing, wear, or oral habits

Eligibility Criteria

  • Suitable for replacing missing teeth, or teeth that require extraction due to damage, infection, or other concerns affecting the patient’s oral health, function, or overall wellbeing.
  • Requires adequate bone and healthy gums
  • Some cases may need bone grafting or additional procedures

What to Expect After the Procedure

  • Mild swelling, discomfort, or bruising may occur after treatment as part of the normal healing process, and these symptoms are usually temporary and manageable; some bleeding, jaw stiffness, or difficulty chewing may also be experienced initially, and if symptoms persist or are prolonged, a review with your dentist is recommended.

Risks and Ongoing Care

  • Risks may include infection, delayed healing, or implant failure,particularly if healing is affected by factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or underlying health conditions; if any unusual symptoms persist or worsen, patients should consult their dentist promptly
  • Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are important to maintain oral health and support the long-term success of the treatment

Expected longevity

  • Dental implants are intended as a long-term tooth replacement option; however, longevity varies between individuals
  • Implant-supported restorations (such as crowns or bridges) may require maintenance, repair, or replacement over time,commonly within 5–15 years depending on wear, bite forces, and oral hygiene