Treatment Risks – The Smile Designer


Treatment Risks

At The Smile Designer, we are committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring every patient is fully informed before beginning treatment. All dental and facial procedures carry potential risks and complications — the sections below summarise the most important considerations for each treatment we offer.

This information is general in nature and should be discussed with your treating dentist, who will provide advice specific to your individual circumstances before any treatment begins.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners) can improve the function and appearance of your smile. There are some important things to consider prior to starting treatment, including but not limited to the following.

1. Patient Cooperation

Excellent orthodontic results depend heavily on informed and cooperative patients. Patient cooperation is one of the most important factors in determining whether treatment is completed on time. Successful treatment is a joint effort between the patient, parents (where applicable), the orthodontic practitioner, and the practice team. To help achieve the best possible results, patients are asked to:

  • Keep all regularly scheduled appointments
  • Practise good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing
  • Wear orthodontic appliances as instructed
  • Wear elastics if prescribed
  • Eat appropriate foods so as not to dislodge braces (brackets, bands)
  • Wear retainers once active treatment has finished

Failure to follow these instructions can lengthen treatment time and adversely affect the quality of results. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to discontinue orthodontic treatment altogether.

2. Cavities, Swollen Gums & White Spots

Orthodontic appliances do not themselves cause cavities or swollen gums, but their presence makes it easier for food particles and plaque to be retained, increasing the risk of these problems. Cavities, swollen gums, and white spots (decalcification) result from inadequate brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene, and can largely be avoided with good habits.

Permanent white lines around brackets or composite buttons signal the early stage of a cavity. Sugary foods and between-meal snacks should be minimised. If a bracket or band becomes loose, please return to the practice as soon as possible — a delay increases the risk of decay, and missed appointments can result in tooth damage from undetected loose bands.

In addition to regular orthodontic visits, we recommend seeing our hygienist at least twice a year for a periodic examination and clean.

3. Loss of Tooth Vitality

Loss of tooth vitality (where the nerve within the tooth dies) can occur with or without orthodontic treatment. It is usually related to a previous injury, a large cavity, or a large filling. An affected tooth will typically discolour and require root canal treatment to preserve it.

4. Root Resorption

Progressive shortening of tooth roots may occur in some individuals, with or without orthodontic treatment. This is an uncommon side effect that can be caused by trauma, injury, excessive force, impacted teeth, prolonged treatment, or hormonal factors. Some patients appear more predisposed than others, and it cannot be reliably predicted in advance. Slight resorption usually presents no issues where root length and gum/bone health are otherwise normal; where periodontal disease has caused bone loss, resorption may increase the risk of losing the tooth sooner.

5. Unfavourable Growth

For younger patients, treatment planning takes anticipated facial growth into account. Occasionally growth does not occur as predicted, requiring a change in treatment objectives. Growth is a biological process beyond the dentist’s control, and can be adversely affected by habits such as finger, thumb, or tongue habits, or persistent mouth breathing. Our approach favours early, non-surgical treatment where possible; jaw surgery is reserved for extreme cases only.

6. Jaw Joint Problems (TMJ)

Some patients experience jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) symptoms before, during, or after orthodontic treatment, usually due to multiple contributing factors. Signs may include clicking, popping, limited movement, and in severe cases, pain or locking of the jaw. Many people experience these symptoms independently of orthodontic treatment. Tooth movement during treatment may occasionally coincide with these symptoms, which usually subside once treatment is complete. TMJ symptoms are not always bite-related — muscle tension appears to play a role in frequency and severity, and symptoms are more common in females and tend to increase with age. We assess the seriousness of any jaw joint issue during your records appointment and aim to minimise symptoms throughout treatment.

7. Enamel Reduction

Minor reshaping of tooth surfaces may be recommended before, during, or after treatment to create room for alignment and improve appearance and stability. This reduction of outer enamel rarely affects enamel integrity or increases the risk of decay.

8. Tooth Size Discrepancy

If minor spacing remains between teeth after treatment due to naturally small or irregularly sized teeth, bonding (tooth-coloured filling material) may be suggested to close the gaps and improve aesthetics and stability. This is an additional cost.

