In general, braces are worn for a period of time to correct misalignments of the teeth while a retainer is worn after braces are removed to ensure your teeth do not move back into their misaligned position. Retainers are removable and are often only worn at night to prevent the teeth from shifting. Retainers will help to stabilize the teeth after the desired results are reached with braces. The tissue in the mouth will eventually conform to the new alignment of your teeth, so retainers are only worn temporarily following the removal of your braces.