how long do you have to wear a retainer

The general recommendation is to wear a retainer full-time (all day and night except for eating and cleaning) for the first 4 to 6 months after braces are removed. After this initial period, most orthodontists advise wearing the retainer only at night for several years or indefinitely to keep the teeth in place, as teeth can naturally shift over time. Some people may need to wear their retainer 24 hours a day for 8 to 10 months depending on the severity of their case. Permanent retainers bonded to teeth can sometimes be recommended for lifelong retention. In summary, retainer wear begins with full-time use for several months, then transitions to nighttime wear usually for life or until advised otherwise by the orthodontist.