9. Treatment Time

Treatment time varies with the complexity of the case, patient cooperation, and individual response. Poor cooperation with elastics or appliance wear, poor oral hygiene, broken appliances, or missed appointments can all lengthen treatment and affect results. Braces typically take 18–30 months; clear aligner treatment time depends on the severity of crowding and can vary considerably. These estimates exclude any earlier “Phase 1” or interceptive treatment carried out while baby teeth are still present.

10. Discontinuance of Treatment

Treatment may be discontinued due to lack of patient cooperation — including poor oral hygiene, broken appointments, or insufficient wear of appliances/elastics — or where continuing would be detrimental to the patient’s dental health. Patients (or parents, where applicable) will be fully informed of the reasons before treatment is discontinued.

11. Relapse

Relapse refers to teeth shifting back toward their original position after braces or aligners are removed. Some degree of movement is common in all patients following treatment. Some patients may notice slight lower front crowding in their late teens or early twenties, particularly if teeth were significantly crowded before treatment — this can occur even with excellent cooperation throughout treatment and retention.

Late lower crowding occurs in many people, treated or not. Contributing factors include wisdom tooth eruption, jaw growth patterns, and lip/tongue muscle balance. Habits such as nail biting, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing can also contribute to crowding.

To minimise relapse, it’s important to address any contributing habits and wear retainers exactly as directed. Failure to wear retainers may result in unwanted tooth movement, for which the practice cannot assume responsibility. Please keep all retention-phase appointments and wear retainers as instructed, except during contact sports or cleaning.

12. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

Some treatment plans include temporary anchorage devices — small screws or plates attached to the bone — which carry their own specific risks. A device may become loose, requiring removal and possible relocation or replacement with a larger screw; if adequate stability cannot be achieved, an alternative treatment plan may be needed. Surrounding tissue may become inflamed or infected, which could require removal of the device, surgical excision of tissue, and/or antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses.

13. Attachments, Adjustments & Appliance Wear

  • Attachments may be bonded to one or more teeth to help with tooth movement and/or appliance retention, and are removed once treatment is complete.
  • Attachments may come off and require replacement.
  • Interproximal recontouring (slenderising) of teeth may be needed to create space for alignment.
  • In rare cases, slight superficial wear on an aligner may occur from grinding or tooth contact — this is generally not a problem, as overall aligner strength and integrity remain intact.
  • Additional charges apply if attachments are removed and replaced for a special occasion.
  • Our fee does not cover replacement retainers, or repair/replacement of bonded retainers.
  • Additional fees apply for lost or broken aligners.

14. Periodontal (Gum) Considerations

Gums need to be maintained routinely and can occasionally overgrow, requiring procedures such as gingivectomy or crown lengthening (at additional cost). “Black triangles” can also form where gums have receded, partly due to tooth shape — options and costs to reduce their appearance can be discussed with your dentist.

15. Use of Tobacco Products

Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the risk of gum disease and interferes with healing after oral surgery. Tobacco users are also more prone to oral cancer, gum recession, and delayed tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. If you use tobacco, please carefully consider the possibility of a compromised result.

16. Retention Policy

Completing orthodontic treatment does not guarantee your teeth will remain perfectly aligned for life. Wearing retainers as instructed is essential to maintaining your results. Your treatment fee includes one initial set of retainers; any replacements beyond this will incur an additional fee.

Bonded (fixed) lingual retainers are available at extra cost. A lower bonded retainer is often recommended to reduce the risk of long-term shifting; in some cases an upper bonded retainer may also be suitable, though not all patients are candidates.

Consistent, generally lifelong retainer wear is recommended, as the jaw and bone continue to change over time. Minor shifting — especially of the lower front teeth — may need to be accepted, and in some cases further orthodontic treatment or surgery may be needed to address more significant changes.

Failure to wear retainers as prescribed may result in tooth movement and other unwanted outcomes, for which the practice is not responsible. Retreatment, if required, will incur additional fees based on the extent of movement and treatment needed.


Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can change the shape, colour, and alignment of teeth to enhance the appearance of your smile.

Overview

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure. This treatment is elective and not medically necessary. Alternatives may exist and will be discussed with you.

Purpose of Treatment

Veneers involve placing thin, custom-crafted porcelain shells on the front surfaces of teeth to improve appearance — including colour, shape, size, and length. If you are undergoing revision veneer treatment (replacing or updating existing veneers), please note that revision cases often involve added complexity and limitations — see below.

