Finally. THE DAY YOUR BRACES COME OFF. Home free!

Not so fast. It takes time for your teeth and the underlying bone and tissue to stabilize in their new position. For the next few months your teeth may be at a high risk of relapse. That’s why your orthodontist will fit you with a custom-manufactured retainer and tell you to wear it throughout the day for say…three to six months.

Even after this initial period, you’re not quite out of the woods. Your orthodontist will probably advise you to wear your retainer each night.

How long will you have to wear a night time retainer? Some orthodontists say at least a year. Others say forever! The fact is, your teeth are always moving…and there is the distinct possibility that once you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will start to move out of alignment again.

When it comes to life after braces, make sure to consult your orthodontist about how long you should wear your night time retainer.