Retainers and stable resultsQuestion after the braces come off

My removable retainer has cracked but is still in one piece. Do I need to replace it urgently?

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

A slight crack in a clear aligner-type retainer at the back teeth, caused by clenching, is not a reason for urgent replacement. A crack at the front teeth, however, means the retainer needs to be replaced quickly.

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