If you are looking into cosmetic dentistry near me in North Sydney, this article explains what the main treatments involve, what they can and cannot do, and what to check when choosing a practice.
What cosmetic dentistry is
Cosmetic dentistry covers treatments whose primary purpose is to change the appearance of the teeth rather than to treat disease. Some treatments, such as crowns, have both a functional and a cosmetic purpose.
Cosmetic treatment does not replace general dental care. Decay, gum disease and bite problems need to be assessed and addressed before elective cosmetic work is considered, and any practice should examine you before proposing treatment.
Cosmetic treatments are elective. They are worth taking time over, and it is reasonable to seek a second opinion before committing to anything irreversible.
Choosing a Practice
Check registration
All dental practitioners in Australia must be registered with the Dental Board of Australia. You can check any practitioner’s registration and qualifications, and whether they hold specialist registration, on the Ahpra public register. This is a verifiable check rather than a marketing claim.
Ask about alternatives
A thorough consultation should set out the options for what you want to change, including those that remove less tooth structure, and explain why one is being recommended over another for your case.
Ask what is irreversible
Some cosmetic treatments permanently remove enamel. Ask directly which parts of a proposed plan cannot be undone.
Get it in writing
You should receive a written quote setting out what is included, and a clear explanation of the risks, before agreeing to treatment.
Independent reviews
Reviews on independent platforms can be one input among several. Bear in mind that Australian health practitioners are not permitted to publish patient testimonials about clinical care in their own advertising, so the absence of such content on a practice website reflects the law rather than the practice’s standard of care.
Treatments offered at North Sydney Dentistry
Veneers are thin shells bonded to the front surface of the teeth to change their colour and shape and to close small gaps. Most veneer treatment permanently removes a layer of enamel, which means the teeth will require restorations for life and those restorations will need replacing periodically. Veneers do not move teeth and do not treat decay or gum disease.
Professional whitening can lighten the natural teeth. Results vary with the cause of the discolouration and the starting shade, and some staining responds poorly. Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, so existing restorations may need replacing to match. Common side effects are tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, and the result fades over time.
Implants are one option for replacing missing teeth. Placement requires surgery and adequate bone, treatment usually runs over several months, and success depends on healing, oral hygiene and factors such as smoking and general health. Implants can fail, and the restorations attached to them need maintenance and periodic replacement. Suitability is assessed individually.
Clear aligners are a removable alternative to fixed braces for moving teeth. They are less noticeable than metal appliances but not invisible, need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, and are not suitable for every case. Retainers are required afterwards, generally long term.
Crowns cover a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape and strength. Preparation involves removing tooth structure, and crowns have a finite lifespan and need replacing over time.
Risks
All cosmetic dental treatment carries risks, which vary by procedure. They can include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and recession, damage to or loss of tooth structure that cannot be replaced, the need for further treatment such as root canal treatment, failure of a restoration, and the ongoing cost of maintenance and replacement.
Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed. The risks relevant to your case should be explained to you in full before you agree to treatment.
Visiting us
Our practice is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney NSW 2060, with public transport links and parking nearby.
Our dentists are registered with the Dental Board of Australia. At your consultation we examine your teeth, gums and bite, discuss what you want to change, explain the options and their risks and provide a written quote. Where a treatment is not appropriate for your case, we will tell you.
To arrange a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Sydney, contact North Sydney Dentistry.