Face
Dentistry
Facial Aesthetics at Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
Our Instagram and Facebook feeds light up with miracle methods promising to make us look and feel better. Here’s some professional advice, before you leap in …
Every year there’s a nagging pressure to make a resolution, to make a change … to be smarter, brighter or lighter. If you’re considering some more scientifically proven ways to look and feel your best self, we asked local dentist and facial aesthetic expert, Dr. Carol Somerville Roberts for a few tips when considering any facial rejuvenation treatments.
Carol suggests your common-sense and gut feeling is the most powerful “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”. And once you’ve started considering anything to look or feel better, from diets or a new hairstyle or reducing your wrinkles, pause and run her simple checklist. Ask ‘who, what, where’ then ‘how long and how much?’
First of all, who will understand your needs, and help you achieve something appropriate? Carol is a dentist, which makes her more qualified than most when it comes to giving injections, especially with anxious patients. But lots of independent beauty therapists and even home hairdressers offer wrinkle smoothing treatments. Did you know that wrinkle relaxation treatments are prescription only medicines? Which means only doctors, dentists and nurse prescribers can prescribe these treatments after a face-to-face consultation. Sadly, very occasionally things do go wrong. So, if it did where would you want to be? In someone’s spare room at home or in a professional environment with trained experts?
“I’ve been a dentist for 23 years and have practiced non-surgical facial aesthetics – treatments like wrinkle relaxation and dermal fillers for over 12 of them. But even I’m still learning. I’m now halfway through a one-year programme at University of Salford, Manchester in a Post Graduate Certificate in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics. Never be nervous about asking people what they know, and where they learnt it. A few laminated certificates from a weekend course simply isn’t enough when it comes to having facial aesthetic treatments.” Ask the practitioner if they are registered with Save Face which is a voluntary Government register of facial aesthetic practitioners who have agreed to adhere to certain standards of care and hygiene and be held accountable if they don’t.
Once you’ve found a caring expert, Carol suggests you ask ‘what’. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s achieving an everyday healthy glow, or anything you feel self-conscious of, the best results are always the most natural looking ones, maybe not an over pronounced, reality-star boost to your lips. Most people want to look better, fresher but really don’t want anyone to know that they have had anything done. A gentle enhancement should make you feel better for you, not for others.
Then it’s the ‘where’. Buying online is hugely risky, dermal fillers are available online for as little as £30 a syringe, but what are you getting? Often the prices are so tempting, we fall for clever images and promises. When they don’t work, someone takes our hard earned money and we chalk it up to experience. “Our premises are registered with the `Government’s Care Quality Commission”, says Carol. “It’s tough to achieve and maintain, but it’s the ultimate guarantee.” Even if they aren’t CQC approved, always ask about health and hygiene is her tip.
And finally, ‘how long’ and ‘how much’ are the practical considerations. Fresher looking skin can be achieved in just two short sessions with Profhilo, or even one session for a wrinkle treatment; Carol says though you should always have a consultation prior to any treatment and be offered time to consider your options, with a cooling off period.
And most importantly, aside from the Who, What, Where, ask Why? You are you, and if you’ve felt self conscious about something, however silly it may seem to others, ask how you’d feel if that burden was somehow lifted.
But never be tempted to do something spontaneously, without asking the right questions. New Year, new you? Just be your best possible self. It’s the best resolution you can make.
🦷 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.
Link in bio
When is root canal treatment needed?
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.
Watch Richard’s video to understand the signs to look out for — and if you’re worried about a tooth, get in touch with our reception team for advice.
Smile Hack 🍎🥕
Love a sweet treat? Jane shares a simple swap that your teeth will thank you for.
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth and sit in the tiny grooves for longer, feeding the bacteria that cause decay. The longer they stick around, the more damage they can do.
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.
Small changes really do make a big difference over time.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?
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.
That said, a manual toothbrush can still do a great job when used properly. It’s less about the brush itself and more about how you use it.
Watch Carol’s quick explanation to find out what we usually recommend – and how to make sure you’re getting the most from your brushing routine.
If you’re unsure whether your brushing technique is working for you, mention it at your next appointment and we’ll be happy to guide you. 🪥
Our Gromits have become quite the local celebrities here at Evolve 🐾💛
So many of you pop into our patient lounge just to see the collection, and we love how much joy they bring to patients of all ages.
At the moment, two of our Gromits seem to have wandered off on an adventure! We’re hoping they simply need a little help finding their way home.
If you happen to spot them locally or see anything that looks like part of our collection being sold, we’d really appreciate you letting us know. You can message us privately or call the practice.
They’re part of what makes Evolve feel like Evolve — and we’d love to have the whole family back together again.
Thank you for always looking out for us 💛
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😴 Can snoring affect your oral health?
In our latest Two Thirty video, Maggie answers a question many people don’t think to ask — can snoring impact your teeth and gums?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Snoring is often linked to breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, so when your mouth is dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you snore and have noticed dryness, increased decay or concerns about your breath, it’s worth mentioning at your next appointment.
Our reception team at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead will be happy to arrange a consultation if you’d like advice.
