Retainers & Post-Orthodontic Care

What happens if you stop wearing your retainer?

By 1 min read

Short answer

Teeth can begin shifting noticeably within just a few months of inconsistent retainer wear, sometimes enough to undo years of orthodontic work. This is why dentists generally recommend at least some level of retainer use indefinitely, even long after active treatment ends.

About this answer: Prepared by the AllSmiles Dental Editorial Team for general information. Your dentist can advise you based on an examination and your individual needs.

Keep exploring

Why do I still need a retainer after braces or Invisalign?

Teeth naturally continue to shift throughout life, and immediately after orthodontic treatment they are especially prone to drifting back toward their original position while the surrounding bone and tissue are still settling. A retainer holds the corrected position in place while that stabilization happens.

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