If you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist, your teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions. This occurs because the retainer helps to stabilize the teeth in their new alignment following orthodontic treatment. With consistent wear, the natural tendency of teeth to move can prevent them from shifting out of place over time. Depending on the individual, this regression can be minor or more significant, potentially requiring additional orthodontic treatment to correct the misalignment. Therefore, it’s essential to follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding retainer wear to maintain the results achieved through braces or other orthodontic procedures.