Veneers are ideal for patients looking to improve the appearance of chipped, discoloured, uneven, or slightly misaligned teeth. They are also used to close gaps or achieve a more uniform smile shape.

Eligibility Criteria

• Healthy gums and sufficient enamel for bonding
• No active decay or untreated gum disease
• Stable bite alignment or minor orthodontic concerns that can be treated with veneers alone

Possible Risks and Consideration

• A thin layer of enamel is removed to prepare the teeth for veneers. This step is irreversible.
• Some patients may experience temporary or prolonged tooth sensitivity after tooth preparation. If sensitivity persists, additional treatment may be required.
• Veneers can chip or detach if exposed to excessive force or trauma.
• Colour changes or mismatch may occur over time, particularly with composite veneers due to regular wear of the materials and staining from food and beverage.
• In some cases, additional treatments may be needed to achieve the desired smile goals. This may include orthodontic treatment, whitening, or restorative procedures if oral health concerns need to be addressed before starting cosmetic treatment.
  

Maintenance and Aftercare

• Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups
• Avoid habits that can damage veneers such as heavy biting, teeth grinding or clenching, and biting nails, ice, or pens.
• Composite veneers are more prone to staining than porcelain veneers. With both treatments, especially composite, it’s best to limit foods and drinks that cause staining such as coffee, red wine, and turmeric.
• Smoking can affect the longevity and appearance of veneers. It not only increases staining but can also impact gum health, leading to gum recession and exposure of veneer lining.
• Usage of non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended
• A night guard may be recommended if you have a habit of grinding your teeth while sleeping
• Veneers are durable but not permanent. They may need replacement after several years due to wear, minor damage, or changes in the surrounding teeth and gums. Composite veneers usually require replacement sooner than porcelain veneers.

Invisalign is a popular clear aligners brand, used for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crowding, spacing, and bite irregularities. Invisalign can help align teeth discreetly with usage of clear plastic trays, avoiding the traditional conspicuous look of metal braces.

Eligibility Criteria

• Healthy gums and bone structure
• Mild to moderate orthodontic needs
• Commitment to wearing aligners 20–22 hours per day
• No untreated cavities or periodontal issues

Possible Risks and Consideration

• It is common to experience temporary discomfort or pressure in the teeth and jaws when starting a new set of aligners or during each change. This sensation occurs as the aligners apply gentle, gradual force to move the teeth into their desired positions.
• Some patients may experience mild irritation or rubbing of the cheeks, gums, or lips, particularly during the early stages of treatment as the mouth adjusts to the aligners.
• Minor speech difficulties, such as a temporary lisp, may occur when first wearing aligners. This typically resolves within a few weeks as you become accustomed to the appliance.
• Successful Invisalign treatment requires patient commitment. For the best results, aligners must be worn for the recommended 20–22 hours per day and cared for as advised.
• Temporary mouth dryness or, in some cases, increased salivation may occur during initial use.
• Small tooth-coloured composite resin bumps called ‘attachments’ may be bonded to one or more teeth and/or elastic bands may be added to the treatment to move selected teeth into desired position.
• If there is an underlying dental decay or extensive restoration, snug fit of Invisalign may aggravate them requiring restorative treatment during the Invisalign journey.
• Additional refinements or extension of pre-forecasted treatment duration may be required if the bite position is still unsatisfactory.
• Additional dental treatments may occasionally be required alongside Invisalign. If your oral health is not optimal before starting, your dentist may recommend restorative work such as fillings or root canal treatment. In some cases, minor enamel reshaping, tooth extractions, or the use of expanders may be necessary to create sufficient space for proper tooth movement.

Maintenance and Aftercare

• It is essential to clean your aligner trays daily to prevent staining and reduce the risk of dental infection. Cleaning instructions will be shared with you when your aligners are provided.
• Invisalign aligners are made from high-quality plastic material. Proper care is important to avoid warping, distortion, or breakage of the trays.
• Good oral hygiene is crucial throughout treatment, not only for the success of tooth movement but also to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
• Mild discomfort is common as teeth gradually shift into their new positions. Because Invisalign treatment changes your natural bite, you may experience a slightly uneven or unfamiliar bite during or shortly after treatment. This usually settles as your mouth adjusts.
• After completing orthodontic treatment, your teeth have a natural tendency to move back to their original position. To prevent this relapse, retainers are required. Either removable retainers worn at night or a fixed metal retainer attached behind the teeth or a combination of both may be advised. Additional charges may apply for the retainers if your treatment plan doesn’t cover these costs.

