Short answer: After orthodontic treatment ends, teeth tend to move back toward their former positions. If a retainer is not worn regularly, this shifting can appear gradually; its speed and amount vary from person to person. A fixed retainer is not taken out of the mouth, so it carries no risk of being forgotten in this respect; a removable retainer works when it is worn according to the schedule the dentist recommends.
Why do teeth tend to shift?
During tooth movement, the fibres surrounding the tooth and the gum tissue are reorganised. It takes time for these tissues to settle into the new position. In addition, the position of teeth can keep changing throughout life, even if very slowly. The retention period exists to support this adaptation process. For general information, you can look at our retention treatment page.
What signs may appear if the retainer is not worn?
- Slight crowding, especially in the lower and upper front teeth
- Gaps starting to reappear between the teeth
- The retainer no longer fitting fully as before, or feeling tight
- Small changes in the feeling of the bite
Not all of these signs appear in every person; some may be very slight and go unnoticed.
The difference between removable and fixed retainers
A removable retainer (clear plate or wire) has to be taken out and put back in; how consistently it is used depends on the person’s discipline. Losing it or forgetting it during meals, cleaning or travel is common. A fixed retainer, on the other hand, is a thin wire bonded to the back surface of the front teeth; it is not put in and taken out, so it does not require a daily wearing routine. Many dentists choose a fixed retainer alone or together with a removable one. Your dentist decides which suits you. For a comparison, you can read retainer types: fixed or removable?
Does the risk disappear completely if you have a fixed retainer?
No. Even while it stays in place, a fixed wire can break or come loose from where it is bonded; if this goes unnoticed, the teeth that are no longer held by the wire may shift. This is why regular check-ups and cleaning around the wire matter. For details, see fixed retainer care and problems.
What should you do if you have not worn your retainer for a few days?
- Do not force the retainer into place; it can damage both the plate and the teeth.
- If the tight feeling does not go away within a few days or gets stronger, let the clinic know.
- If a retainer is broken, cracked or lost, make an appointment without delay.
- You can add your check-up dates to your calendar with the retention tracking tool.
What can be done if the teeth have shifted?
If the shift is small, a new retainer may be enough; if it is more noticeable, a short course of clear aligner treatment may be planned. The decision is made at the examination. For more information, see do teeth shift again after the brackets are removed? If your retainer is lost, what to do if you lose your retainer may also help.
A broader guide
For the full picture on wearing time, cleaning and common problems, you can take a look at our retainer guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a problem if I skip my retainer for one night?
For most people a single night makes no noticeable difference; however, if breaks become frequent, a tight feeling and a tendency to shift may become noticeable. Following the schedule your dentist recommends is essential.
How long is a retainer used?
The duration and schedule vary from person to person; it is generally recommended to wear it throughout the day at first and then at night. Your dentist determines the details.
If my retainer feels tight, can I force it in?
No. Instead of forcing it, let the clinic know; the dentist will assess the condition of the teeth and the fit of the retainer.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right retention plan for you is determined by an examination and the dentist’s assessment. We go through your questions together at our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara. For appointments and directions, you can visit our contact page.
