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End of Orthodontic Treatment

Although you have been wearing your retainers for approximately 12 months, and may feel tempted to not wear your retainers anymore, please resist this temptation, and read the following carefully.

Why do I still need to wear retainers?

Although the first 12 months is when your teeth are most likely to move back to their original position (relapse), please note that your teeth will want to gradually move throughout your life. It is not unusual, in later life, to see crowded teeth crowd up again, especially at the front; or gaps re-open; or widened arches contract again.

Therefore, it is important that if you want to reduce the risk of your teeth moving in the fu- ture, you continue to wear your retainers longterm. These days, we say that retainers are for life!

How often do I need to wear my retainers?

During this first 12 months, you should have been wearing your retainers as close to every night as possible. After 12 months, most patients can reduce the number of nights they wear their retainers gradually. You orthodontist will advise you to reduce this to alternative nights for the following 6 months. During this time, it is important that you monitor yourself how well your retainers still fit (as this is a good visual guide as to how stable your teeth are), but also look out for any visible signs that the teeth have moved.

If they are starting to not fit as well, or getting tighter, this is a sign that your teeth may not be stable enough, and you should increase your retainer wear to every night again for an- other month before reducing this again to alternative nights.

If after 6 months of wearing your retainers alternative nights, with no issues, you can con- sider reducing this further to twice a week. But yet again, if you suspect the same as be – fore, then please increase your retainer wear to alternative nights again for a month, be- fore reducing this to twice a week.

Please note that you will then need to commit to wearing your retainers at least once – twice per week indefinitely if you want to improve the chance of your teeth staying straight for longer.

What if I have problems with my retainers in the future?

After 12 months of supervised retention, following your braces been removed, your orthodontist will discharge you. It is however important that you still return to see your dentist for routine check ups though.

However, if you have any concerns about your teeth and any issues with your retainers, you are more than welcome to contact our practice and a member of our team will be happy to offer you advice. If necessary, you are welcome to return to see your orthodon – tist again. Please be aware that you may be asked to pay a fee for a review appointment with your orthodontist. If you do return it is useful to bring your retainers to these appointments.

Retainers do not last forever.

As with all materials, there will be limitations to their longevity, and retainers DO need to be replaced in the future. How well you look after them and keep them hygienic and clean, will increase their shelf-life. If you do need new retainers e.g. you have lost them; they are broken or cracking; no longer fitting; or very unhygienic, then please note that although new retainers can be made, an up to date impression would need to be taken, and you would be charged for new retainers.

Although it is tempting to not have new retainers made, please remember that the fee for new retainers is significantly less than a course of re-treatment involving further orthodon – tics.

Also, if you are deliberating over having new retainers made, the sooner you have them made the sooner you can wear them to reduce the risk of your teeth moving further.

Best of Luck – your efforts with be rewarded and the longer you are committed to your retainers, the greater the chance of you maintaining your fantastic smile for longer!

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Portishead means more to us than a place of work - it’s home.

We’ve written an open letter to our local community to share what Evolve Dentistry truly stands for: compassion, authenticity, respect, and doing the right thing - always.

This practice was built with people at its heart. Not transactions, not targets - but neighbours, families, familiar faces and lasting relationships.

If you are part of this wonderful town - whether you’ve been with us for years or are simply curious about who we are - we’d love you to take a few moments to read it.

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Maisie has worked incredibly hard alongside her training here at the practice, showing real dedication to her learning and to our patients every single day. From supporting clinicians chairside to helping create a calm, welcoming environment, she has grown in confidence and skill throughout her journey.

Becoming a qualified dental nurse is a fantastic achievement, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Please join us in congratulating Maisie next time you see her at the practice! 👏

Well done, Maisie – we’re so proud of you. 💙

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Both are effective. Both can create beautiful results. The right choice depends on you.

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🦷 Did you know your oral health affects your whole body?

Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation. Gum health, inflammation and oral hygiene can all play a role in your wider wellbeing – from heart health to confidence and mental wellness.

We’ve just published a new blog exploring the link between oral health and overall wellness, and why looking after your teeth and gums is about much more than your smile.

If you’re interested in oral health and general health Portishead, this is a great read and a helpful reminder of how small daily habits can support long-term health.

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It’s a question many patients ask — and in this video, Richard explains it clearly and simply.

Root canal treatment is usually needed when the nerve inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack in the tooth, repeated dental work, or sometimes after an injury.

You might experience symptoms like persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, pain when biting, or swelling around the gum. However, sometimes there are very few symptoms at all — which is why regular check-ups at the practice are so important.

The good news is that root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. It removes the infection, saves the natural tooth, and helps you avoid extraction.

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Instead, try swapping them for crunchy veg or a handful of nuts. Foods like carrots, cucumber and peppers have a natural crunch that helps stimulate saliva, which protects your teeth. Nuts are also a lower-sugar option and far less likely to cling to enamel.

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It’s a question we’re asked a lot at the practice – and in this video, Carol gives a clear, honest answer.

Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to clean effectively, especially if you struggle with technique, brushing for long enough, or reaching certain areas. Many people find they remove plaque more consistently, simply because they do most of the work for you.

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