Informed Consent for Cosmetic Treatment

Patients considering veneers should understand that cosmetic dental treatment involves certain risks, limitations, and the possibility of unsuccessful or undesired results. While every effort is made to meet individual expectations:

  • There is no guarantee of achieving a specific cosmetic result.
  • The longevity of treatment cannot be assured.
  • Patients accept and assume the risks below.

Risks & Considerations

1. Tooth reduction or surface roughening. Minimal preparation or roughening of tooth surfaces is usually needed. This is irreversible, and if a veneer becomes dislodged, the exposed tooth may be more prone to decay.

2. Tooth sensitivity. Teeth may become sensitive to temperature or pressure. This is often temporary, though persistent sensitivity may require further treatment, including possible root canal therapy.

3. Chipping, cracking, or debonding. Despite careful placement, veneers can chip, break, or loosen due to biting hard objects, grinding/clenching (bruxism), trauma, or wear of the bonding agent. A night guard/splint is strongly recommended for patients who grind their teeth (available at additional cost).

4. Allergic or soft tissue reactions. Rarely, gums or oral tissue may react to bonding agents with inflammation or an allergic response. Please contact the practice immediately if this occurs.

5. Aesthetic limitations. We aim for a natural, pleasing appearance, but perfect matching with natural teeth may not always be possible. Once bonded, any change in colour or shape requires a new veneer at additional cost.

6. Longevity. There is no standard timeframe for how long veneers last — this depends on oral hygiene, diet and habits, bite forces, and regular check-ups.

7. Periodontal (gum) health. Gum health affects aesthetic outcomes. Where periodontal disease is present, gaps or “black triangles” may develop from gum recession, bone loss can affect fit and appearance, and periodontal surgery or grafting may be needed (referred where appropriate).

8. Full mouth rehabilitation (if applicable). Comprehensive cases may involve crowns, bridges, implants, gingivectomy, and root canal treatment. All options and costs will be discussed, and you are welcome to seek a second opinion from a qualified specialist.

9. No warranty. There is no guarantee of how long porcelain restorations will last — veneers can break under excessive pressure, as natural teeth can. Repair or replacement costs may approach the cost of the original veneer.

Specific Considerations for Revision Cases

  • Previously prepared teeth may need further reduction to remove old veneers or adhesive.
  • Bonding challenges — bond strength may be affected by dentin exposure or residual bonding material, potentially reducing longevity.
  • Aesthetic limitations — prior dental work may restrict achieving ideal proportions or results.
  • Increased root canal risk — previously treated or re-prepared teeth are more likely to need root canal therapy.
  • Risk of tooth loss — the tooth may not be salvageable, or may not last as long as hoped, leading to loss and further treatment.
  • Managing expectations — revision cases often carry heightened expectations; while we aim for the best possible outcome, perfection cannot be guaranteed.

Try-In & Approval Process

You will have the opportunity to evaluate the shape, colour, and fit of your veneers at the try-in stage. Once you approve and consent to proceed, no major modifications can be made after cementation without further procedures and cost.


Composite Bonding / Composite Veneers

Overview

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses tooth-coloured composite resin to address a range of aesthetic concerns, including:

  1. Repairing decayed teeth (as a filling material)
  2. Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
  3. Improving the appearance of discoloured teeth
  4. Closing gaps between teeth
  5. Making teeth appear longer
  6. Changing tooth shape or alignment
  7. Providing a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
  8. Protecting exposed tooth roots due to gum recession

Bonding is typically completed in a single visit and is one of the least invasive and most cost-effective cosmetic treatments available.

Benefits

  • Minimally invasive; usually little to no tooth preparation
  • Completed in a single appointment
  • Cost-effective compared to veneers or crowns
  • Immediate aesthetic improvement
  • Reversible in most cases

Limitations & Considerations

  • Less stain-resistant than porcelain
  • Not as strong or durable as crowns or veneers
  • More prone to chipping, wear, or discolouration over time
  • May need touch-ups or replacement every 3–7 years, depending on habits

A night guard (splint) is strongly recommended to protect bonding, particularly for patients who grind or clench.

Risks & Possible Complications

1. Tooth surface preparation. Some bonding requires slight roughening or reduction of the tooth surface. This is conservative but may make the tooth more susceptible to wear or decay if the bonded material fails.

2. Tooth sensitivity. Temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure is possible; persistent sensitivity may need further evaluation.

