Fixed Braces
To ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment, please read the following carefully.
It will take some time to get used to your new brace and during the first few days you may experience some discomfort. If necessary, please take some painkillers, (the usual ones you would take for a headache), over the first few days and on a regular basis. The discomfort will ease off over time. When the brace is adjusted you may find the discomfort returns. You may find it therefore helpful to take a painkiller, an hour before your appointment, and regularly over the following few days.
If you find that the brace rubs your cheeks or lips please use the wax as instructed, to help cover any rough edges of the brace, to alleviate any soreness. Apply the wax early, i.e. before your soft tissues get sore, otherwise ulcers may develop if you leave it too late!
Remove the wax prior to eating so if it falls off it doesn’t mix up with your food. Ideally clean your teeth, or at least rinse with water, prior to re-applying the wax after eating.
If you run out of wax please inform your orthodontist during your appointments. In between appointments please inform our receptionist who will be happy to give you some more.
A high standard of cleaning is always needed, but it is even more important when undergoing orthodontic treatment because your teeth are more prone to tooth decay.
Brushing should be carried out at least 3 times a day; after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Use either an electric or a manual toothbrush, and brush for at least 2 minutes, using a timer (e.g. mobile phone, clock, egg timer). Brush in front of a mirror to help you focus on brushing systematically and thoroughly. Also concentrate on the gum margins as this is where most of the food collects and don’t forget the teeth which may not have brackets attached to them.
After you have brushed and rinsed please use your TePe interdental brushes, behind the wires in between the brackets, as instructed. Rinse the TePes under running water whilst cleaning, and clean in front of a mirror, so you see that you are going around systematically and using the right size (colour) for the particular area. You will need to use multiple sizes as each area is different in size. Using a TePe too small for area is ineffective and one that is too big will increase the risk of damaging the brace on removing the TePe.
Please use a Fluoride mouthrinse every day during your course of orthodontic treatment, but try to leave it at least 30 minutes after brushing to get the full benefits of the Fluoride. If rinsing every night do not drink or eat anything after rinsing.
Please also brush before you attend your dental or orthodontic appointments.
If you are coming straight from work, school or college, and do not have time to do so beforehand, please bring your dental hygiene pack and you are welcome to use the washroom at our practice to clean your teeth and brace whilst waiting to be seen.
Please be sensible with your diet and try to reduce your amount of acid and sugar intake during your orthodontic treatment. Here are some tips:
Please be sensible and consider what pressure you are placing on your brace on a daily basis. Here are some tips:
*Cut up your hard fruit and vegetables beforehand into thin pieces and use your back teeth to gently bite into it, rather than tear into it with your front teeth.
Shortly after having your braces fitted, look in a mirror to familiarise yourself with your brace, so that if a breakage occurs you know how to recognise it. If a breakage does occur, please contact our practice and we will advise you what to do. If the breakage is not causing you discomfort, and you are due to return for an appointment soon, then you may be advised to leave it until then. However, if you are experiencing discomfort, or if your orthodontist has advised you in advance to return, or you are not due to return for many weeks, then we will try our best to book you in as soon as we can.


BRACES


BONDING


Dental Health Plan
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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.
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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#PortisheadLife
#PortisheadBusiness
#NorthSomerset
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#ShopLocalSomerset
#supportlocalbusinesses❤️ #Gromit
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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.


⏰ Smile hack: When you brush matters
Did you know it’s not just how long you brush — but when you brush — that makes a difference? Maggie shares an important smile hack about timing your toothbrushing properly.
Brushing straight after eating — especially after acidic foods or drinks like fruit, juice or coffee — can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel is slightly softened, and brushing immediately can cause wear.
Maggie explains the best time to brush and why waiting can help protect your teeth long term.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to your oral health.



