At Totally 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.

Totally Smiles Clinic Contacts

QLD
Indooroopilly
Address: 17 Station Rd, Indooroopilly QLD 4068
Phone: (07) 3878 9799
Email: indooroopilly@totallysmiles.com.au

Mackay
Address: 50 Nelson St, Mackay QLD 4740
Phone: (07) 4951 1751
Email: nelsonst@totallysmiles.com.au

Morningside
Address: No, 6/18 Thynne Rd, Morningside QLD 4170
Phone: (07) 3399 2862
Email: morningside@totallysmiles.com.au

Townsville
Address: 92 Ross River Rd, Townsville City QLD 4812
Phone: (07) 4725 2275
Email: townsville@totallysmiles.com.au

VIC
Geelong
Address: 17/19 James St, Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: (03) 5229 8721
Email: geelong@totallysmiles.com.au

Pakenham
Address: 19 John St, Pakenham VIC 3810
Phone: (03) 5940 4988
Email: pakenham@totallysmiles.com.au

ACT
Holt (closed)

If you would prefer to raise a concern externally, you can contact the relevant Health Care Complaints association

QLD https://www.oho.qld.gov.au/  tel:133646

VIC https://hcc.vic.gov.au/  tel:1300582113

ACT https://www.hcca.org.au/ tel:0251245932

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