Permanent retainers are permanent because they cannot be taken out at night. However, they are not permanent for a lifetime. A dentist may recommend a permanent retainer because you need a retainer 24/7 until the structure of your teeth heals. Once the orthodontist believes that your teeth will stay in place without a retainer, they may recommend the retainer be removed. Despite a permanent retainer not being a lifetime commitment, most fixed retainers stay in the patient’s mouth up to 10, even 15 years. Learn more in our blog article, "Retainers FAQs."