If you are wearing a permanent retainer, that means you cannot take it out when you eat. So, like your braces, you must be careful what you eat as your diet can damage the retainer. For instance, if you eat sticky foods, like caramel or bite into hard foods, such as hard candy or ice, you might damage the retainer. Also, normal wear and tear can take its toll on your retainer, which means if you wear it long enough, you might need a replacement. Learn more in our blog article, "Retainers FAQs."