Treatment Information & Considerations

At Aurora Smiles, your health and well-being come first. Our AHPRA‑registered dentists focus on preventive, minimally invasive care, tailoring treatments to your individual needs. Using advanced technology, we conduct thorough consultations and assessments to recommend the safest and most effective options, while ensuring you understand any potential risks associated with procedures.

Implants and All-on-Implants™ – Information and Risks

Important Information Before Dental Implant or All-on-4™ Treatment

Dental implants involve the surgical placement of a biocompatible titanium root into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth (crown), helping restore the function and appearance of your natural teeth. Implants may not be suitable for everyone; patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or bleeding disorders, may have a higher risk of complications or implant failure.

Before your surgical procedure, your dentist may recommend changes to your daily habits to support healing and long-term success. For example, quitting smoking and making adjustments to your diet can improve outcomes. Some changes may need to be made well in advance to ensure your mouth and general health are ready for surgery.

Your dentist will provide personalised guidance on what applies to your situation.

Additional Procedures

In some cases, supporting procedures may be required alongside your implant or All-on-4™ treatment to ensure stability and long-term results. These may include:

Bone grafting – adding bone where needed to support the implant.
Sinus lift – creating more space in the upper jaw so implants can be placed securely.
Gum augmentation – improving gum volume or quality.

These treatments carry their own risks and costs. Your dentist will explain if they are recommended for you.

General Risks and Considerations

All dental procedures carry some risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Alternative treatment options may also be available.

Treatment is usually completed over 3–6 visits, depending on your case. Most people can return to normal daily activities within a few days, though some may need additional time for recovery.

Healing times vary, but most patients feel settled within two weeks after surgery. Long-term maintenance is essential. Your dentist will provide a personalised care plan, which may involve ongoing costs.

Surgical Risks

Upper Jaw

Implants are placed close to the sinuses, where bone quality may be less dense.
Rare complications include sinus entry, bone fracture, or poor implant stability.
Additional procedures may be required if this occurs.

Lower Jaw

Implants are placed near nerves that supply feeling to the lips, chin, and tongue.
Rarely, nerve irritation or swelling may cause temporary numbness or tingling.
In very rare cases, altered sensation may be prolonged or permanent.

Post-Surgical Risks

In some cases, implants may not be stable enough to support an immediate fixed prosthesis. A temporary removable appliance may be needed during healing.
Very rarely, implants may fail to integrate with the bone (“implant failure”). If this occurs, the implant may need to be removed and replaced, sometimes with additional procedures.
Regular monitoring every 4–6 months is essential to check implant health.

Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery

Swelling & Bruising: Normal after surgery, usually peaking on day 4, then gradually reducing.
Bleeding: May occur for 24–48 hours after surgery.
Pain/Discomfort: Expected for 1–2 weeks, manageable with prescribed medication.
Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours. Sports and gym activities are best avoided for 7–10 days.
Tiredness: Feeling weak or tired in the first 24 hours is common.
Smoking: Strongly discouraged, as it significantly increases the risk of infection or implant failure.
Diet: Cold, soft foods are recommended immediately after surgery.
Time Off Work: You may need to take leave, depending on your treatment and recovery. Arrange for someone to assist you if your procedure involves general anaesthesia.

Orthodontics Treatment Information and Risks – Clear Aligners / Invisalign

At Aurora Smiles, we offer Invisalign clear aligner treatment to help improve the alignment of your teeth and enhance your smile. Clear aligners are a modern, discreet alternative to traditional orthodontics, designed to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position.

How Invisalign/ Clear Aligners Works

Invisalign consists of a series of custom-made, clear trays that fit closely over your teeth. Each tray is designed to shift your teeth into their desired positions over time. The clear aligners are removable, making it easier to eat, brush, and floss while keeping your smile healthy throughout treatment.

Who Can Benefit from Invisalign/ Clear Aligners?

Invisalign may be suitable for:

Individuals with mild to moderate crowding or gaps between teeth.
Patients are looking for a discreet orthodontic solution.
Cases where bite adjustments can be achieved without fixed braces.

Treatment duration varies depending on individual needs, ranging from 6 to 24 months.

