When your active orthodontic treatment is completed, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention-monitoring phase with out office continues for approximately 18 months after completion of active tooth movement. Your teeth, however, will always want to shift throughout your life. Continued regular retainer wear is essential to retaining your beautiful new smile.  Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far and wear your retainers as Dr. Tavarez prescribes. Remember to remove your retainers before brushing, and brush your retainers before placing them back in your mouth.