Face
Dentistry
Dr Yasmin Zeina shares her thoughts on dental anxiety.
A lot of people have some anxiety about coming to the dentist. This can sometimes be attributed to previous bad experiences (such as the dreaded school dentist), apprehension about what to expect, worries about being told off or even embarrassment over your smile. In all honesty it makes sense – there are very few situations in life where you have to trust someone with something you cannot always physically see. The good news is that dental anxiety or phobia doesn’t have to continue, as there are ways you can feel more in control of your care and manage well with treatment. Here are a few things we encourage our patients here at Evolve can do to help ease your worries.
Finding a dentist you like and trust will be one of the biggest ways of reducing your dental anxiety. Not every dentist likes to tell people off for not flossing daily, some of us even like to have a little chuckle during our appointments. When you find a dentist that you feel able to talk to you’ll find that not only will your appointments feel more relaxed, but you will also feel more confident to ask the questions important to you. This means that we can work together to give you confidence in your smile.
Everybody is different – some people like their appointments to be quiet and relaxed, some people like to be talked through the treatment as it is being carried out, and others don’t want to know what is happening and prefer to talk about the latest podcasts they’re listening to. At Evolve, we try to personalise your appointment based on your preferences, but unfortunately we’re not mind readers. Your healthy mouth reviews and new patient consultation are a great opportunity to let us know how we can make you feel more comfortable. Personally, I like listening to a bit of Fleetwood Mac during my appointments!
There is a reason why ‘mind over matter’ is a common saying. Our psychology, and the things we think, can impact the way our body responds to certain situations. Anxious thoughts and feelings before an appointment can lead to quickening in breath, increased heart rate and muscle tension. A couple useful distracting techniques I often use with my nervous patients include deep conscious breathing where you visualise the air filling your lungs and imagine the built up energy flowing out of you during your exhale. Another alternative is progressive muscle relaxation. Next time you’re nervous during your appointment try focusing on tensing and relaxing each muscle, starting from your toes all the way to your head. Lastly, some dentists may try guided imagery where you think about your favourite place. The devil is in the detail, so remember to think about the specifics of what you like about this place. It’s hard to feel tense when imagining eating the most gorgeous ice cream on a warm sunny day, with the sound of the ocean in the background!
Unfortunately, this is a common reason why people avoid coming to the dentist. Our goal is to give you the information needed to keep things healthy and looking great. Everyone has things they’re worried about and changes they’d like to see. Please consider your appointment a chance to address these as opposed to hiding them.
If you’ve been putting off visiting the dentist because you are anxious, we hope that these tips help you. If you have any questions please call us on 01275 842550, our team are very experienced at helping anxious patients overcome their concerns, the first step is to pick up the phone.
Read our CQC Report
⚠️ Travel update for Portishead patients ⚠️
If you’re visiting us over the coming months, please allow extra time for your journey.
Network Rail has announced road changes as part of the Portishead to Bristol railway project, including:
🚗 Harbour Road becoming one-way from 22 June
🚧 Diversion routes via Station Road and Wyndham Way
🚌 Changes to X4 bus services from 25 June due to Sheepway bridge works
⏳ Ongoing works around Quays Avenue and the new station area
We’ve included the diversion map below to help you plan your journey.
If you have an appointment booked and are concerned about travel times, please allow a little extra time or contact our reception team and we’ll be happy to help.
Thank you for your patience while these improvements are carried out in Portishead.
☕ A day in the life of Kayse
☕
While our patients see the friendly faces, comfortable surroundings and smooth-running appointments,
there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make that possible.
Join Kayse as she starts her day by preparing our decontamination area, setting up equipment, and making sure everything is ready before our first patients arrive. Every detail matters when it comes to
delivering safe, high-quality care and creating the best possible experience for our patients.
It’s the dedication, care and teamwork behind the scenes that help keep Evolve Dentistry running
smoothly every day.
Thank you, Kayse, for everything you do! 🦷✨
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning
#patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles
#acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead
#clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #dentalteam
#behindthescenes #dayinthelife #dentalnurse
#patientcare #teamwork #portisheadbusiness
🎉 Portishead Carnival is almost here! 🎉
We’re looking forward to joining the community and watching the fantastic Portishead Carnival parade as it makes its way through town.
The carnival is always a wonderful celebration of everything that makes Portishead special - local groups, businesses, charities and volunteers coming together to create a fantastic day for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re heading along, keep an eye out for the colourful floats, amazing costumes and plenty of community spirit. We can’t wait to see all the hard work that has gone into making this year’s parade another memorable event.
Have a wonderful carnival weekend, and if you spot any of the Evolve team along the route, be sure to say hello! 😊
#PortisheadCarnival #Portishead #CommunitySpirit #SupportLocal #PortisheadEvents #NorthSomerset #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadMarina #PatientsFirst #HealthySmiles
✨ “I’d definitely recommend Evolve.” ✨
When David first came to see us, he was unhappy with the appearance of his teeth and felt self-conscious about how wonky they looked.
He told us that his confidence had been affected so much that he would often keep his mouth closed when talking.
Like many patients, David was nervous about starting treatment, but our team took the time to listen, answer his questions and support him every step of the way.
Using teeth straightening followed by composite bonding, we helped David achieve the smile he had always wanted - and in just 9 months.
For David, the biggest change wasn’t just his teeth. It was feeling confident enough to smile, speak and be himself again.
Thank you, David, for trusting us with your smile and for sharing your experience.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth
🦷 How often should you visit the dentist?
It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often, and the answer might surprise you.
Many people assume everyone should visit every six months, but that’s not always the case. Some patients may only need to see us every 12 months, while others benefit from more frequent visits every three or four months.
The right interval depends on factors such as your oral health, risk of tooth decay, gum health and any ongoing treatment.
In today’s Two Thirty video, Richard explains why dental review appointments are tailored to each individual and how regular visits help us spot potential problems before they become bigger issues.
Take a look at the video to learn more, and if you’re unsure when your next review is due, our team will be happy to help.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #oralhealth #preventivedentistry #dentalhealth #smilemonth #newpatients
✨ Why are so many patients choosing Angel Aligners? ✨
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but are worried about noticeable braces, Angel Aligners could be the perfect solution.
In today’s video, Yasmin explains why patients love Angel Aligners. The clear aligners are comfortable, removable and incredibly discreet, meaning most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
But it’s not just patients who love them.
As a dentist, Yasmin values the flexibility Angel Aligners provide. By carefully placing attachments on the teeth, she can achieve precise movements and help treat more complex cases than many people realise.
The result? A straighter smile with a treatment that fits around your everyday life.
Watch the video below to hear Yasmin explain why Angel Aligners have become such a popular choice for patients looking to transform their smile.
📩 If you’re considering teeth straightening, get in touch to arrange a consultation with our team.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #braces #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth
