Face 
Dentistry 
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:
“What happens if something goes wrong?”
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.
First things first – don’t panic
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.
If a bracket becomes loose
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.
If a wire is rubbing
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.
If you lose a clear aligner
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.
If your aligner cracks
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.
The Evolve perspective
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.
Can I fix it myself?
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.
Preventing problems
While not every issue can be avoided, you can reduce the chances of damage by:
These simple habits help keep treatment progressing smoothly.
Myth vs reality
A broken bracket means your treatment has failed.
Reality
Minor breakages are usually easy to manage and rarely affect the overall outcome when dealt with promptly.
Myth
I should try to fix my braces myself.
Reality
It’s always better to ask your orthodontic team before attempting any repairs.
Myth
Losing an aligner means I have to start treatment again.
Reality
In most cases, there are straightforward solutions—we’ll guide you through the best option.
Questions patients often ask
Usually not, but it’s important to let us know so we can advise you.
What if my wire is poking my cheek?
Orthodontic relief wax often provides temporary comfort until we can see you.
I’ve lost an aligner. What should I do?
Contact us as soon as possible so we can advise the safest next step.
Will a broken brace delay my treatment?
Not necessarily. The sooner you let us know, the easier it usually is to keep treatment on track.
Key takeaways
Related Knowledge Pages
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
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
We’re only a phone call away
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.
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
