Potential Risks & Complications
Every smile is unique, and so is every treatment journey. While cosmetic dental procedures like veneers are generally low-risk, we believe it’s important to approach each case with care and transparency.
At The Dental Room, we take the time to explain any potential risks or limitations, so you can make confident, informed decisions. Our priority is not just beautiful results, but your long-term comfort, health, and peace of mind.
Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Before starting any treatment, we recommend seeking independent advice from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner and considering a second opinion. This content is intended for adults, is general in nature, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Porcelain Veneers
This is an elective cosmetic dental procedure performed to enhance the appearance of your smile. It is not medically necessary, and alternative options may exist. Dr Shawn Rama is a general dentist with a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. He is not a registered specialist prosthodontist.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneer treatment involves placing thin shells of porcelain on the front surface of teeth. Its primary purpose is to improve the appearance of teeth by changing their color, shape, size, or length. This procedure is elective and primarily cosmetic in nature.
Potential Risks and Complications
Sensitivity of Teeth
After tooth preparation for veneers, teeth may experience sensitivity to hot or cold, or pressure. This sensitivity is usually temporary, but in rare cases, it may persist and require further treatment such as root canal therapy to address persistent sensitivity or pain.
Breakage or Debonding
Porcelain veneers are strong, but they can still chip, crack, or come off (debond) if subjected to excessive force. Biting on very hard foods, grinding or clenching your teeth, or trauma to the mouth can result in veneer damage.
Aesthetics
Every effort is made to ensure veneers look natural and match the desired shade and shape. However, veneers may not always perfectly match adjacent natural teeth. Once a veneer is permanently cemented, changes to its color or shape would require making a new veneer.
Longevity of Veneers
Porcelain veneers can last many years with proper care, but they are not lifetime restorations. Over time, veneers might wear down, chip, or show discoloration at the edges. Good oral hygiene, avoiding excessive hard or sticky foods, and regular dental check-ups can help prolong the life of the veneers.
Purpose of Treatment
You are undergoing treatment to revise, replace, or correct existing porcelain veneers that were completed by another provider. Revision veneer cases carry additional complexity and limitations compared to primary cosmetic treatments. The aim is to improve function and aesthetics as much as reasonably possible, but it is important to understand the risks and considerations involved
Risks and Considerations in Revision Veneer Cases
Existing Tooth Structure May Be Compromised
In many revision cases, the underlying teeth have already undergone preparation. To remove existing veneers and re-prepare the teeth, additional reduction may be required. While every effort will be made to be conservative, irreversible removal of tooth structure may occur.
Bond Strength and Longevity May Be Reduced
Due to changes in enamel quality, dentin exposure, or remaining adhesive from prior treatment, achieving optimal bonding strength may be more challenging. This may impact the longevity or stability of the new veneers.
Aesthetics May Be Constrained by Prior Work
Ideal proportions and outcomes may be limited by what was done previously. Root position, tooth size, or gum tissue from prior work may restrict how much can be changed or improved.
Root Canal Risk is Higher
Teeth that have been re-prepped or have had multiple restorations may have an increased risk of developing sensitivity or requiring root canal treatment.
Veneer Removal May Require Additional Tooth Reduction
In some cases, previously bonded veneers may be difficult to remove without further tooth damage. A certain level of reduction is often required to remove old adhesive and seat new veneers properly.
Emotional Distress and Dissatisfaction
Revision cases often come with higher emotional expectations, particularly if prior treatment was
unsatisfactory. While all efforts will be made to align with your desired outcome, it is important to understand that no guarantee of perfection can be made.
Try-in Approval Process
You will have the opportunity to review the appearance (shape, size, colour) of the veneers at the try-in stage before final bonding. Once you approve and consent to proceed, no major changes can be made after cementation without additional cost or tooth preparation.
Invisalign
The following information is provided to you to ensure you are aware of our practice policies. Successful Invisalign treatment is a partnership between our practice and the patient. Our practice is dedicated to achieving the best possible clinical result for each patient. As a general rule, informed and cooperative patients can achieve beautiful results. While recognising the benefits of a beautiful healthy smile, you should also be aware that orthodontic treatment has limitations and potential risks.
Our Practice
We are a general dental practice and have completed additional recognised training in orthodontics. We have an increased interest and skill level in orthodontics but do not have the training of a specialist orthodontist. Our Dentists are registered practitioners with the Dental Board of Australia.
