Face
Dentistry
At Evolve Dentistry, we have many years’ experience looking after patients who have braces. We understand that getting braces can be a daunting prospect, particularly for our younger patients. It is normal to have questions or anxieties you would like to put to rest.
We have put together this list of a few of the most common questions we are asked about braces. It is our hope that you will find it useful, and that it will help ease any anxieties you have.
Will I need an anaesthetic (numbing medicine) when my brace is being fitted to my teeth?
No. Although your dentist will need to see all of your teeth and keep everything dry to make sure that the adhesive can effectively bond the brace to your teeth, it is not usual to need to be made numb to have a brace fitted.
Is having a brace to re-align my teeth painful?
As your teeth begin to move in your mouth, you may feel some small discomfort and your teeth may feel loose for a time. This is normal. If you feel the need, over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol are usually effective in tackling any discomfort. We do not recommend Ibuprofen, however, as it can sometimes slow down tooth movement.
Will my speech be affected?
Braces which are fitted to the outside of your teeth do not usually have any impact on your speech. If you are having braces which are fixed to the inside (or back) of your teeth, or if you have a removable brace, then it may take a few days for your tongue and mouth to get used to the new shape of the inside of your mouth. This means that your speech may sound strange for a few days, however you will quickly adapt and your speech will return to normal, usually within a week.
Will my mouth or lips look swollen when I’m wearing my brace?
It is completely normal to be concerned about your appearance while you’re wearing your brace – after all, appearance is one of the reasons you’re using it! Many people find that their lips feel swollen. The unusual feeling will pass once your lips and mouth are used to your braces being there, usually within a few days.
Your dentist will provide you with advice about what to do if your lips, cheeks, or tongue gets sore and the best way to deal with any discomfort.
How is the brace fitted?
First, your dentist will gently place a soft device called a retractor into your mouth to keep your lips and cheeks out of the way during the procedure. This can feel uncomfortable, but doesn’t hurt. Then the surface of your teeth will be cleaned using a gel, before the glue is applied and the ceramic bracket that will form part of your brace is fixed to the tooth. Lastly, a thin wire is fitted which connects to the brackets with tiny elastic rings or metal ties.
If you are having a removable brace, this will need impressions to be taken and then the brace will be fitted at a later appointment.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
It’s best to stay away from very hard foods (e.g. pizza crusts, sticky or chewy sweets) and we also recommend that you cut back on sugary sweets and drinks to aid your general oral hygiene.
How long will I need to wear a retainer for?
At Evolve, the price we quote is for both a removable and fixed retainer. A fixed retainer is bonded to the back of your front teeth. We then also make a removable retainer which is clear plastic and fits snugly over your teeth.
You will need to wear the removable retainer every night for the first six months, every other night for the following six months, and then at least two nights a week for the rest of your life. Although your retainers should last you for several years, they are unlikely to be the only set that you will ever need to have made.
Contact us today for any further braces-related questions, or to find out more about booking an appointment with us.
Plan Ahead – Limited September Availability
Considering a new dentist or exploring cosmetic dental treatment? September is one of our busiest months, and appointments are already filling quickly.
Whether you’re looking for a general dental check-up or a consultation for composite bonding, teeth straightening, whitening or veneers, now is the ideal time to secure your place.
📅 Avoid the post-summer rush – contact us today to arrange your consultation.
🦷✨ Ever wondered what really happens during a hygiene therapy appointment?
In this video, Jessica, our brilliant Dental Therapist at Evolve Dentistry, walks you through what to expect when you come in for a hygiene session with our team.
From a deep professional clean to personalised advice on keeping your smile sparkling between visits, Jessica explains how we help you maintain a healthy mouth – and why regular hygiene therapy is so important.
