After straightening the teeth and removing the aligners, because the teeth are still unstable in their new position, retainers are often worn to keep the teeth in their new position on the alveolar bone and to wait for the alveolar bone to remodel. So, how long do I have to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment? This is a question that many people want to know, so let’s take a look at it together! How long do I have to wear the retainer after orthodontic treatment? Generally about two years, but also varies from patient to patient, some patients need to maintain a shorter period of time, while for some very easy to recurrence cases, such as severe tooth twisting, tooth gaps, will require a longer retention period, or even lifelong retention. In general, it takes at least one year for the tissues around the teeth to regain stability, and the first three months of orthodontic treatment are particularly prone to relapse. Currently, retainers are worn carefully during the day and night for the first year of orthodontic appliance removal. Later, the retainer will be worn at night for 6 months. If you feel easy to wear, you can further gradually reduce the wearing time of the retainer: one night every other day, one night a week, until you stop wearing it completely. Caution: The retainer should not be left unattended, otherwise it will be easily damaged and lost. Rinse it with cool water every day, and do not use hot water to clean the retainer to avoid deformation. Theoretically, the retainer should be worn continuously without interruption, but on some special occasions (such as foreign language classes, sports and cultural activities, etc.) the retainer can be temporarily removed, and then it should be put on in time. In addition, if the retainer is damaged or lost, you should contact your doctor in time to determine whether to recreate it.