To ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment is maintained, please read the following carefully.
Retainers need to be worn as advised by your orthodontist, because failure to do so will significantly increase the risk of your teeth returning back to their original position (relapsing). Wearing retainers will support the teeth, whilst your bone and gums remodel with your teeth in their new position. The risk of relapse is greatest within the first 12 months after braces are re – moved. Therefore your orthodontist will supervise and support you wearing your retainers during this 12 month period.
Although we say these days, retention is for life! over a period of time the need for wearing retainers reduces gradually over the years. Please be aware that your teeth will want to move in the future, and how committed you are to wearing retainers will determine how likely and to what extent your teeth will move in the years ahead.
You will need to wear your retainers as follows, unless your orthodontist instructs otherwise:
After 12 months, your orthodontist will advise you whether you are ready to reduce your retainer wear and if so, give you long-term advice on how often you then need to wear them. But please note that you will need to be committed to some kind of routine indefinitely, if you want to prevent the risk of relapse.
Yes, your orthodontist will ask you to return every 4 months for the following year after your braces are removed, prior to discharging you. During these visits, your orthodontist will check your retainers and see how well they fit, therefore
If you do forget your retainers, please be aware that you are likely to be asked to rebook your appointment.
If you have a problem with your retainers e.g. it appears broken, uncomfortable, not fitting well, please call our practice and a member of our team will happily offer advice and book you in to see your orthodontist as soon as possible. Please DO NOT leave it until your next scheduled appointment.
Retainers can harbour a lot of bacteria and become very unhygienic if not kept clean. Here are some tips:
Do try to wear your retainers every night, but if you do miss the odd night, then aim to wear them the next day for longer to make up for the wear time you have missed. Your retainers may feel a bit tighter. If so, then you may need to take a painkiller (usual one for a headache) to ease any discomfort. Please do not allow the discomfort to stop you from wearing your retainers, because if you start to miss more days, sooner or later your retainers will no longer fit.
Although the above advice is often enough to squeeze the teeth back into place, please be aware that your retainers over time will not fit as well, the more nights you miss, because your teeth have moved too much. Please return with your retainers as soon as possible so your orthodontist can assess the situation and advise accordingly.
If you require new retainers please be aware that you will need to pay for these. Any new retainers will not move your teeth back to where they were but will be made to fit your teeth in their current relapsed position. This is unless you decide to then have further orthodontic treatment, but please note that you would need to pay for this.
In the meantime, following the above advice will give you the tips you need to help you maintain your fantastic new smile for as long as possible.


BRACES


BONDING


Dental Health Plan
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Thinking about straightening your teeth but unsure where to begin?
Lisa breaks down the difference between clear aligners and fixed braces - simply, clearly and without the jargon.
Both are effective. Both can create beautiful results. The right choice depends on you.
Watch the video to learn more, and if you’d like personalised advice, we’d be delighted to help.
#PortisheadBusiness #FamilyDentist #Orthodontics #DentalCare #SmileJourney #EvolveDentistry


🦷 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
#BristolAndBeyond
#ShopLocalSomerset
#supportlocalbusinesses❤️ #Gromit
#GromitSpotting
#WallaceAndGromit
#Aardman
#GromitUnleashed
#gromitfans #CommunityMatters
#KeepingItLocal
#SpreadTheWord
#HelpUsFindThem



