Face 
Dentistry 
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.
Why cleaning matters
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.
Brushing with fixed braces
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.
Cleaning between your teeth
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.
Cleaning clear aligners
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.
Don’t forget your gums
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.
The Evolve perspective
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.
Regular hygiene appointments
Brushing at home is important, but professional hygiene appointments remain an important part of maintaining your oral health during treatment.
These appointments help us:
Building a routine
Most patients quickly develop a routine that works for them.
Many find it helpful to:
These small habits soon become part of everyday life.
Myth vs reality
Braces damage your teeth.
Reality
Braces don’t damage healthy teeth. Poor cleaning during treatment is what can lead to problems.
Myth
Brushing once a day is enough.
Reality
Thorough, regular cleaning is especially important while wearing braces.
Myth
Bleeding gums mean you should stop brushing.
Reality
Bleeding gums often indicate inflammation and should be assessed rather than ignored.
Questions patients often ask
Yes. Many patients find electric toothbrushes helpful during orthodontic treatment.
How long should brushing take?
It’s often worth allowing a little more time than usual to make sure every area is cleaned thoroughly.
Do I still need to see the hygienist?
Yes. Regular hygiene appointments remain an important part of maintaining your oral health throughout treatment.
What if food gets stuck in my braces?
This is completely normal.
Interdental brushes can often help remove trapped food quickly and easily.
Key takeaways
Related Knowledge Pages
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
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
Looking after your smile every day
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.
Read our CQC Report
The best part of our job?
It’s this.
That first smile when someone sees the result of their treatment.
The confidence that comes from feeling comfortable smiling in photos again.
The relief of finally being out of pain.
The moment someone realises visiting the dentist wasn’t nearly as daunting as they expected.
Behind every smile is a person, a story and a journey. Being trusted to be part of that is something we never take for granted.
Thank you to every patient who chooses Evolve Dentistry. Helping you smile with confidence really is the best part of what we do. 💙
✨ How can you keep your teeth white?
In this short video, Dr Richard Ford shares some simple ways to help keep your smile looking its best:
• Attend regular hygiene appointments to help remove surface staining.
• Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Be mindful of foods and drinks that can cause staining, such as black coffee, red wine and turmeric.
• If you’d like a brighter smile, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective option.
The reality is that teeth naturally pick up stains over time. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a real difference.
If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, or you’re not sure which option is right for you, we’re always happy to help you understand your choices with no pressure.
Have you got a question about keeping your teeth white? Leave it in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer it.
“Friendly staff and everything runs smoothly.”
When people describe their experience at Evolve, it’s often the little things they remember.
A warm welcome. A friendly conversation. Feeling listened to. Appointments that run smoothly. A team that genuinely cares.
We believe great patient care starts long before you sit in the dental chair. That’s why every member of our practice works together to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Thank you to everyone who shares their feedback with us. It helps us continue to provide the experience we would want for our own families.
If you’re looking for a dental practice where you’ll feel genuinely looked after, we’d love to welcome you.
📞 Get in touch to arrange your first visit.
Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
