# Do I need retainers after braces or aligners?

Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online
Published: 2026-05-24
Updated: 2026-05-24
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Yes. Teeth can move after treatment, so retainers are normally needed long term. Your clinician should explain whether fixed, removable or combined retainers are appropriate. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded behind the front teeth and stay in place, while removable retainers are clear plastic trays or wire-and-acrylic plates worn mostly at night. Both need cleaning, and a fixed retainer that comes loose or a removable one that no longer fits should be looked at promptly.

This answer is informational and does not replace a full clinical examination by a dentist or orthodontist.