Face 
Dentistry 
Short answer: Every orthodontic journey is different, but most follow the same overall path: planning your treatment, fitting your braces or aligners, regular review appointments, completing treatment and then protecting your new smile with retainers.
Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting.
It can also feel a little daunting.
Many adults tell us they’re not worried about having braces—they’re worried about not knowing what to expect.
The good news is that orthodontic treatment follows a carefully planned journey, and we’ll guide you through every stage.
Step 1 – Preparing for treatment
Before treatment begins, we’ll make sure we have everything needed to create your personalised plan.
This may include:
Every treatment plan is created specifically for your smile.
Step 2 – Fitting your braces or starting your aligners
Once your treatment plan is ready, it’s time to begin.
Depending on your treatment, this may involve:
Many patients are surprised by how straightforward this appointment feels.
Step 3 – The first few days
It’s perfectly normal for your teeth to feel different.
You may notice:
This usually settles within a few days.
We’ll explain how to stay comfortable and what to expect before you leave the practice.
Step 4 – Living with braces
After the initial adjustment period, most people quickly settle into a routine.
Life continues much as normal.
You’ll still:
There are a few small changes, such as cleaning your teeth carefully and following advice about your appliance, but orthodontic treatment soon becomes part of everyday life.
Step 5 – Regular review appointments
Throughout treatment, you’ll attend review appointments so we can monitor your progress.
These appointments allow us to:
Each review helps keep your treatment on track.
The Evolve perspective
Many people think orthodontic treatment is about wearing braces.
We see it differently.
It’s about a series of small, carefully planned steps.
Every appointment builds on the last.
Every adjustment has a purpose.
And every stage brings you a little closer to the smile you’re working towards.
Looking after your smile during treatment
Your role is just as important as ours.
We’ll show you how to:
Successful orthodontic treatment is a partnership.
What if something doesn’t go to plan?
Life happens.
A bracket may become loose.
You might lose an aligner.
You may need to rearrange an appointment.
Don’t worry.
These situations are common, and we’re here to help.
If you’re unsure about anything during treatment, we’d always rather you contact us than worry at home.
The final stage
Eventually, your treatment reaches the exciting moment when your braces are removed or your final aligner has done its job.
We’ll assess your result carefully before moving to the final stage:
Retention.
Retainers help protect the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
They’re an essential part of your orthodontic journey.
Myth vs reality
Most of orthodontic treatment happens in the dental chair.
Reality
Most of your treatment happens between appointments as your teeth respond to gentle, continuous movement.
Myth
You’ll constantly need emergency appointments.
Reality
Most orthodontic journeys progress smoothly with routine review appointments.
Myth
Treatment finishes when the braces come off.
Reality
Retention is the final stage of orthodontic treatment.
Questions patients often ask
We’ll let you know your expected review schedule before treatment begins.
What if I go on holiday?
That’s usually not a problem.
We’ll plan your appointments around your schedule wherever possible.
What happens if I break a bracket?
Contact us and we’ll advise you on the next steps.
Will I know how my treatment is progressing?
Yes.
We’ll review your progress regularly and explain how everything is moving throughout your treatment.
Key takeaways
Related Knowledge Pages
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
Our comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of treatment, helping you feel confident and prepared from your first consultation to life after braces.
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
Every smile has a journey
Orthodontic treatment isn’t about rushing to the finish line.
It’s about making steady, carefully planned progress towards a smile you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Read our CQC Report
The best part of our job?
It’s this.
That first smile when someone sees the result of their treatment.
The confidence that comes from feeling comfortable smiling in photos again.
The relief of finally being out of pain.
The moment someone realises visiting the dentist wasn’t nearly as daunting as they expected.
Behind every smile is a person, a story and a journey. Being trusted to be part of that is something we never take for granted.
Thank you to every patient who chooses Evolve Dentistry. Helping you smile with confidence really is the best part of what we do. 💙
✨ How can you keep your teeth white?
In this short video, Dr Richard Ford shares some simple ways to help keep your smile looking its best:
• Attend regular hygiene appointments to help remove surface staining.
• Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Be mindful of foods and drinks that can cause staining, such as black coffee, red wine and turmeric.
• If you’d like a brighter smile, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective option.
The reality is that teeth naturally pick up stains over time. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a real difference.
If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, or you’re not sure which option is right for you, we’re always happy to help you understand your choices with no pressure.
Have you got a question about keeping your teeth white? Leave it in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer it.
“Friendly staff and everything runs smoothly.”
When people describe their experience at Evolve, it’s often the little things they remember.
A warm welcome. A friendly conversation. Feeling listened to. Appointments that run smoothly. A team that genuinely cares.
We believe great patient care starts long before you sit in the dental chair. That’s why every member of our practice works together to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Thank you to everyone who shares their feedback with us. It helps us continue to provide the experience we would want for our own families.
If you’re looking for a dental practice where you’ll feel genuinely looked after, we’d love to welcome you.
📞 Get in touch to arrange your first visit.
Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