3. Chipping, breaking, or loosening. Composite can chip or break from biting hard foods or objects, grinding/clenching, or excessive bite force. A night guard is recommended where indicated (available at additional cost).

4. Soft tissue or allergic reactions. Rarely, irritation or allergic reaction to bonding materials may cause gum inflammation or soreness — please report this to the clinic.

5. Aesthetic limitations. Every effort is made to match your natural teeth, but perfect shade or shape matching may not be possible, and composite is more prone to discolouration over time than porcelain.

6. Longevity. Typical lifespan is 3–7 years; touch-ups or replacement may be needed depending on habits, hygiene, and diet. These are not covered under warranty and incur additional cost.

7. Periodontal concerns. Pre-existing gum or bone issues may cause changes in gum contour or “black triangles.” Where periodontal disease is present, referral to a specialist may be needed before or after treatment.

8. Full-mouth cosmetic cases. Where bonding is part of broader rehabilitation (crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, periodontal treatment, root canals), all options, costs, and alternatives will be explained, and you’re welcome to seek a second opinion.

9. No warranty. As with natural teeth, bonded teeth can chip, stain, or break. Repairs or replacement of chipped/broken composite typically range from $300–$800 per tooth, depending on extent.

Care & Maintenance

  • Brush at least twice daily and floss daily
  • Attend regular dental check-ups and cleans
  • Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails)
  • Limit tobacco, coffee, red wine, and other staining foods/drinks
  • Wear a night guard if advised

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a surgical procedure to replace missing teeth with artificial roots.

1. Diagnosis

Following examination, radiographic imaging, and assessment of your oral health, your dentist may recommend implants (artificial tooth roots anchored in the jawbone) as a suitable option to restore function, appearance, and oral health following tooth loss.

2. Proposed Treatment

  • The plan involves placing root-form implants into your jawbone.
  • Treatment includes a surgical phase and a prosthetic phase.
  • The surgical phase may include bone grafting, ridge augmentation, or other adjunctive procedures if bone volume or quality is insufficient.

3. Surgical Phase

  • Local anaesthesia is used; sedation may also be offered where appropriate.
  • An incision is made through the gum to expose the jawbone, pre-drilled holes are created, and implants are placed into the bone.
  • Soft tissue is then sutured, and a protective dressing may be applied.
  • Healing (osseointegration) typically takes 3–6 months, during which the implant fuses with the bone.
  • You may need to avoid wearing dentures over the implant site during early healing (commonly 1–2 weeks), depending on the case.

4. Prosthetic Phase

  • Once integration is confirmed, an abutment is connected to the implant.
  • A crown, bridge, or denture is then fabricated and fitted.
  • Design, materials, and aesthetic details are discussed with you before this phase.

5. Expected Benefits

  • Restored chewing ability, appearance, stability, and comfort
  • Preservation of bone and prevention of resorption at the site of the missing tooth
  • Improved oral health, and potentially speech, depending on the area restored

6. Principal Risks, Complications & Limitations

  • Pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding post-operatively
  • Infection at the implant site
  • Failure of the implant to properly integrate with bone
  • Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation (lip, tongue, chin, gums) — usually temporary, rarely permanent
  • Damage to adjacent teeth, nerves, or anatomical structures (e.g. sinuses)
  • Bone loss or gum recession around the implant over time
  • Prosthetic complications — loosening or fracture of the crown/bridge/denture, wear of materials, or aesthetic dissatisfaction
  • Delayed healing or need for additional surgery
  • Possible removal of the implant if failure occurs
  • Increased costs and treatment time if complications arise

7. Alternatives

  • Doing nothing (leaving the space vacant)
  • Removable partial or full dentures
  • Fixed bridges supported by existing teeth
  • Alternative implant techniques or configurations, depending on your clinical situation

The risks and costs of each alternative will also be explained to you.

8. Post-Operative / Self-Care

Your role is important to the success of treatment. Please:

  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, and any prescribed cleaning aids)
  • Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled
  • Follow instructions on diet, activity, smoking, alcohol, and medications
  • Report any signs of infection, unusual pain, loose components, or other concerns immediately

Smoking and poor oral hygiene may significantly reduce implant success.