A Dental Therapist/Hygienist has completed at least two to three years of scientific and clinical training through an accredited University/RMIT Facility. Our Dental Therapists/Hygienists have received further specialised training in the area of orthodontics and are able to perform procedures to assist with our Dentists. Please be assured that our Dental Therapists/Hygienists do not make decisions regarding your treatment plan, they follow the treatment plan outlined by your Dentist.
What Our Fee Covers
Our fee includes all your aligners for active treatment and aligners for any refinement necessary as detailed by your package, and all office visits required to complete the planned treatment in our practice. Your treatment fee includes one set of retainers. It also includes retention assistance for two years following the conclusion of your active
treatment.
What Our Fee Does Not Cover
Our fee does not cover any work done at any other dental office or laboratory outside this practice. Additional fees will be incurred for lost or broken aligners. If treatment extends beyond the estimated treatment time due to poor cooperation, then additional charges may also be incurred.
Our fee does not cover replacement retainers and does not cover repair/replacement of bonded retainers after two years of being in retention.
If attachments are requested to be removed for a special occasion and then replaced, additional charges will be incurred.
Length of Treatment
The length of treatment depends on a number of factors, including your own individual biology, the level of cooperation and commitment, periodontal problems and/or other dental issues. The actual treatment time is usually close to the estimated treatment time but may be longer if any of these problems occur or if there are changes to the original treatment plan.
Results of Treatment
No guarantees are made concerning final treatment results as there are too many variables affecting treatment which we are not in control of but we do everything to ensure we achieve the closest to clinical perfection.
It is imperative that you inform us of any changes in your general and medical health status which may affect your treatment success. The success of treatment also depends on your cooperation in keeping appointments, maintaining good oral hygiene, and wearing your aligners as instructed by our dentist. Aligners are recommended to be worn for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for main meals and for oral hygiene.
Non-Ideal Results
Due to the wide variation in the size and shape of the teeth or even missing teeth, achievement of an ideal result, for example: complete closure of a space, may not be possible. Restorative dental treatment such as aesthetic resin bonding, crowns or bridges and/or periodontal therapy may be required and be considered to achieve your desired result. Treatment outside this practice with other medical or dental personnel or dental specialists may be necessary and extra fees will apply.
Attachments
To obtain the desired results in the final positions of the teeth, strategically placed tooth coloured attachments are necessary. Without certain types of attachments, the results from the aligners would not be ideal and can be unpredictable. Occasionally, the attachments can debond and fall off or may wear and tear and require replacement, your practitioner will regularly check in to make sure the attachments are all performing to the right standard.
IPR
Interproximal reduction is polishing between the teeth and is usually performed by using flexible diamond coated polishing strips that are worked back and forth between the teeth to gain minimal space allowing your teeth to move. Your Dentist will discuss IPR with you and the degree of IPR that may be required to be performed. Elastics Your dentist will discuss elastics with you if they are required.
Extractions
Some cases will require the removal of a tooth or teeth. There are additional risks associated with the removal of teeth which will be discussed.
Decalcification and Dental Caries
Excellent oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment as are regular visits to your general dentist. Inadequate or improper hygiene could result in cavities, discoloured teeth, periodontal disease and/or decalcification. We suggest you maintain a routine exam and professional dental clean at least every six months during your orthodontic treatment. This is in addition to your normal orthodontic appointments.
Non-Vital Teeth
A tooth may become non-vital or dead with or without orthodontic treatment. This usually happens to a tooth that has sustained an injury in the past or a tooth that has a deep restoration. A tooth may become non-vital during or following orthodontic tooth movement and may require root canal treatment, but this is a very minor complication that may occur as a result of orthodontic treatment.
Root Resorption
Root resorption is a shortening of the tooth roots. It can occur with or without orthodontic appliances and it is impossible to predict susceptibility to this condition. Some patients are predisposed to this occurring, while most are not. Slight changes in root length are usually insignificant, but occasionally with severe changes, the longevity of the teeth involved may be jeopardised. The incident may increase with extended orthodontic treatment.
Periodontal Issues
Periodontal (gum and bone) disease can develop or worsen during orthodontic treatment due to the lack of adequate oral hygiene. You must have a dental practitioner monitor your periodontal health during orthodontic treatment every three to six months if you have a degree of gum disease. If periodontal problems cannot be controlled, orthodontic treatment may have to be discontinued prior to completion.
