Retainers and stable resultsQuestion after the braces come off

How long can I go without wearing my retainer before my teeth start to shift?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

There is no right answer to this question. In the first six months after the braces come off, when the teeth are more mobile, skipping even one night of retainer wear can have a negative effect on the alignment of your teeth. Don’t cut down on wearing your retainers if you don’t want to undo the result of your orthodontic treatment.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.