After the fixed orthodontic appliances are removed, retainers are inserted to maintain the alignment. We will discuss which retainer is most appropriate for you and will be based on factors such as oral hygiene, pre-existing malocclusion (bite), etc..The length of time that the retainers are worn varies. Studies have shown that our teeth tend to shift through life with or without orthodontic treatment. For that reason alone, Dr. Ruud and Flores-Mir recommend that retainers be worn indefinitely past the 2 years of supervised retention in their office. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.