Important Information

Your consultation will include:

An assessment of whether you’re eligible for clear aligner treatment.
A discussion of the potential risks involved.
Guidance on post-treatment maintenance to keep your results long-lasting.

In some complex cases, additional aligners may be required to achieve the desired outcome.
For more complicated treatment plans, restorative procedures such as bonding, crowns, or reshaping may be recommended alongside clear aligners.

Compliance is key — aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day. Failure to wear them as directed may delay treatment or compromise results.

Like any dental procedure, clear aligner treatment carries risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Common Risks of Clear Aligner Treatment

General Risks

Discomfort or pain: Some soreness is common when starting a new set of aligners.
Relapse: Teeth may shift back if retainers are not worn after treatment.
Treatment duration changes: Timelines may vary depending on how your teeth respond and your compliance.
Oral hygiene challenges: Aligners can trap food or plaque if not cleaned properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or staining.
Root shortening (resorption): Rarely, tooth roots may shorten slightly, which typically has little clinical impact but in rare cases can affect tooth stability.
Allergic reactions: Rare reactions to the plastics used in aligners may occur.

Specific Risks of Clear Aligners

Speech changes: A temporary lisp may occur when first wearing aligners.
Compliance-dependent: Aligners must be worn consistently for effective results.
Fit issues: Some aligners may feel too tight or may not track properly, requiring refinements.

Maintenance & Aftercare

Retainers are essential after clear aligner treatment to maintain your new smile.
You’ll be provided with a personalised maintenance plan, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment.
Success depends heavily on patient cooperation — wearing aligners as directed, attending scheduled appointments, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

Porcelain Veneers – Important Information and Risks

At Aurora Smiles, we provide porcelain veneers to improve the alignment, shape, and surface of your teeth in a precise and minimally invasive manner. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to address specific dental concerns such as discolouration, minor chips, gaps, or irregularities in shape.

How Porcelain Veneers Work

Porcelain veneers are carefully designed to match the size, shape, and colour of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless integration. They require minimal removal of tooth structure, allowing for effective restoration while preserving healthy enamel. Each veneer is individually crafted to suit the characteristics of your teeth, providing a functional and durable result.

The Treatment Process at Aurora Smiles

Step 1: Consultation and Assessment

Your treatment begins with a detailed examination. Our dentists assess your oral health to determine whether porcelain veneers are appropriate. This includes evaluating teeth alignment, enamel quality, bite function, and the suitability of other restorative options if necessary.

Step 2: Preparation and Impressions

A minimal layer of enamel is removed from the teeth to prepare for veneer placement. Digital scans or impressions are taken to create custom veneers tailored to the specific contours and alignment of your teeth.

Step 3: Placement

Veneers are bonded to the prepared teeth using precise techniques to ensure proper fit and functional integration. Our dental team verifies occlusion (bite alignment) and makes any necessary adjustments to maintain comfort and efficiency during normal dental function.

Important Considerations and Potential Risks

While porcelain veneers are widely used, patients should be aware of potential considerations:

Tooth preparation: A small amount of enamel is permanently removed to allow for veneer placement.
Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure may occur following placement.
Durability: Veneers are strong but can chip, crack, or detach under excessive biting forces or habits such as teeth grinding.
Oral hygiene: Proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent gum irritation or inflammation and to maintain the integrity of veneers.
Adjustments: Minor occlusal adjustments may be needed after placement to ensure proper function.
Rare reactions: Very rarely, patients may experience reactions to dental materials or local anaesthetics. Always inform your dentist of allergies, medications, or sensitivities.

Patients are encouraged to seek a second opinion from a qualified dental professional if they wish to explore alternative treatment options.

Maintenance and Aftercare

To maintain the function and longevity of veneers:

Follow the personalised care plan provided by your dental team.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and professional check-ups.
Avoid habits that may damage veneers, such as biting hard objects or grinding teeth.
With proper care, porcelain veneers can maintain structural integrity and performance for many years.

Disclaimer: Treatment outcomes can vary between patients. This information is intended to support informed decision-making. Consult a qualified dental practitioner for advice specific to your circumstances.

Treatment Information & Considerations

The Treatment Process at Aurora Smiles

Step 1: Consultation and Assessment

Step 2: Preparation and Impressions

Step 3: Placement

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