What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?

By: Christine March 12, 2025

If you’ve recently finished your orthodontic treatment, congratulations! Whether you had braces or Invisalign, you’ve invested time, effort, and money into achieving a straighter smile. However, the work doesn’t stop when your treatment ends. Wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist is crucial to maintaining your results. But what happens if you don’t wear your retainer? The truth is, your teeth will likely shift—sometimes quickly, sometimes gradually, but inevitably.

Why Do Teeth Shift After Braces or Invisalign?

Your teeth don’t move on their own. Instead, they are held in place by ligaments, bones, and gum tissue. When you undergo orthodontic treatment, your teeth are gradually repositioned, and these supporting structures must adapt to the new alignment.

However, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions, a process called orthodontic relapse. This occurs because:

  • Ligaments Remember Their Original Positions: The periodontal ligament, which holds your teeth in place, has elastic properties. If you don’t wear your retainer, these fibers can pull teeth back into their previous alignment.
  • Jaw Growth Continues: Even in adulthood, jawbones and soft tissues continue to change, which can contribute to shifting teeth.
  • Daily Pressure from Chewing and Speaking: Your teeth endure constant pressure from everyday activities, which can cause minor movements over time.
  • Wisdom Teeth or Tooth Loss: Emerging wisdom teeth or missing teeth can lead to unwanted shifts in your dental alignment.

What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?

1. Teeth Start Shifting Within Days

Many people think they can go weeks or months without wearing their retainer and still keep their teeth in place. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Your teeth can begin shifting as soon as a few days after you stop wearing your retainer.

2. Small Changes Become Noticeable

At first, the shifting may be minimal and hardly noticeable. However, after a few weeks or months, you might observe gaps forming, teeth slightly rotating, or a change in your bite alignment.

3. Crowding and Misalignment Return

Over time, the small changes add up. Your once-perfect smile may begin to show signs of relapse. The longer you go without wearing your retainer, the more difficult it becomes to correct the shifting.

4. Retainers Stop Fitting

If you try to wear your retainer after months of neglecting it, you may find that it no longer fits. This is because your teeth have moved enough that the old retainer can’t accommodate the new alignment.

5. You May Need Orthodontic Treatment Again

The worst-case scenario? You might need braces or Invisalign again to correct the shifting. In severe cases, full retreatment is necessary to restore your teeth to their ideal positions.

How Often Should You Wear Your Retainer?

To prevent your teeth from shifting, it’s crucial to follow your orthodontist’s instructions. The general recommendations include:

  • First 6 Months to a Year After Treatment: Wear your retainer full-time (except when eating and brushing) for at least 20-22 hours per day.
  • Long-Term Maintenance: After the initial period, most orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer nightly for life.

Skipping nights here and there may seem harmless, but consistency is key to keeping your teeth aligned.

What to Do If Your Teeth Have Shifted

If you’ve already skipped wearing your retainer and notice some movement in your teeth, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Try Wearing Your Retainer Again: If your retainer still fits, start wearing it immediately. Some mild discomfort is normal, but if it doesn’t fit at all, don’t force it.
  2. Schedule an Appointment with Your Orthodontist: If your retainer no longer fits or your teeth have significantly shifted, consult your orthodontist to discuss options.
  3. Consider a New Retainer: In some cases, a new retainer may be enough to realign slightly shifted teeth. Your orthodontist can determine whether this is a viable solution.
  4. Evaluate If You Need Orthodontic Retreatment: If your teeth have moved too much, a minor touch-up with Invisalign or braces might be necessary.

Tips for Retainer Care and Longevity

To ensure your retainer stays in good shape and continues to maintain your smile, follow these care tips:

  • Clean your retainer daily with mild soap and lukewarm water (avoid hot water, which can warp plastic retainers).
  • Store it in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage or loss.
  • Avoid eating or drinking (except water) while wearing it to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • Replace your retainer when necessary, as plastic retainers wear out over time.

Keep Your Smile Straight with Onshore Orthodontics in Yulee, FL

If you’ve noticed your teeth shifting or need a new retainer, don’t wait! The sooner you take action, the easier it is to correct minor misalignments. At Onshore Orthodontics in Yulee, FL, we specialize in helping patients maintain their beautiful smiles long after their braces or Invisalign treatment.

Whether you need a new retainer, an orthodontic check-up, or retreatment options, our expert team is here to help. Contact Onshore Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and keep your smile looking its best for years to come!