Face 
Dentistry 
Short answer: Retainers help keep your teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. Looking after them properly—and wearing them as advised—is one of the most important ways to protect the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Reaching the end of orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone.
Your braces have come off.
Or you’ve finished wearing your final aligner.
Your new smile is exactly where you hoped it would be.
But your orthodontic journey isn’t quite over.
The final stage is one of the most important:
Looking after your retainers.
Your teeth have successfully moved into new positions.
However, they need time to settle.
Without retention, teeth naturally have a tendency to drift over time.
Retainers help hold your teeth in their new position while the surrounding tissues adapt.
They’re what protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Your orthodontist will explain exactly how and when to wear your retainers.
Every patient is different.
Following those instructions gives your smile the best chance of staying exactly where you want it.
If you’re ever unsure, simply ask.
We’re always happy to help.
Removable retainers should be treated with care.
Simple habits can make a big difference:
Taking care of your retainers helps them continue protecting your smile.
Some patients have a fixed retainer attached discreetly behind their front teeth.
Although you don’t remove it, it still needs looking after.
Good brushing and cleaning around the wire are important to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
We’ll show you the best way to clean around your retainer before treatment finishes.
Many people think the braces create the result.
In reality, retainers help preserve it.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about creating a beautiful smile.
It’s about helping that smile last for many years to come.
That’s why we spend time explaining retention—it deserves just as much attention as the treatment itself.
Accidents happen.
If your retainer cracks, becomes damaged or no longer fits comfortably, don’t ignore it.
Contact us as soon as possible.
The sooner we know, the easier it usually is to help keep your smile on track.
Losing a retainer can happen to anyone.
If it happens:
Replacing a retainer early is often much simpler than correcting unwanted tooth movement later.
Keeping retainers clean helps them stay fresh and comfortable.
We’ll explain the best way to care for your specific retainer before you complete treatment.
Avoid using very hot water, as this may damage removable retainers.
Once my braces come off, treatment is finished.
Retention is an essential part of successful orthodontic treatment.
I don’t need my retainers if my teeth look straight.
Retainers help keep them that way.
If I lose a retainer, it doesn’t matter.
The sooner it’s replaced, the better the chance of maintaining your result.
We’ll give you personalised advice based on your treatment and smile.
This may indicate your teeth have started to move slightly.
Contact us so we can advise you.
No.
Remove them before eating and replace them afterwards once you’ve cleaned your teeth where possible.
It happens more often than you’d think!
Contact us and we’ll help arrange a replacement.
Our comprehensive guide explains every stage of orthodontic treatment—including why retainers are one of the most important parts of protecting your new smile.
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in yourself.
Looking after your retainers helps ensure you continue enjoying the results for many years to come.
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, our complete guide to adult braces explains the different treatment options, costs, treatment times and what to expect before making a decision.
Read our complete guide to adult braces.
Looking after your retainers is an important part of maintaining your results after orthodontic treatment.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll guide you through the entire teeth-straightening journey, from exploring your options to caring for your smile after treatment.
Explore adult braces at Evolve Dentistry
Read our CQC report
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
🦷 Day one, first clinic!
Carol has sent us the first photos from her trip — and what a first day it’s been!
Working alongside five other dentists, the team saw an incredible 197 patients in just one day. ❤️
In Carol’s words:
“I’ve taken out more teeth today than I have in the past year!”
A very different day in dentistry from the ones Carol is used to back home at Evolve, and a reminder of just how much need there is for the care the team is providing.
We’re so proud of her — and we’ll be sharing more updates and photos from Carol’s trip as they come in. 🌍🦷
#EvolveDentistry #DentalOutreach #Dentistry #MakingADifference
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?
There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.
Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.
#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
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