Temporomandibular (Jaw) Joint Dysfunction
Problems may occur in the jaw joints, i.e., temporomandibular joints (TMJ), causing pain, headaches or ear problems. Many factors can affect the health of the jaw joints, including past trauma (blows to the head or face), arthritis, hereditary tendency to jaw joint problems, excessive tooth grinding or clenching, poorly balanced bite, and many medical conditions. Jaw joint problems may occur with or without orthodontic treatment. You should discuss any jaw joint symptoms, including pain, jaw popping or difficulty opening or closing, with our doctor.
Allergies
Occasionally, patients can be allergic to some of the component materials of their orthodontic appliances. This may require a change in the treatment plan or discontinuance of treatment prior to completion. Although very uncommon, medical management of dental material allergies may be necessary.
Discomfort
Occasionally, patients can be allergic to some of the component materials of their orthodontic appliances. This may require a change in the treatment plan or discontinuance of treatment prior to completion. Although very uncommon, medical management of dental material allergies may be necessary.
Occlusal Adjustment
You can expect minimal imperfections in the way your teeth meet following the end of treatment. An occlusal adjustment procedure may be necessary, which is a method used to fine-tune your bite. This will be assessed at the end of your treatment and discussed with you.
Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth)
As third molars (wisdom teeth) develop, your teeth may change alignment. We recommend the assessment of your wisdom teeth in order to determine when and if these teeth need to be removed.
Retention
Completed orthodontic treatment does not guarantee perfectly straight teeth for the rest of your life. Retainers will be required to keep your teeth in place after your orthodontic treatment is completed. Your treatment fee includes one initial set of retainers. It also includes a retention period of two years following the conclusion of your active treatment. There will be a fee for all replacement retainers after the initial set.
A bonded lingual retainer incurs an additional cost. Often a lower bonded retainer is recommended after treatment to reduce the potential for future movement in the teeth. In some cases, an upper bonded retainer can be placed, however not every patient is a candidate to receive one.
Regular retainer wear is often necessary for several years following orthodontic treatment. Later in life, most people will see their teeth shift. Minor irregularities, particularly in the lower front teeth, may have to be accepted. Some changes may require additional orthodontic treatment or, in some cases, surgery.
If you don’t wear your retainers as directed, your teeth have potential to shift in addition to other adverse effects. Movement due to lack of retainer wear falls outside of our responsibility and may necessitate retreatment and additional costs. The retreatment fee will be determined by the amount of movement and the time required.
Retreatment
Each package has a treatment period, and retreatment or corrections outside this period will incur additional fees.
Appointments
We request 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or change your appointment. We are aware that due to
unforeseen circumstances sometimes missing or changing an appointment is unavoidable, however after missing or changing TWO appointments without notifying us 24 hours in advance, you are subject to being charged a cancellation/no-show fee.
Transfer to another Practice
If a patient relocates to another area, requiring treatment to be completed at another dental or orthodontic practice, our total fee will be adjusted to reflect only the services provided to-date, and the account will be credited, or debited accordingly. If transferring, there will be a charge for duplicating records and organising transfer documents.
Overdue Accounts
Treatment may be suspended due to failure to adhere to the agreed financial arrangement. If you are having financial difficulty, please contact us. In the event that your account is in default (greater than 60 days in arrears) any legal and/or debt collection costs incurred by this practice in recovering any outstanding debt or arrears monies will become the responsibility of yourself and will be added to the amount outstanding.
Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening (In-Chair)
The Procedure
Philips Zoom in-office whitening is a dentist-supervised treatment that uses a hydrogen peroxide gel and a specially designed lamp to quickly lighten the shade of natural teeth.
The procedure involves:
• An assessment of tooth shade before and after treatment.
• Application of a pH booster followed by whitening gel.
• Activation of the gel using the Zoom lamp in 4 x 15-minute sessions.
• Use of a plastic retractor to keep the mouth open and protect soft tissues.
• Placement of protective coverings over lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue.
• Provision of protective eyewear during the procedure.
• Removal of all materials upon completion of treatment.
Alternative Treatments
Other available whitening options include:
• Whitening toothpastes or gels
• Take home whitening treatment (provided by your dentist)
Cost
The cost of the Zoom treatment is set by your dentist. You will be informed if there are any additional charges related to the procedure.
Risks and Considerations
• Most natural teeth respond well to whitening, but results can vary and are not guaranteed.
• Zoom whitening treatments are not intended to lighten crowns, veneers or porcelain, composite or other restorative materials, and that these types of restorations may need to be replaced to match my
newly whitened teeth. Multiple treatments may be needed for heavily stained or unevenly coloured teeth.