9. Costs & Future Maintenance

  • Treatment involves multiple phases; prosthetic components may incur separate fees.
  • Future maintenance, repair, or replacement of prosthetics is not guaranteed and will be at the patient’s expense.
  • Components may wear, break, or require re-tightening over time.

10. No Guarantee of Results

While implants have high published success rates, no guarantee can be made for long-term success. Results vary based on bone health, healing ability, hygiene, habits, and general health. In the event of failure, removal and alternative treatment may be required.

11. Photography / Records

Clinical photographs, x-rays, and other records may be used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up, and — where relevant — for educational, scientific, or insurance purposes, without disclosing your identity unless further consent is given.


All-on-4 Full-Arch Implant Treatment

All-on-4 treatment replaces a full arch of missing or failing teeth using four (sometimes more) implants that support a fixed or removable full-arch prosthesis. It differs from single-tooth implants in scope, surgical complexity, and recovery.

1. Diagnosis & Suitability

Following clinical examination, imaging (including CT/CBCT scanning), and assessment of bone volume and quality, your dentist will advise whether All-on-4 is suitable for you. Not every patient is a suitable candidate — bone density, gum health, general health, and jaw anatomy all affect suitability, which can only be determined after a full clinical assessment.

2. Treatment Phases

  • Surgical phase — placement of four or more implants into the jawbone, angled to make best use of available bone and reduce (though not always avoid) the need for bone grafting or sinus lifts.
  • Temporary prosthesis — in many cases a temporary fixed bridge can be fitted on the day of surgery. In some cases, due to implant stability or bone quality, a removable temporary appliance may be needed during healing instead.
  • Healing (osseointegration) — typically 3–6 months, during which implants fuse with the bone.
  • Final prosthesis — a permanent fixed bridge is fabricated and fitted once healing is confirmed.

3. Principal Risks, Complications & Limitations

  • Pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding post-operatively (swelling commonly peaks around day 3–4)
  • Infection at implant sites
  • One or more implants failing to integrate with bone
  • Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation to the lip, chin, tongue, or gums — usually temporary, rarely permanent
  • Sinus complications where implants are placed in the upper jaw
  • Need for bone grafting or sinus augmentation, which carry their own additional risks
  • Fracture, chipping, or loosening of the temporary or final prosthesis
  • Speech or bite changes during the adjustment period
  • Delayed healing or need for further surgery
  • Possible implant removal and replacement if failure occurs
  • Increased costs and treatment time if complications arise
  • Ongoing hygiene access under the bridge requires specific cleaning aids and techniques, which your dentist will show you

4. Recovery

  • Bleeding is expected for 24–48 hours following surgery.
  • Pain and discomfort are managed with prescribed medication and generally ease over 1–2 weeks, though this varies between patients.
  • Strenuous activity, sport, and gym should generally be avoided for up to 10 days.
  • Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure and delayed healing.
  • Time off work is often required, particularly if the procedure is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia — arrange for someone to assist you during the first 24 hours if so.

5. Alternatives

Options may include doing nothing, removable full or partial dentures, conventional multiple single-tooth implants, or implant-retained overdentures. The risks, costs, and limitations of each will be explained to you.

6. No Guarantee of Outcome

All-on-4 has high published success rates, but individual results vary based on bone health, healing response, hygiene, and habits such as smoking. No outcome can be guaranteed. In the event of failure, removal and alternative treatment may be required.


Gummy Smile Treatment (Gum Recontouring / Gingivectomy)

A “gummy smile” refers to excess gum tissue being visible when smiling, relative to the visible tooth surface. This can result from several different causes — including how the teeth erupted, jaw and lip position, or overgrowth of gum tissue — and the underlying cause affects which treatment is appropriate. Not all cases are suitable for gum recontouring alone.

1. About the Procedure

Gum recontouring (gingivectomy) reshapes the gumline, usually using a laser or electrosurgical instrument, to expose more of the natural tooth surface. It may be performed alone or alongside veneers, crowns, or orthodontic treatment, depending on the underlying cause. A full clinical assessment is needed to determine whether gum recontouring is appropriate, or whether the cause of your gummy smile requires a different approach — for example, orthodontic treatment or surgical management of the jaw or lip.

