You’ve made it through braces in Adelaide or clear aligners. You’re smiling confidently. You were told to wear your retainer — and you probably did… for a while. But life got busy, things slipped, or maybe your retainer was lost, broken, or quietly forgotten in a drawer.
Now you’re wondering: what happens if I haven’t worn my retainer in a while?
Will your teeth shift back? Do you need to start all over again? Is it too late?
The good news is — in many cases, it’s not too late to act. But the longer you go without a retainer, the more likely it is that you’ll notice relapse. In this post, we’ll cover exactly what happens when retainers are neglected, how to tell if your teeth have moved, what to do next, and how to protect your smile for life.
Why Retainers Matter: The Purpose Behind Them
Your teeth and jaws have memory — due to the elasticity of the periodontal ligaments, natural bite changes with age, and other forces, teeth don’t automatically stay put after active treatment. Retainers act as a safeguard, holding your teeth in their new alignment while the supporting structures stabilise.
You can learn more about how your teeth move and respond to treatment in our blog on From Consultation to Retainers: Your Complete Orthodontic Journey in Adelaide
What Happens If You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?
1. Progressive Tooth Movement (Relapse)
When retainers aren’t worn as prescribed, teeth can slowly return toward their original positions. Common shifts include:
- Front teeth rotating or becoming crowded
- Gaps reappearing between teeth
- Bite changes or shifting of molars and canines
2. Age-Related Changes Exacerbate the Problem
Even in the absence of orthodontic relapse, teeth naturally shift over time due to:
- Growth in teen years
- Gum and bone changes as you age
- Everyday bites and chewing pressure
- Tertiary growth that occurs from 15 to 20 with the lower canines leaning in towards each other and resulting in crowding of the lower front teeth.
This is especially important for adults to consider — find out more in Common Myths About Dental Braces for Adults Explained
3. Bite Issues or Jaw Discomfort Can Develop
As teeth move, your bite alignment can change too. In some cases, this may cause:
- Uneven wear on certain teeth
- Clicking or discomfort in the jaw
- Headaches or muscle tension
If your bite has noticeably changed, it’s time for a professional review.
How Long Is “Too Long”? When Should You Act?
Here’s a general guide:
| Time Without Retainer | What Might Happen | What You Should Do |
| A few days | Likely minimal movement | Resume wearing it nightly |
| 1–2 weeks | May feel tight; some slight movement | Try wearing it again, contact us if sore |
| 1–3 months | Movement likely; retainer may not fit | Book an orthodontic treatment review |
| 6+ months | Significant shifting possible | You may need a new retainer or retreatment |
Signs of Relapse to Watch For
- Your lower front teeth feel crowded or misaligned
- Spaces have reappeared between teeth
- Your bite doesn’t feel the same — maybe you notice clicking when biting or crowding in the molar region
- The retainer no longer fits comfortably or at all
Many of these signs are similar to the problems that initially lead to braces — like Crooked Teeth, crowding or bite issues. If you notice these symptoms coming back, it’s time for a review.
What to Do Next
1. Contact Your Orthodontic Treatment Provider ASAP
Even if you’re unsure whether your teeth have shifted, it’s best to get a professional opinion. A check-up can clarify whether your current retainer still works, needs adjusting, or needs replacement.
Visit our Your First Visit page to learn what to expect during your orthodontic review appointment.
2. Try Wearing It More Often (If Removable)
Resuming night-time wear may be enough if changes are slight. However, don’t force it if you experience pain — consult first.
3. If the Retainer Doesn’t Fit
Your orthodontic treatment provider may recommend:
- Adjusting the existing retainer
- Making a new one using updated impressions or scans — common if it’s warped or lost
- Considering fixed (bonded) retainers for added stability, especially on lower front teeth
4. For Significant Relapse
If your teeth have drifted markedly, retreatment might be necessary:
- Minor shifting: Possible with removable aligners or small bracket adjustments
- Moderate to severe relapse: Full braces or clear aligner treatment may be needed again
Explore discreet re-treatment options like Tooth Coloured Braces or Invisalign if you’re concerned about aesthetics.
Tips for Lifelong Retainer Success
- Commit to indefinite retention: Most orthodontic treatment providers now recommend keeping retainers for life.
- Night-time wear is often sufficient long-term, especially for removable retainers
- Clean and store properly: Rinse after each use, soak periodically in appropriate cleaning solutions, and store in its case
- Inspect regularly: Check for warping, cracks, or loss and replace if needed promptly
- Schedule retention check-ups: Even years after treatment, a periodic review ensures stability
You can learn more about the full treatment journey, including retention, in The Different Stages of Braces Treatment
Real Australian Insights:
A 2019 survey of Australian orthodontists found that:
- 85–87% of orthodontists advocate indefinite retainer wear
- Bonded retainers (fixed across teeth) are increasingly popular, particularly on the lower front teeth compared with the upper teeth.
- Despite consensus, practices vary — emphasising the need for patient education and follow-up care
Source: (2019). A survey of retention and retainer practices of orthodontists in Australia, (2017). Retention and relapse in clinical practice. University of Western Australia Research Repository.
Don’t let all that hard work go to waste. If you’ve drifted from wearing your retainer, especially for an extended time, it’s not too late — but sooner is better. Contact our team at Cumberland Dental for a retainer review or replacement. We can check for early signs of relapse, advise on the best retainer options for your lifestyle, and discuss any necessary retreatments to keep your smile looking its best. Call us on 08 8271‑6233 — let’s keep that healthy, confident smile going strong!
