Face 
Dentistry 
Short answer: Teeth naturally change throughout life, whether you’ve had braces or not. Wearing your retainers as recommended is the best way to help maintain the beautiful result you’ve achieved.
One of the biggest concerns adults have before starting orthodontic treatment is:
It’s a sensible question.
After investing time, money and commitment into your smile, you naturally want the results to last.
The reassuring news is that there are simple, effective ways to help protect your new smile—and understanding how teeth behave is the first step.
Many people assume that once braces come off, their teeth stay exactly where they are forever.
The reality is a little different.
Teeth are not fixed permanently in place.
Throughout life, they naturally respond to small forces created by:
This is completely normal.
It happens whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment or not.
Sometimes patients tell us:
“My braces didn’t work because my teeth moved.”
In reality, the braces probably did exactly what they were designed to do.
What changed was what happened afterwards.
Without retention, teeth naturally have a tendency to drift.
That’s why retainers are such an important part of orthodontic treatment.
They’re not an optional extra.
They’re part of the treatment itself.
If there is one piece of advice we’d give every orthodontic patient, it’s this:
The braces create your new smile.
The retainers help protect it.
One simply doesn’t work as well without the other.
A retainer is designed to help hold your teeth in their new position after treatment.
There are different types, including removable and fixed retainers.
We’ll recommend the option that’s most appropriate for your smile and explain exactly how to care for it.
This is another question we hear regularly.
The answer depends on the type of retainer and your individual circumstances.
We’ll give you personalised advice based on your treatment.
The important thing to remember is that retainers are designed to help maintain the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Life gets busy.
It’s easy to miss a night.
Or a week.
Or gradually stop wearing it altogether.
Unfortunately, this is when teeth may begin to move.
Many adults seeking orthodontic treatment have previously had braces when they were younger but stopped wearing their retainers over time.
The good news?
It’s incredibly common.
The even better news?
Knowing this in advance makes it much easier to avoid.
Sometimes, yes.
If your teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment, another course of treatment may be an option.
The best approach depends on how much movement has occurred and your current oral health.
We’ll assess your smile and explain what’s possible.
A few simple habits can make a big difference.
We’ll show you how to:
Looking after your retainer is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment.
If your retainer suddenly feels tight or no longer fits comfortably, don’t ignore it.
It may be a sign that your teeth have started to move.
Contact us as soon as possible.
The earlier we assess the situation, the more options there may be.
One thing we’d like every patient to know is this:
Small natural changes happen throughout life.
Our goal isn’t to freeze your teeth in exactly the same position forever.
It’s to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for many years to come.
Once braces come off, my teeth will stay perfectly straight forever.
Teeth naturally change throughout life, which is why retainers are so important.
If my teeth move, my braces didn’t work.
Orthodontic treatment creates the result. Retainers help maintain it.
Missing a few nights with my retainer won’t matter.
Consistency is the best way to protect your smile over the long term.
Yes. Small natural changes happen throughout life.
Retainers significantly help maintain your result, but natural ageing changes still occur.
Yes. If your retainer is lost or damaged, contact us as soon as possible.
Often because their teeth have gradually moved after previous orthodontic treatment, particularly if retainers were no longer worn.
Our comprehensive guide explains what happens after treatment, how to protect your smile and why retainers are such an important part of your orthodontic 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.
Keeping your teeth straight after orthodontic treatment is just as important as achieving your new smile.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll explain what to expect from adult orthodontic treatment, including retainers and how to maintain your results.
Explore adult braces at Evolve Dentistry
Straightening your teeth is only part of the journey.
Looking after your smile afterwards helps ensure you continue enjoying the confidence you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Read our CQC Report
💚 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
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