Short answer: Keeping your braces clean is one of the most important parts of successful orthodontic treatment. Good brushing, cleaning between your teeth and attending regular hygiene appointments can help keep your teeth and gums healthy while your smile is being transformed.
Many adults worry that braces will make brushing difficult.
The truth is, it does take a little more care.
But with the right routine, keeping your teeth and braces clean soon becomes second nature.
And the effort is worth it.
Healthy teeth and gums provide the best foundation for a beautiful new smile.
Braces create extra places where plaque and food can collect.
If they’re not cleaned thoroughly, this can increase the risk of:
Keeping your braces clean isn’t just about protecting the appliance.
It’s about protecting your teeth throughout treatment.
If you have fixed braces, you’ll need to take a little more time when brushing.
Aim to clean:
A soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush can both be effective when used carefully.
We’ll show you the best technique for your smile before treatment begins.
Your toothbrush can’t always reach every area.
Cleaning between your teeth helps remove plaque from places brushing alone may miss.
Depending on your braces, we may recommend:
We’ll explain what works best for you.
If you’re wearing clear aligners, keeping the aligners clean is just as important as cleaning your teeth.
You should:
Avoid using very hot water, as this can damage the aligners.
Healthy gums are an essential part of orthodontic treatment.
If your gums become swollen or bleed when brushing, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should brush less.
In many cases, it means they need more thorough cleaning.
If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, let us know so we can help.
One of the biggest differences we see between patients who enjoy a smooth orthodontic journey and those who experience avoidable setbacks is their home care.
Orthodontic treatment is a partnership.
We’ll carefully guide your teeth into their new position.
You help protect that progress by looking after your smile every day.
Brushing at home is important, but professional hygiene appointments remain an important part of maintaining your oral health during treatment.
These appointments help us:
Most patients quickly develop a routine that works for them.
Many find it helpful to:
These small habits soon become part of everyday life.
Braces damage your teeth.
Braces don’t damage healthy teeth. Poor cleaning during treatment is what can lead to problems.
Brushing once a day is enough.
Thorough, regular cleaning is especially important while wearing braces.
Bleeding gums mean you should stop brushing.
Bleeding gums often indicate inflammation and should be assessed rather than ignored.
Yes. Many patients find electric toothbrushes helpful during orthodontic treatment.
It’s often worth allowing a little more time than usual to make sure every area is cleaned thoroughly.
Yes. Regular hygiene appointments remain an important part of maintaining your oral health throughout treatment.
This is completely normal.
Interdental brushes can often help remove trapped food quickly and easily.
Our comprehensive guide includes practical advice for every stage of orthodontic treatment, from caring for your braces to protecting your new smile once treatment is complete.
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, our complete guide to adult braces explains the different treatment options, costs, treatment times and what to expect before making a decision.
Read our complete guide to adult braces.
Orthodontic treatment is about more than moving teeth.
By keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment, you’ll be helping create the best possible foundation for your new smile.
Keeping your teeth and braces clean is an important part of orthodontic treatment. Understanding how to care for your teeth can help you feel more prepared before starting.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll explain the different teeth-straightening options, what treatment involves and how to look after your teeth throughout your journey.
Explore adult braces at Evolve Dentistry
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We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today
Book An Introduction Call 💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
🦷 Day one, first clinic!
Carol has sent us the first photos from her trip — and what a first day it’s been!
Working alongside five other dentists, the team saw an incredible 197 patients in just one day. ❤️
In Carol’s words:
“I’ve taken out more teeth today than I have in the past year!”
A very different day in dentistry from the ones Carol is used to back home at Evolve, and a reminder of just how much need there is for the care the team is providing.
We’re so proud of her — and we’ll be sharing more updates and photos from Carol’s trip as they come in. 🌍🦷
#EvolveDentistry #DentalOutreach #Dentistry #MakingADifference
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?
There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.
Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.
#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry