Fixed Retainer
To ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment is maintained, please read the following carefully.
Following a course of orthodontic treatment, wearing retainers are essential to support the teeth, whilst your bone and gums remodel with your teeth in their new position. Retainers can be removable and non-removable (i.e. fixed). Removable retainers are routinely fitted follow- ing all orthodontic treatment, but your orthodontist may advise some patients to have an addi- tional fixed retainer fitted.
A fixed retainer is a thin wire which is semi-permanently bonded to the back of your front teeth. It is usually bonded to between two – six front teeth. Your orthodontist will make a clinical judgement as to which teeth should be bonded. The reason for fitting a fixed retainer is to ad – ditionally help reduce the risk of your teeth moving back to their original position (relapse).
Not everyone needs a fixed retainer and please remember that it is NOT a substitute for wear- ing a removable retainer. If however your orthodontist is concerned about certain corrected tooth movements being more prone to relapse, then they may advise you to have one. There are some patients however who are not suitable to have one, e.g. younger patients; patients prone to breakages; patients who struggle to maintain good oral hygiene; or patients with mul- tiple fillings on their front teeth; or have crowns which are not reliable to bond to or simply be – cause the fit of their teeth does not allow the room required to accommodate the fixed retainer.
Having a fixed retainer in place can lead to the teeth being more prone to tooth decay and hence patients with fixed retainers need to be prepared to clean carefully and care for it. Pa – tients need to also budget for the longterm maintenance of fixed retainers as they will require repair, removal or replacement in the future.
Clean your fixed retainer with either the same electric or manual brush that you use to clean your teeth, at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time.
It is advisable that you clean interdentally between all your other teeth on a daily basis, ideally using a combination of floss and TePe interdental brushes. However, where your fixed retainer is bonded, you should be able to still floss but only up to where the wire is bonded. Afterwards, use your TePe interdental brushes to clean between the teeth, where your fixed retainer is bonded, above the peak of the gum in between the teeth.
Sometimes, it is not noticeable when your fixed retainer has broken or distorted and therefore it is important that you have your fixed retainer checked regularly. This may be either by your orthodontist during the first 12 months following your orthodontic treatment, your dentist or hygienist during routine check-ups or cleans, for the years ahead once you are discharged from your orthodontist. If you dentist or hygienist notice a breakage they may advise that you return to see your orthodontist for further management.
If you have any concerns about your fixed retainer, please contact our practice and a member of our team will happily offer advice, and if necessary, book an appointment for you to see your orthodontist. Please note that there will be a fee for seeing your orthodontist again after your have been discharged.
It is important that you still wear your removable retainer, because if a breakage has occurred then wearing your removable retainer at night will reduce the risk of your teeth moving, prior to you returning to have the problem addressed.
Please be aware that it your fixed retainer is badly broken or needs replacing, it is likely that your original removable retainer will no longer fit following a repair or replacement. You would therefore need to be prepared to pay for a new removable retainer, as well as the repair/ re – placement of your fixed retainer.
The risk of relapse is greatest within the first 12 months after braces are removed. Therefore, if your fixed retainer lasts at least that duration of time, then it has served it’s purpose. Your orthodontist will supervise and support you wearing your retainers during this period. At your appointments, your orthodontist will check that your fixed retainer has not broken, and if so will advise and repair as necessary.
However, the reality is that fixed retainers can last for many years, after you have been dis- charged. So, if you are not having any issues with your fixed retainer and you are happy to continue wearing it, then you can leave it in place for as long as it will last. Please note that it will fail at some point in the future though, at which point you can decide whether you want it repairing, removing or replacing. Please call our practice and we will be able to offer advice and inform you of the fee involved for the work involved.


BRACES


BONDING


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🪥 Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
Many people think a little bleeding is normal, but it’s often your gums’ way of telling you that something isn’t quite right.
In this video, Dr Richard Ford explains some of the most common reasons gums bleed and what you can do to improve your gum health at home.
The good news is that, in many cases, bleeding gums can be improved with the right oral hygiene routine and professional support.
Watch the video to learn more and let us know if you’ve got a dental question you’d like us to answer next.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist


🦷 Dental myth or dental fact? 🤔
One of the most common myths we hear is that teeth whitening is bad for your teeth.
In this video, Maggie explains why professionally prescribed teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile when carried out under the guidance of a dental professional.
Unfortunately, misinformation can stop people from exploring treatments that could help them feel more confident about their smile. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing trusted advice and helping patients make informed decisions about their oral health.
Have you heard any dental myths that you’re not sure about? Let us know in the comments below. 👇
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning
#patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles
#smilemakeovers #healthysmile
#acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead
#clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #teethwhitening
#whiteteeth #smileconfidence #cosmeticdentistry
#dentalmyths #oralhealth


🥤 Are sugary drinks really bad for your teeth?
It’s a question we hear all the time.
In this video, our Therapist Flora explains how sugary drinks can affect your teeth and why it’s not just the amount of sugar that matters, but how often you’re having it throughout the day.
The good news? You don’t have to give up all your favourite drinks. A few simple changes can make a big difference to your oral health.
Watch Flora’s advice and let us know if there’s a dental question you’d like us to answer next.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist


At Evolve, we’re incredibly proud of our team - not just for the care they provide to our patients, but for the difference they make beyond the practice too. 💜
On 30 July, our wonderful dental nurse, Kayse, and her brother will be taking on an incredible challenge by completing a charity skydive in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
They’re stepping well outside their comfort zones to raise money for a cause that means so much. Alzheimer’s and dementia affect millions of families, taking away precious memories and changing lives forever. By supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, they’re helping to fund vital research into better treatments and, one day, a cure.
Their fundraising target is £650, and every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.
If you’d like to support Kayse and her brother, you can donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/jordankayse
Good luck with the jump Kayse - we know you’ll be amazing! ✈️💜
#TeamEvolve #Fundraising #AlzheimersResearchUK #CommunitySupport #Skydive


“How long will it take?” 🤔
It’s one of the first questions we hear from patients considering teeth straightening - and the honest answer is that every smile is different.
Some patients achieve their desired results in as little as six months, while more complex cases may take longer. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment is carefully planned from the start, so you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect before treatment begins.
At Evolve Dentistry, we’ll assess your smile, discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.
Whether you’re looking to correct crowding, close gaps or improve the overall appearance of your smile, the journey may be shorter than you think.
📍 Portishead
📞 Contact our team to arrange a consultation and discover what’s possible for your smile.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #braces #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth


It’s World Wellbeing Week, and we’d love to hear from you!
Looking after your wellbeing doesn’t have to mean making big changes. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference - a walk in the fresh air, spending time with family, exercising, reading a good book or enjoying a coffee with a friend.
At Evolve, we know that looking after your wellbeing is an important part of living a happy, healthy life.
So, here’s our question:
💙 What is your favourite way to look after your wellbeing?
Share your answer in the comments below - you might inspire someone else to try something new!
#WorldWellbeingWeek #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist


☀️ Staying cool during the heatwave ☀️
We’ve seen that some local schools are closing due to the extreme temperatures this week, but we’d like to reassure our patients that Evolve Dentistry remains open as usual.
Our practice is fully air-conditioned, providing a cool and comfortable environment for your appointment, and we always have plenty of chilled water available for patients and visitors.
If you have an appointment booked with us, please continue to attend as planned. If you’re travelling in the heat, we recommend allowing a little extra time for your journey and bringing a water bottle with you.
Thank you for your continued support, and please take care in the hot weather. 🌞💙
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
📞 If you have any questions about your appointment, please get in touch with our team.



