At About Smiles, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality dental care in a welcoming and professional environment. Whether you’re visiting us for a routine check-up or a tailored cosmetic treatment, your comfort, safety, and trust are at the heart of everything we do.
To support this commitment, we’ve outlined important information below about treatment risks and how to contact our team directly should you have any feedback or concerns.
Treatment Considerations
All dental procedures carry risks. The type and severity of these risks vary depending on the treatment and the individual. Potential risks, complications, and recovery timeframes will be explained by your treating practitioner before proceeding.
Treatment outcomes are not guaranteed and may vary from patient to patient.
If you have any concerns or feedback, we encourage you to contact your clinic directly. We would always prefer the opportunity to support you personally and discuss your experience with our team.
About Smiles Clinic Contacts
Chatswood
Phone: 02 9415 3555
Address: 2/63A Archer Street, Chatswood NSW 2067
Email: chatswood@aboutsmiles.com.au
Eastgardens
Phone: 02 8488 9994
Address: 229/152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens NSW 2036
Email: eastgardens@aboutsmiles.com.au
Zetland
Phone: 02 9313 6388
Address: 4/6 Defries Avenue, Zetland NSW 2017
Email: zetland@aboutsmiles.com.au
Crows Nest
Phone: 02 8622 3900
Address: Suite 103, Level 1, 22 Clarke Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Email: crowsnest@aboutsmiles.com.au
Circular Quay
Phone: 02 8319 2323
Address: Ground Floor, Shop LCC125, 17 Young Street, Circular Quay NSW 2000
Email: quay@aboutsmiles.com.au
If you would prefer to raise a concern externally, you can contact the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) – the healthcare complaints authority for New South Wales at www.hccc.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1800 043 159.
Cosmetic Dental Procedures: Risks & Patient Information
Published in accordance with AHPRA’s 2025 Guidelines for Advertising Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
General Compliance Statement
This information is provided to support transparency, informed consent, and ethical healthcare advertising.
All procedures listed below are:
· Elective
· Non-therapeutic
· Cosmetic in nature
· Not medically necessary
We do not use testimonials, guarantee outcomes, or imply that results are typical.
All images used in any advertising are representative only, not of actual patients, and do not reflect expected or promised outcomes.
Patient Responsibilities
Before undergoing cosmetic dental procedures, patients must understand and agree to:
· Follow all instructions and attend scheduled reviews, hygiene visits, and post-op appointments
· Notify the clinic promptly in the case of pain, dissatisfaction, or complications
· Maintain good oral hygiene and wear retainers/nightguards if recommended
· Accept that cosmetic treatments usually require lifelong maintenance, including repair and replacement at the patient’s own cost
· Ask questions and ensure full understanding of the risks, limitations, and alternatives prior to treatment
General Risks of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
· Sensitivity, gum irritation, or discomfort
· Fracture, dislodgement, or deterioration of materials
· Aesthetic mismatch or dissatisfaction with shape/colour
· Long-term replacement needs
· Possible need for additional or corrective dental work
· Cost of future maintenance not included in original treatment
Individual Procedure Summaries and Risks
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance colour, shape, and alignment.
Process Overview
· Consultation, records, and Trial Smile
· Enamel reduction and temporary veneers
· Final veneer bonding and review
Key Risks & Limitations
· Irreversible enamel removal
· Sensitivity or potential need for root canal
· Chipping or detachment from trauma or poor habits
· Possible aesthetic mismatch despite best efforts
· Lifespan varies; typically 10+ years but depends on habits
Important Notes
· Retainers or splints may be recommended to prevent damage
· Smoking, biting nails, or grinding increase risk of failure
· Maintenance and eventual replacement are expected over time
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are hand-layered tooth-coloured resin restorations placed directly on teeth in a single visit or two.
Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years
Advantages: Reversible, lower cost than porcelain
Risks:
· More prone to chipping, staining, and wear
· Less colour-stable than porcelain
· May require more frequent touch-ups or replacement
· Requires maintenance cleans every 6 months
· Higher failure risk for grinders/clenchers without splints
Composite Bonding
Used to repair minor cosmetic flaws such as chips, gaps, or shape concerns with tooth-coloured resin.
Risks:
· Chipping or staining over time
· Shorter lifespan than porcelain (typically 3–5 years)
· May need regular maintenance or re-treatment
Orthodontic Aligners (e.g. Angel Aligners)
Clear plastic aligners that move teeth incrementally.
Benefits:
· Discreet and removable
· Easier oral hygiene
· Digital preview of planned tooth movement
Risks:
· Treatment failure if not worn 22+ hours/day
· Gum irritation, tooth soreness, or dry mouth
· Attachments may dislodge and require replacement
· Speech disturbance (temporary lisp)
· Black triangle spaces or relapse if retainers not worn
· Potential need for further orthodontic appliances
· Not suitable for all cases (e.g. implants, severe malocclusion)
Patient Responsibilities:
· Wear aligners as instructed
· Maintain hygiene and avoid sugary drinks with aligners in
· Attend all reviews (6–8 weeks)
· Wear retainers long-term post-treatment
Crown Lengthening / Gum Lifts
Performed to increase visible tooth length and enable restoration or improve aesthetics.
With Future Restorations
· Removes gum/bone to allow placement of crowns or veneers
· Approx. 10–12 weeks healing before next stage
With No Restorations Planned
· Purely cosmetic to reduce a “gummy smile”
Risks:
· Swelling, bleeding, infection
· Sensitivity, gum recession, food trapping
· Temporary numbness or jaw stiffness
· Open spaces (black triangles)
Crowns & Bridges
Used to restore damaged or missing teeth.
Risks:
· Tooth sensitivity or need for future root canal
· Risk of fracture, chipping, or debonding
· No guarantee of lifespan — depends on hygiene and habits
· Gum irritation or food impaction may occur
· Temporary discomfort or altered bite
· Aesthetic dissatisfaction is possible despite previews
Internal Bleaching (Single Tooth Whitening)
Used to lighten a dark or non-vital tooth from the inside after root canal therapy.
Risks:
· Internal/external resorption
· Over- or under-whitening
· Pain, relapse of colour
· Requirement for follow-up restorations
· Alternative options include no treatment, veneers or crowns
In-Chair Whitening
Performed by the dental team in-office.
Risks:
· Temporary sensitivity or gum irritation
· White spots may become more visible post-treatment
· Teeth often fade back with time; repeat whitening is common
· Results vary — not all teeth whiten evenly
Take-Home Whitening
Custom trays with gel for at-home use.
Risks:
· Same as in-chair whitening: sensitivity, uneven results
· Whitening is temporary and may require repeat use
· Gum blanching (temporary whitening of gums) is possible
Financial Disclosure
If pricing is advertised, it will be clearly marked as inclusive of GST, with itemised inclusions and exclusions. Additional treatments, revisions, maintenance, or complications may incur separate costs and will be discussed during your consultation. Prices subject to change and all quotations are valid for 90days from issue.
Final Reminders
· All cosmetic procedures carry risk and are not essential for oral health
· We do not advertise using patient testimonials or guarantees
· All patients are encouraged to ask questions and seek a second opinion
· All procedures require informed consent
· Results vary by individual case, and follow-up is essential for long-term success
