One of the most common questions that I am asked is "How long do I have to wear my retainer?" The short answer is "forever" or "as long as you want straight teeth." For a more detailed explanation, it is important to understand a few basic concepts:

• Teeth are unstable and unpredictable. Teeth will shift at any age regardless of whether or not a person ever had orthodontic treatment. Some people will see extensive shifting and others will maintain perfect teeth for life.
• While any teeth may shift at any age, the lower front teeth are the most unstable and tend to shift the most.
• Even when retainers are worn properly, most patients will see a small amount of "settling" of their teeth. In general terms, if we can maintain "90%" of the correction, we have done a great job. To maintain "100%" correction would most likely require keeping braces on the teeth forever!
• While many people blame wisdom teeth, the research has shown that they do not cause shifting. The late teens are a time when some people experience "late mandibular growth", and this is the likely cause of shifting at this age — not the wisdom teeth.

Now that we understand that teeth are unstable and unpredictable, it is logical to say that "lifetime retention is the best way to maintain straight teeth and a beautiful smile. While specific retention recommendations vary for different patients, here are some general rules for most patients:

• A bonded, "permanent" retainer that is left in place for life is the best option for the lower teeth. Since it is cemented in place, compliance is not an issue. While they do not last forever, it is usually a simple procedure to replace or recement a bonded retainer.
• Since we bite on the inside of the upper teeth, bonded retainers are not usually a good long term solution for the upper teeth. Most patients will do very well with a clear, removable retainer that is worn nightly. While we never tell patients that they are "done wearing a removable retainer" over time most patients can reduce their wear to less than every night.
• Periodically, removable retainers will need to be replaced. After following our patients for two years, after braces we ask them to come see us for new retainers as needed.

In the future, there will almost certainly be a medical advancement that will help us keep teeth straight without conventional retainers. Until then, I strongly recommend that all of my patients consider retainers to be a life time commitment. Fortunately, it is a small price to pay for a beautiful smile!