2. Principal Risks, Complications & Limitations

  • Discomfort, redness, or swelling of the gums, typically lasting 1–5 days
  • Bleeding during the healing period, which varies between individuals
  • Uneven healing, which may require further minor adjustment
  • Gum tissue regrowth or relapse over time, particularly if the underlying cause (e.g. certain medications, mouth breathing, or tissue type) is not addressed
  • Sensitivity of the newly exposed tooth surface
  • Rare allergic reaction to local anaesthetic or materials used
  • Where the gummy appearance is due to jaw or lip position rather than excess tissue, gum recontouring alone may not fully address the concern, and additional or alternative treatment may be needed

3. Recovery

  • Soft tissue healing is generally observed within 4–6 weeks, though full settling can take longer for some patients.
  • Mild pain relief and an at-home care routine will be provided.
  • Please tell your dentist if you take blood-thinning medication, as this may need to be managed prior to your procedure.

4. No Guarantee of Outcome

Results vary depending on individual gum biotype, healing response, and the underlying cause of the gummy smile. Regrowth or relapse can occur in some patients and may require further treatment at additional cost.

5. Alternatives

Depending on the cause, alternatives may include no treatment, orthodontic treatment, orthognathic (jaw) assessment, or lip repositioning surgery (referred to a specialist where appropriate). These will be discussed with you at consultation.


TMJ Injections

At The Smile Designer, we provide injections for the management of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction and associated muscle pain. These are therapeutic, not cosmetic, injections, and are described as such. A variety of medications and injection options are available.

Indications, Effects & Alternatives

  • What it is — a purified neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals to the injected muscles, reducing muscle activity.
  • Onset — effects usually begin within 2–5 days and tend to last approximately 4–6 months.
  • Alternatives — no treatment; other injectable or oral medications; dental or orthodontic treatment; surgery of the muscles, jaws, or associated tissues; or other non-drug/non-injection therapies (e.g. physical therapy, appliances).

Expected Benefits

  • Reduction of muscle hyperactivity or tension
  • Softer appearance of associated wrinkles
  • Relief of jaw/chewing muscle pain, headaches, or TMJ discomfort (if applicable)
  • Improved facial symmetry

Possible Side Effects & Complications

Possible risks, complications, and side effects may occur in the treated or adjacent areas and may be temporary or, rarely, longer-lasting:

  1. Bruising or swelling at injection sites
  2. Mild pain, discomfort, or redness
  3. Undercorrection (insufficient effect) or overcorrection (too much effect)
  4. Facial asymmetry (one side differing from the other)
  5. Weakening of a nearby muscle, which may lead to a drooping eyelid, difficulty closing the eye, double vision, or difficulty speaking, whistling, or drinking from a straw
  6. Numbness or altered sensation
  7. Generalised weakness, flu-like symptoms, headache, or nausea
  8. Development of antibodies to the injections, which could reduce effectiveness over time
  9. Permanent loss of muscle tone with repeated injections
  10. Risk of infection, allergic reaction, or inflammation
  11. Theoretical risk of disease transmission via human-derived components (albumin) — no known cases to date
  12. Other rare adverse effects reported in the literature

Contraindications

Injection treatment should not be performed if you:

  • Are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
  • Have a known allergy to albumin or any component of the medicament
  • Have infection, inflammation, or skin disease at the proposed injection site
  • Have a muscle or nerve disorder (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton-Lambert Syndrome, ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
  • Have had injections in the past 3 months

Treatment Plan & Follow-Up

  • Treatment is temporary; repeated sessions may be needed to maintain effects.
  • The cost of treatment, and any follow-up or maintenance injections, will be explained — these are typically not covered by insurance or health funds.
  • Please attend follow-up appointments as scheduled, report any adverse or unexpected effects, and follow all care instructions provided.

Limitations & Realistic Expectations

  • No guarantee can be made that results will meet individual expectations.
  • Results vary between individuals depending on anatomy, muscle strength, skin condition, dosage, injection technique, and metabolism.
  • Some effects may be noticeable for several weeks, and some may not fully resolve.

Important Information

  • Every procedure carries risks and limitations. Results cannot be guaranteed.
  • Your dentist will provide a detailed consent form before treatment, outlining risks, benefits, and alternatives specific to your care.
  • Ongoing maintenance, oral hygiene, and regular check-ups are essential to long-term success.

This page provides general information about potential treatment risks and is not a substitute for personalised advice. Please consult your dentist at The Smile Designer to discuss your individual needs, suitability for treatment, and any questions you may have.



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