Can i stop wearing my retainer after 2 years

Have you ever looked at your old retainer and wondered, “Can I still wear my retainer after years without wearing it?” At Lifetime Orthodontics, Dr.

Wesley has seen it all—whether you’ve gone months or even years without wearing it. Life gets busy, and sometimes retainers are left forgotten in a drawer. The real question is: can they still do their job?

When can i stop wearing my retainer after braces

Let’s talk about what happens when you leave your retainer behind and whether it’s possible to pick up where you left off.

What Happens When You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?

When you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth slowly begin to shift.

This natural movement, known as “relapse,” occurs because your teeth aren’t as firmly set in place as they might seem. Here’s what you need to know:

• Teeth Have Memory: Even after orthodontic treatment, your teeth “remember” their old positions.

  Without the retainer to hold them in place, they may start drifting back to their previous alignment.

• Relapse Timeframe Varies: Some people may notice minor shifts within weeks, while others coul
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  when do you stop wearing a retainer