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


Dental Health Plan
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This morning, our Clinical Director, Carol Somerville Roberts, was featured on BBC Radio Bristol discussing something we are incredibly passionate about – the connection between oral health and your overall wellbeing. 🦷✨
Many people don’t realise that your oral health can have an impact on the rest of your body, with links between gum health and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia.
During the interview, Carol shared practical advice on maintaining good oral hygiene and why looking after your mouth is about so much more than just your smile.
We’re so proud to see Carol helping to raise awareness of the importance of preventive dental care across our local community. 💙
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #oralhealth #gumhealth #preventivedentistry #bbcradiobristol


✨ Considering cosmetic dental treatment? We’d love to welcome you to Evolve Dentistry ✨
We are currently accepting new patients for cosmetic dental treatments including clear aligners, composite bonding, veneers, smile makeovers and tooth whitening.
And here’s something many people don’t realise… you can visit us for cosmetic treatment even if you already have your own regular dentist.
Whether you’re looking to make a small change or completely transform your smile, our team will take the time to understand your goals and talk you through your options in a relaxed, supportive environment 🤍
If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, now could be the perfect time to start.
📩 Message the practice or call reception to book a consultation.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #cosmeticdentistry #compositebonding #clearaligners #toothwhitening


It’s officially Smile Month! 🎉
This year is extra special, as Smile Month celebrates its 50th anniversary - five decades of encouraging healthy smiles and better oral health across the UK.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing simple tips, advice and reminders to help you care for your smile at home and understand how small habits can make a big difference.
This year’s message is simple:
🪥 Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
🦷 Clean between your teeth daily
🥤 Cut down on sugary food and drinks
Looking after your oral health is about more than teeth - it can have a huge impact on confidence, comfort and overall wellbeing too.
Here’s to healthy smiles for everyone 💙
#SmileMonth #SmileMonth2026 #HealthySmiles #OralHealth #DentalHealth #Portishead #NorthSomerset #PatientsFirst #Healthysmile #Dentist #PortisheadMarina #Clevedon #Nailsea


Still feeling incredibly proud
A few months on, and we’re still celebrating Carol Somerville Roberts in her role as President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
It’s something we don’t take lightly - representing the profession at this level, while continuing to care for patients here at the practice, is no small thing.
What makes us most proud is that nothing changes for our patients. The same calm approach. The same honest advice. The same focus on doing what’s right for you.
Just with a little extra recognition behind it.
A big moment for Carol - and a proud one for all of us at Evolve.


🌟 Help us make history! 🌟
Nominations are now open for the very first Together Portishead Business & Community Awards, and we’d absolutely love your support! 🏆
We’re so proud to be part of this amazing community, and being recognised as a finalist would mean so much to our whole team. If you’ve visited our practice or supported us in any way, we’d be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to nominate us.
Vote here: www.togetherportishead.co.uk
Thank you for all your continued support - it truly means the world to us 💙
#PortisheadAwards #TogetherPortishead #SupportLocal #VoteForUs #PortisheadBusiness #EvolveDentistry #portishead #portisheadmarina #nailsea #clevedon


Dear Portishead 💙
There are places you work, and then there are places you belong.
For all of us at Evolve Dentistry, Portishead is the latter.
We are incredibly grateful to the generations of families who have trusted us with their care, to every patient who has recommended us, and to the wider community that continues to support our practice.
We are proud to live here, work here and care here.
From sponsoring local events to welcoming patients through our doors each day, being part of this community means so much to us.
Thank you, Portishead, for allowing us to be part of your lives.


Healthy, glowing skin starts with the right routine - and the right guidance.
We’re now offering AlumierMD at Evolve, giving you access to professional-grade products tailored to your skin.
Because these products are only available through registered practices, you’ll need to register before purchasing - we’ve included our secure link in our bio so you can get set up and explore the range at your convenience.
Even if you’re not ready to buy just yet, registering means you’ll have access when you are, plus trusted recommendations to help you get the best results from your skincare.
#Northsomerset #patientsfirst #healthyskin #skincare #alumiermd #naturalskin #glowingskin #portishead #clevedon #nailsea



