Finishing orthodontics is not the end of treatment. It is the point at which the phase that decides whether the result holds begins.
What happens without retention
Teeth tend to drift back towards their previous position. This is not a failure of the treatment: it is an expected biological response of the tissues that support them.
Fixed and removable
Fixed retainers are bonded behind the teeth and are not removed by the patient; they require specific hygiene with floss or interdental brushes. Removable ones are taken out for cleaning and require consistency in wearing them.
If you notice changes
Book a review as soon as possible. Slight movement is far easier to correct than established movement. The same applies if the retainer comes loose or fractures.