Will you need to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment? Yes, you will definitely need to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment. Retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions. After your braces or aligners come off, your teeth can still move because the surrounding bone and gums need time to stabilize.

Wearing a retainer helps “train” your teeth to stay in their new alignment.

There are a few types of retainers:
– Removable retainers (like Hawley or clear plastic ones)
– Fixed/bonded retainers (a wire bonded to the back of your teeth)

Your orthodontist will guide you on how long and how often to wear your retainer. For most people, it’s
usually:

– Full-time wear for the first few months
– Then night-time wear indefinitely

In short: Retainers are a crucial part of keeping your smile straight and healthy after treatment!