DIA Treatment Risks &
Considerations

Treatment Risks & Considerations

All dental and cosmetic procedures, whether minor or complex, involve some degree of risk. While our team works to achieve the best outcomes, complications may occur. Our role is to ensure you fully understand these possibilities so that you can make a well-considered decision about your care. Every treatment has risks; you have the right to know.

What Are Higher-Risk Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

These are procedures designed to change the appearance, colour, position, or shape of your teeth, gums, or smile, primarily for aesthetic purposes. While such treatments can achieve significant improvements, they are medical procedures that require careful consideration.

Examples at DIA may include (but are not limited to):

• Dental Veneers, Crowns & Bridges – to improve the shape, size, and appearance of teeth.

• Dental Implants – to replace missing teeth with a fixed, natural-looking solution.

• Clear Aligner Orthodontics – discreet treatment to straighten teeth.

• Professional Teeth Whitening – in-chair or take-home options for a lighter tooth shade.

What to Expect in Your Consultation

Before beginning any treatment, you will have a comprehensive consultation where we will:

• Discuss your goals and evaluate whether they are realistic.

• Explain the procedure, expected results, and timeframes.

• Outline risks and complications, both common and rare, specific to your chosen treatment.

• Cover recovery and aftercare, including possible discomfort, downtime, and any temporary activity restrictions.

• Provide alternatives, including no treatment, with their respective risks and benefits.

• Answer your questions — we encourage open discussion to ensure you feel confident and fully informed.

Treatment Risks & Considerations

While individual risks will be explained in detail during your consultation, some treatment-specific risk examples include:

• Veneers, Crowns & Bridges – risk of nerve damage, gum recession, replacement needs, veneer fracture, and ongoing maintenance.

• Dental Implants – potential complications include infection, implant failure, bone loss, or nerve injury.

• Cosmetic Injectables – may cause temporary bruising, swelling, or, in rare cases, vascular complications.

• Clear Aligners – can cause discomfort, root resorption, speech changes, or relapse if retainers are not worn.

• Teeth Whitening – temporary sensitivity, gum irritation, or uneven results.

Key Principles Guiding Our Practice (AHPRA Aligned)

• Patient-Centric Care: Your individual health, safety, and well-being are paramount. We will never exploit vulnerabilities or insecurities, nor will we pressure you into any procedure.
• No Trivialisation: We will not use language, emojis, or marketing techniques that mislead, trivialise, or downplay the seriousness of any procedure (e.g., using terms like ‘gentle,’ ‘quick,’ ‘safe,’ ‘painless,’ ‘perfect,’ ‘magic hands,’ or ‘world’s best’). We do not offer treatments as competition prizes.
• Realistic Outcomes: Claims about outcomes will be objective, demonstrable, and provable. We will be clear about longevity and maintenance. It’s important to remember that individual results vary significantly and outcomes for one patient do not guarantee similar results for others.
• No Psychological/Social Benefit Claims: We do not claim that higher-risk cosmetic procedures will “boost confidence,” “change your life,” or “make you the best version of yourself.” Such claims are often not supported by evidence and can create unrealistic expectations.
• Responsible Image Use:
  • All images used in our advertising are genuine, unedited, and from actual patients who have provided fully informed consent for their use.
  • We adhere to strict guidelines regarding consistent lighting, camera angles, and avoiding any filters or retouching that could mislead.
  • If ‘before and after’ images are shown, they will clearly state that outcomes are relevant to that patient only and do not guarantee similar results for others. The ‘before’ image will be prominent, and the time elapsed to the ‘after’ image will be specified.
  • We do not use images of people under 18, nor do we use sexualised or trivialising imagery (e.g., entertainment videos with music, dancing, or comedic comments).
  • You have the right to withdraw consent for image use at any time.

• No Testimonials: As per AHPRA guidelines, we cannot use testimonials (patient stories, reviews, or positive statements about clinical aspects) in our advertising for higher-risk cosmetic procedures. While patients are free to share their experiences on third-party platforms, we cannot use them in our official communications. Our social media functions are managed to minimise interaction with testimonials.
• No Targeting of Under 18s or Vulnerable Groups: We do not target or direct advertising at individuals under 18 years of age or exploit potentially vulnerable people.
• Positive Body Image: We will not imply that normal changes (like ageing) or natural facial/bodily features are abnormal or undesirable. We do not promote unrealistic images or suggest that well-being will suffer without these procedures.

Your Choice, Your Control

Undergoing treatment is your decision. We encourage you to take the time you need, seek a second opinion if desired, and ensure you feel fully informed before proceeding.

If you would like to discuss a specific treatment further, please contact our team to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced dentists.