Treatment Risks
Treatment Information & Considerations
At Central Coast Orthodontics, we believe that excellence in care begins with informed choice. Every treatment we provide is carefully planned to protect your health and enhance your smile, but it is important to understand that all dental and cosmetic procedures carry potential risks.
The information below outlines key considerations, side effects, and recovery expectations for a range of treatments. It is designed to help you make decisions with clarity and confidence, supported by professional guidance at every stage. Please note that outcomes vary between individuals, and your dentist will always discuss the specific risks and suitability of any treatment during your consultation.
Important: All dental procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Invisalign – Information & Considerations
Clear aligners can gradually reposition teeth to improve alignment and function in a discreet way. While they are a popular alternative to traditional braces, aligner therapy involves important considerations and potential risks that should be understood before starting treatment.
Treatment Duration
- Treatment can range from several months to over two years, depending on the complexity of tooth movement required.
- Success depends heavily on compliance, with aligners needing to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day as directed.
- Retainers are required after treatment, often indefinitely, to help maintain tooth position.
Key Risks & Considerations
- Discomfort: Mild tenderness or pressure is common when changing to a new aligner.
- Oral health: Poor hygiene during treatment can increase the risk of decay, gum disease, or enamel marks.
- Speech changes: Some patients experience temporary lisping or altered speech.
- Functional effects: Aligners may increase saliva flow or cause mouth dryness.
- Attachments and adjustments: Tooth-coloured attachments, elastics, or slenderising may be needed. These carry their own minor risks, such as enamel wear or irritation.
- Complex cases: Severe misalignment may require additional orthodontic procedures beyond aligners.
- Relapse: Teeth can shift if retainers are not worn consistently after treatment.
- Pre-existing conditions: Teeth with large fillings, trauma, or reduced bone support may respond less predictably.
Recovery Expectations
- Mild discomfort is most noticeable for the first few days of a new aligner.
- Most patients adapt quickly and continue with daily activities without interruption.
- Speech changes usually resolve within one to two weeks.
- Retainers must be worn long-term to maintain results.
Your dentist will explain the specific risks and suitability of Invisalign or other clear aligner treatments for your individual circumstances during your consultation.
Dental Braces – Information & Considerations
Dental braces use brackets and wires to gradually reposition teeth and improve alignment. While they remain an effective orthodontic option, braces involve long-term treatment and carry considerations that should be understood before starting.
Treatment Duration
- Treatment usually ranges from 12 to 36 months, depending on case complexity.
- Regular adjustments are required every four to eight weeks.
- Retainers must be worn after treatment to help maintain tooth position.
Key Risks & Considerations
- Discomfort: Mild pain or pressure is common after adjustments.
- Irritation: Brackets and wires may rub against lips, cheeks, or gums, causing temporary soreness.
- Oral hygiene challenges: Braces can make cleaning more difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease if hygiene is not maintained.
- Root resorption: In rare cases, tooth roots may shorten during orthodontic treatment.
- Gum changes: Gums may swell or recede depending on individual response and hygiene.
- Relapse: Teeth may shift after treatment if retainers are not worn consistently.
- Breakages: Brackets or wires may break or come loose, requiring unscheduled visits.
Recovery Expectations
- Discomfort usually resolves within a few days after each adjustment.
- Patients typically adapt to speaking and eating with braces within the first few weeks.
- Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, regular orthodontic reviews, and consistent retainer wear after treatment.
Your dentist will explain the specific risks and suitability of braces for your individual circumstances during your consultation.