Teeth whitening is a popular choice of treatment for those looking to brighten the shade of their teeth or remove stains caused by medication, certain food and drinks, smoking habits or ageing.

Eligibility Criteria

• No active decay, gum disease, or exposed roots
• No severe enamel erosion or sensitivity issues
• Realistic expectations about achievable shade improvement

Possible Risks and Consideration

• Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after treatment due to the strong bleaching agents used. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days, we recommend contacting our practice for advice and appropriate management.
• The whitening shade achieved can vary from person to person, and results are not the same for everyone.
• Some stains and discolouration may not be fully removed by whitening alone. In these cases, additional treatments such as veneers or crowns may be recommended.
• If dental decay or other oral health issues are present, these should be treated before whitening to ensure safe and effective results
• Teeth whitening brightens natural tooth enamel only. It will not change the colour of dental prosthetics or cosmetic restorations such as crowns, veneers, implants or composite bonding. For a balanced shade, it is best to complete any restorative or cosmetic treatments before whitening.
• Additional fees may apply for extra procedures such as check-ups, professional cleans, or restorative treatments.

Maintenance and Aftercare

• Teeth whitening results are not permanent and generally start to fade within 3–6 months. To help maintain your results, we recommend limiting foods, drinks, and smoking that can cause staining.
• Periodic touch-up treatments may be recommended to maintain the brightness of the teeth.
• It is advised to avoid staining foods and drinks for at least 3 days following treatment.

Dental crowns are artificial caps that fully cover a natural tooth, designed to look and function like a natural tooth. They are versatile and can be used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. For weakened teeth such as those that are heavily restored or have undergone root canal treatment, crowns provide reinforcement, protecting the tooth structure while restoring its function. 

Crowns may also be recommended for cosmetic reasons to conceal concerns such as discoloured, chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth.

Eligibility Criteria

• Sufficient tooth structure to support a crown
• Healthy surrounding gums
• No active infection or underlying decay

Possible Risks and Consideration

• Tooth preparation for a dental crown involves reshaping the natural tooth structure to create enough space for the crown. This process is irreversible.
• Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures, after the tooth has been prepared or the crown placed. In some cases, prolonged sensitivity may require additional treatment.
• Minor discomfort or bite adjustment may be required after the crown placement to ensure proper alignment and comfort.
• Gum irritation or inflammation may occur around the crown margins, especially if oral hygiene is not maintained properly. Good brushing and flossing are essential to prevent plaque build-up and protect gum health.
• In rare cases, allergic reactions to crown materials may occur, particularly with metal-based crowns.
• The shade of a crown cannot be altered once it has been fabricated, so it’s important to ensure satisfaction with the selected colour before placement.
• If the underlying tooth has had extensive prior treatment or structural weakness, there is a small risk of the tooth fracturing under the crown over time.
• Additional treatments such as root canal therapy or replacement crowns may be required in the future due to natural wear, gum recession, or changes in the surrounding teeth.
• If you grind or clench your teeth, a night guard may be recommended to protect both the crown and your natural teeth from excessive pressure.

Maintenance and Aftercare

• Crowns can sometimes loosen or dislodge if excessive biting force or trauma is applied. In such cases, the crown may need to be re-cemented or replaced.
• While crowns are highly durable, they are not indestructible. Chewing very hard foods, grinding, or using teeth as tools can cause chipping, cracking, or wear over time.
• Crowns made from porcelain or ceramic materials may experience gradual wear or minor colour changes over time.
• Maintenance of good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups and professional cleans are crucial to keep your crowned tooth and surrounding gums healthy.
• Crowns are durable and long-lasting, but not permanent. They may require replacement after several years due to normal wear, gum recession, or changes in the supporting tooth or surrounding tissues.