Why You Need a Retainer After Braces
Medically reviewed by Dr Matthew Sng , Clinical Director
Keep Your New Smile in Place: Why Wearing a Retainer After Braces Matters
After braces or aligners come off, teeth naturally tend to drift back toward their old positions. A retainer holds them in place while the bone and gums settle around them — which can take many months. Skipping the retainer is the common reason straightened teeth relapse.
There are two main kinds:
- Removable retainers — a clear plastic tray or a wire-and-acrylic plate you take in and out.
- Fixed retainers — a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, which stays put.
Wear your retainer exactly as the dentist directs — often full-time at first, then gradually nights only. If a removable retainer feels tight after a break, that's a sign your teeth have started to move; put it back in and let the dentist know.