#EvolveDentistry #HygieneTherapy #HealthySmile #DentalCare #OralHealth #MeetTheTeam #PortisheadDentist
Thinking About Facial Aesthetics? Don’t Book Until You’ve Asked These 5 Key Questions! ✅
When it comes to treatments like dermal fillers or wrinkle-smoothing injections, choosing the right practitioner is just as important as the results you want.
In our latest blog, we reveal 5 essential questions you should always ask before booking:
1️⃣ What are your qualifications?
2️⃣ Are you insured and regulated?
3️⃣ What products do you use?
4️⃣ Can I see examples of your work?
5️⃣ What happens if something goes wrong?
➕ Bonus: Are they Save Face accredited?
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we welcome open conversations, are proud to be Save Face accredited, and offer expert-led treatments in a safe, clinical environment. Read the full blog here: https://evolve-dentistry.co.uk/5-questions-to-ask-a-new-facial-aesthetics-practitioner/
#FacialAesthetics #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadClinic #SafeAestheticTreatments #SaveFaceAccredited #WrinkleReduction #DermalFillers #KnowYourInjector #choosewisely
✨ Why Save Face Accreditation Matters — And Why It Sets Us Apart in Portishead 👩⚕️🔒
At Evolve Dentistry, we’re proud to be the only Save Face accredited practice in Portishead — but what does that really mean for you?
👉 Save Face is a national, government-recognised register of non-surgical cosmetic treatment providers. Clinics must undergo rigorous inspections and meet exceptionally high standards to be accredited.
In our latest blog, discover:
✔️ What Save Face accreditation is and why it matters
✔️ What makes Evolve different — from expert care to ethical treatment
✔️ Why choosing an accredited clinic ensures your safety, quality, and peace of mind
✔️ How we prioritise natural results, honest advice, and ongoing support
💬 When it comes to facial aesthetics, trust matters. And with Evolve, you’re in safe, professional hands every step of the way.
👉 Read the full blog here: https://evolve-dentistry.co.uk/we-are-the-only-accredited-save-face-practice-in-portishead/
#SaveFaceAccredited #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadClinic #FacialAesthetics #SafeAestheticCare #TrustQualifiedProfessionals #NaturalResults #medicalaesthetics
https://evolve-dentistry.co.uk/we-are-the-only-accredited-save-face-practice-in-portishead/
🌸 COMPETITION TIME! 🌸
Snap, share & smile for a chance to WIN FREE home teeth whitening! 😁✨
We’ve dressed up our practice with a stunning flower arch, and we want to see your best selfie with it!
📸 Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Take a photo with our flower arch outside Evolve Dentistry
2️⃣ Post it on Instagram
3️⃣ Tag us on Instagram @EvolveDentistry and use #EvolveInBloom
It’s that easy! One lucky winner will receive a FREE home whitening kit to make that smile shine even brighter! 💎🌼
📅 Hurry – entries close 30th September 2025
Let your smile bloom! 🌷💫
T&Cs apply
✨ What Does It Really Mean to Be Save Face Accredited?
When it comes to facial aesthetic treatments, safety isn’t optional — it’s essential. That’s why we’re proud to be the only Save Face accredited clinic in Portishead.
But what does that actually mean for you?
In our latest blog, we explain:
✔️ Who Save Face is — the UK’s only government-approved register for aesthetic practitioners
✔️ What it takes to become accredited (hint: it’s not easy)
✔️ Why accreditation matters for your safety, confidence, and results
✔️ How Save Face ensures clinics are ethical, qualified, and continuously monitored
✔️ What you can expect when choosing an accredited practice like Evolve Dentistry
💬 Don’t settle for guesswork when it comes to your face. Choose peace of mind, clinical excellence, and ethical care.
Read the full blog here: https://evolve-dentistry.co.uk/what-does-it-mean-to-be-accredited-by-save-face/
#EvolveDentistry #SaveFaceAccredited #FacialAesthetics #PortisheadClinic #SafeAestheticCare #QualifiedProfessionals #KnowYourInjector #MedicalAesthetics #youdeservesafecare
