What Happens if I Stop Wearing My Retainers?
After months of wearing braces or clear aligners, it’s completely normal to feel excited to be done with treatment and ready to move on. Switching to a retainer – even a removable one – can feel like just one more thing to keep up with.
Because of this, even patients with the best intentions may slowly (or suddenly) stop wearing their retainer. Missing a night here and there can easily turn into weeks or even months without consistent wear.
Our Encinitas cosmetic dentists want patients to know that retainers aren’t just an afterthought; they’re an essential part of protecting your results. Drs. Megan Dietz and Cathy Santone share additional details below:
What Is a Retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance designed to keep your teeth in their new, straightened positions after orthodontic treatment. While braces and clear aligners work to actively move your teeth, retainers are meant to hold them in place once treatment is complete.
Your teeth aren’t permanently set in their new positions right away. The bone and ligaments that support them need time to adjust and strengthen around their corrected alignment. During this period, teeth are more likely to shift. That’s why wearing your retainer exactly as directed is so important.
What Is Orthodontic Relapse?
Orthodontic relapse is the gradual shifting of teeth back toward their original positions after braces or clear aligner treatment. It occurs when retainers aren’t worn as directed and the teeth are no longer being held in place.
At first, you may not notice any changes if you skip wearing your retainer; however, over time, the lack of retention can begin to show. Studies suggest that without consistent retainer use, some patients may require orthodontic treatment again within 10 years, or even sooner.
Wearing your retainer consistently is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your results and maintain the straight smile you worked hard to achieve.
The Retainer Timeline
Most dental professionals recommend wearing your retainer 20–22 hours a day immediately after completing orthodontic treatment. After this initial phase, many patients are able to transition to wearing their retainer only at night, depending on their specific needs.
The first few months of full-time wear are especially important because your teeth are most likely to shift during this period. As the bone and supporting tissues stabilize, nighttime wear is often sufficient. Still, long-term retention is typically recommended to preserve your alignment.
Treatments That Require a Retainer
Nearly all orthodontic treatments require some type of retainer afterward. No matter which system you choose, keeping your results in place is essential.
Invisalign®
The innovative Invisalign® clear aligner system is designed to straighten teeth more comfortably and discreetly than traditional metal braces. Each set of clear, flexible aligners is custom-made to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. Many patients appreciate that Invisalign® trays can be removed while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, which makes maintaining good oral hygiene much easier.
Treatment length varies, but most patients complete their Invisalign® plan within approximately 9 to 15 months, depending on the complexity of their case. Once treatment is finished, wearing a retainer is crucial. Without consistent retainer use, teeth can begin to shift, and additional aligner therapy may be needed to restore proper alignment.
ClearCorrect™
Similar to Invisalign®, the ClearCorrect™ orthodontic system aims to straighten teeth using clear, customized removable trays that are virtually invisible when worn. Each series of aligners should gently guide teeth into better alignment over time.
After ClearCorrect™ treatment is complete, a retainer can prevent teeth from drifting back toward their original positions. Just like with Invisalign®, long-term retention plays a key role in maintaining results.
Six Month Smiles®
Six Month Smiles® is a discreet orthodontic option where clear brackets are paired with tooth-colored wires to effectively straighten teeth. This approach can often be completed in as little as four to nine months, with six months being the average timeframe. Six Month Smiles® may be a great choice for patients seeking a shorter treatment period or those who may not be ideal candidates for clear aligners.
With this in mind, once the braces are removed, retention remains just as important. Even though this system uses fixed brackets during treatment, teeth can still relapse afterward if a retainer is not worn consistently.
Concerned About Shifting Teeth?
If you have noticed shifting within your teeth, or would like to learn more about corrective cosmetic dentistry methods, please contact Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry today. Our dentists can take a close look at your smile and let you know whether a small adjustment or additional orthodontic treatment may be right for you.
Medical Resources for Orthodontic Relapse:
Healthline: Wearing Retainers After Braces: What to Know
Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on July 16th, 2023.