10/05/2026
Do you really need to keep wearing your retainer after braces or Invisalign?
Short answer: YES! Retainers are a long-term part of orthodontic care.
Teeth naturally continue to shift throughout life. A retainer helps maintain the alignment achieved during orthodontic treatment and protects all the work that went into your new smile. The American Association of Orthodontists specifically notes that lifelong tooth movement is normal and wearing a retainer is the key way to limit that movement after treatment.
Depending on your treatment and your smile, your orthodontist will tell you how often your retainer should be worn.
And if you've lost or damaged yours? Don't wait until you notice your teeth shifting to ask about a replacement.
Montoya Orthodontics offers several types of retainers for patients.
Save this one for the day you're tempted to skip your retainer. 😉