Short answer: Don’t panic. Minor problems with braces are more common than many people realise and can often be managed until we see you. The most important thing is to contact us so we can advise you on the next steps.
One of the biggest worries patients have during orthodontic treatment is:
Perhaps a bracket comes loose.
A wire starts to rub.
Or you accidentally lose one of your clear aligners.
The good news is that these situations are usually straightforward to deal with, and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Although it can feel worrying, most orthodontic issues aren’t emergencies.
Your teeth won’t suddenly move overnight, and in most cases there’s time to arrange the right solution.
The first step is simply to get in touch with us.
We’ll ask a few questions, explain what to do and let you know whether you need to be seen.
Occasionally, a bracket may become detached from the tooth while still attached to the wire.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, including biting into hard foods or accidental knocks.
Avoid trying to remove or repair it yourself.
Instead, contact us and we’ll advise whether you need an appointment or whether it can safely wait until your next visit.
Sometimes the end of a wire may begin to irritate the inside of your cheek.
This can usually be managed temporarily with orthodontic relief wax until we can see you.
If the discomfort is significant, let us know so we can arrange to help.
It happens more often than you might think.
If you’ve misplaced an aligner:
We’ll explain the best course of action based on where you are in your treatment.
A small crack doesn’t always mean treatment has to stop.
However, continuing to wear a damaged aligner isn’t always the right option.
Contact us and we’ll advise whether it can still be worn or whether another solution is needed.
One of the reasons we encourage patients to contact us rather than searching online is that every situation is slightly different.
The right advice depends on:
A quick conversation often provides reassurance and helps avoid unnecessary worry.
Generally, no.
Although there are temporary measures that may make you more comfortable, trying to repair orthodontic appliances yourself can sometimes make the problem worse.
If you’re unsure, simply ask us.
We’re here to help.
While not every issue can be avoided, you can reduce the chances of damage by:
These simple habits help keep treatment progressing smoothly.
A broken bracket means your treatment has failed.
Minor breakages are usually easy to manage and rarely affect the overall outcome when dealt with promptly.
I should try to fix my braces myself.
It’s always better to ask your orthodontic team before attempting any repairs.
Losing an aligner means I have to start treatment again.
In most cases, there are straightforward solutions—we’ll guide you through the best option.
Usually not, but it’s important to let us know so we can advise you.
Orthodontic relief wax often provides temporary comfort until we can see you.
Contact us as soon as possible so we can advise the safest next step.
Not necessarily. The sooner you let us know, the easier it usually is to keep treatment on track.
Our comprehensive guide answers the questions patients ask most often before, during and after orthodontic treatment, helping you feel informed and confident throughout your journey.
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
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.
It’s natural to have questions about what happens if something goes wrong during orthodontic treatment.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll explain what treatment involves, how to care for your braces and what support is available throughout your teeth-straightening journey.
Explore adult braces at Evolve Dentistry
Orthodontic treatment isn’t about never having questions—it’s about knowing you have a team to support you if something unexpected happens.
If you’re ever unsure, we’d much rather you ask.
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We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today
Book An Introduction Call 💚 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