A well-made retainer should last for years. If your retainer breaks ask your orthodontist for a new one. What happens if I swallow a part of the retainer. Nothing. The part will just pass through your digestive system. Tell me about fixed retainers Fixed retainers are an alternative that is sometimes used when you keep “forgetting” to wear your retainer. The orthodontist cements a retainer in your mouth and you cannot take the retainer off for a year. If this happens, be sure to clean the retainer every night or else your breath will smell awful. I notice that some braces have little colored rings around the brackets.