Finishing braces feels like freedom, but your teeth are not “locked in” the moment wires come off. The supporting bone and ligaments around them need time to stabilise in the new position. That’s where retainers come in – they’re like a safety belt for your fresh smile.
If you stop wearing your retainer too soon, teeth can slowly drift back towards their old positions. Spaces may reopen, twists can return, and your bite might change in subtle ways at first. You may not notice weekly changes, but side-by-side photos after a year can be shocking.
In the first months after braces, teeth are especially eager to move. That’s why dentists often ask for full-time or nightly wear initially. Over time, the schedule usually reduces, but for many people, some level of long-term night-time wear is recommended.
Sleeping in a thin plastic retainer a few nights a week is a small effort compared to repeating braces. If your retainer feels tighter after skipping days, that’s a sign movement is happening. Don’t ignore cracks, warping or loss; get them repaired or replaced.
Think of retainers as part of the orthodontic treatment, not an optional extra. Braces straighten teeth; retainers help keep the result you invested time and money into.