• Temporary dental materials may become discoloured.
• This treatment is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or individuals undergoing specific
medical therapies or with certain conditions (e.g., melanoma, diabetes, heart disease).
Possible Side Effects:
• Most patients may experience tooth sensitivity or mild pain within 24 hours of treatment. Sensitivity
may be worse for those with pre-existing conditions like exposed roots, worn enamel, or dental
damage.
• In rare cases, sensitivity can last longer than 24 hours.
Additional Risks and Considerations
• Gum/Lip/Cheek Inflammation: Whitening gel or light exposure to soft tissues may result in temporary inflammation, which can cause pain or discomfort depending on the degree of exposure. This typically resolves within a few days but may persist longer.
• Cavities or Leaking Restorations: Whitening gel penetrating teeth with open cavities or defective fillings can result in significant pain. These conditions should be addressed prior to treatment.
• Cervical Abrasion/Erosion: These are enamel-deficient areas at the gum line which may allow whitening gel to penetrate more deeply, potentially causing sensitivity. Such areas will be protected with a dental dam where necessary.
• Root Resorption: There is evidence suggesting an increased risk of root resorption in teeth that have undergone root canal therapy followed by whitening. While the exact cause remains uncertain, this risk is noted.
• Relapse: Post-treatment shade regression is expected over time and may be accelerated by exposure to staining substances. Maintenance may require additional in-office or take-home whitening sessions. Philips Zoom is not considered a permanent whitening solution.
• Dry/Chapped Lips – The Zoom treatment involves, 4 x15-minute sessions during which the mouth is kept open continuously for the entire treatment by a plastic retractor. This could result in dryness or chapping of the lips or cheek margins, which can be treated by application of lip balm, petroleum jelly or Vitamin E cream.
Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening (Take Home)
The Procedure
Philips Zoom at-home whitening is a dentist-supervised treatment using custom-fitted trays and a peroxide- based whitening gel (hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) to lighten the shade of natural teeth over time.
Possible Side Effects:
The procedure includes:
• An assessment to confirm suitability and identify contraindications.
• Fabrication of custom whitening trays from dental impressions.
• Dispensing of whitening gel with instructions for at-home use.
• Patient-directed daily application of gel in trays, worn as prescribed (typically 30–60 minutes daily for 2 weeks).
Alternative Treatments
Other available whitening options include:
• Whitening toothpastes or gels
• In-Chair whitening treatment
Cost
The cost of the Zoom treatment is set by your dentist. You will be informed if there are any additional charges related to the procedure.
Risks and Considerations
• Most natural teeth respond well to whitening, but results can vary and are not guaranteed.
• Zoom whitening treatments are not intended to lighten crowns, veneers or porcelain, composite or
other restorative materials, and that these types of restorations may need to be replaced to match my
newly whitened teeth. Multiple treatments may be needed for heavily stained or unevenly coloured
teeth.
• Temporary dental materials may become discoloured.
• This treatment is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or individuals undergoing specific
medical therapies or with certain conditions (e.g., melanoma, diabetes, heart disease).
Possible Side Effects:
• Most patients may experience tooth sensitivity or mild pain within 24 hours of treatment. Sensitivity
may be worse for those with pre-existing conditions like exposed roots, worn enamel, or dental damage.
• In rare cases, sensitivity can last longer than 24 hours.
Additional Risks and Considerations
• Gum/Lip/Cheek Inflammation: Whitening gel or light exposure to soft tissues may result in temporary inflammation, which can cause pain or discomfort depending on the degree of exposure. This typically resolves within a few days but may persist longer.
• Cavities or Leaking Restorations: Whitening gel penetrating teeth with open cavities or defective fillings can result in significant pain. These conditions should be addressed prior to treatment.
• Cervical Abrasion/Erosion: These are enamel-deficient areas at the gum line which may allow whitening gel to penetrate more deeply, potentially causing sensitivity. Such areas will be protected with a dental dam where necessary.
• Root Resorption: There is evidence suggesting an increased risk of root resorption in teeth that have undergone root canal therapy followed by whitening. While the exact cause remains uncertain, this risk is noted.
• Relapse: Post-treatment shade regression is expected over time and may be accelerated by exposure to staining substances. Maintenance may require additional in-office or take-home whitening sessions. Philips Zoom is not considered a permanent whitening solution.
Ready to get a healthier smile?
Contact us on (03) 9857 3988 or book an appointment with us online.