Retainers are a Must

It’s time to celebrate! You have just gotten your taken braces off and your smile looks perfect!

If you want to keep that perfect smile for life you must make sure that you wear your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Coleman and his team.

Your teeth are not set rigidly into your jawbone like you might think. Your teeth are held in place by bands of fibrous tissue called the periodontal ligaments. After your teeth have been moved into their ideal position by your braces it takes time for the periodontal ligaments to adjust. When you’re not wearing your retainer, pressure from your lips and tongue can cause your teeth to shift. Even if your teeth and smile don’t look like they have moved, that doesn’t mean they haven’t. If you go without wearing your retainer for long periods of time, your teeth will continue to move until misalignment is visibly noticeable, and that crooked smile you thought was a thing of the past will be back again. 

The retention phase of your treatment begins as soon as your braces are removed and lasts about two years. Your retainer should be worn at ALL times except when eating at home, brushing, or participating in contact sports. When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should be kept in the case.   
 
If you have any questions about the retention phrase of your orthodontic treatment, please don't hesitate to contact our Syracuse office. A member of our friendly and knowledge team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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