After active orthodontic treatment is complete, retainers are worn to help stabilize the teeth in their corrected positions. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and should be discussed with your orthodontist. If you have retainers that are made of plastic, be sure to brush and clean them at least twice a day. If you lose or break them, call your orthodontist immediately. After active orthodontic treatment is completed, retainers are worn to help hold the teeth in their corrected position until bone forms and stability results.
Teeth are living tissue and unfortunately, like the rest of our bodies, nothing ever stays the same.
Over the years, the alignment of the teeth will change. This happens whether or not orthodontic treatment was done. In order to minimize any changes, it would be best to wear retainers indefinitely one to two nights a week. After active orthodontic treatment, post treatment records are usually necessary. This enables the orthodontist to review the results of treatment, check for any complications that might have occurred, check the status of the wisdom teeth, and determine the adjustments needed for the retainers.