The day we remove your braces, active orthodontic treatment ends and the retention phase of treatment begins, your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers. Initially, you will be wearing your retainers 24 hours a day for a few months followed by night time wear thereafter. There are several types of retainers, the doctor will determine which one is appropriate for you.
Teeth, whether straightened by braces or not, may always move throughout your life, just as eyesight changes, skin wrinkles, and hair thins and grays. Thus, retainer wear is crucial. Studies show that as people age, their teeth usually shift, especially the lower incisor (front) teeth. Even people who had perfect teeth without braces experience shifting and may develop orthodontic problems as adults. How fast or slow braces move your teeth or how long your braces are worn has no effect on the aging and shifting of your teeth. This makes retainer wear important. We straightened your teeth, but it's your job to keep them straight! After the one-year retention phase, you should continue wearing your retainer several nights a week.