What is a retainer and how important is it I wear it?
Retainers are designed to keep your teeth straight and can either be removable or fixed to the teeth. Now that your teeth are straight, if you do not wear your retainer, your teeth are likely to move or relapse, undoing all the previous hard work. This can happen in a matter of a few days. If this happens it may be difficult, if not impossible, to correct.

How long will I have to wear the retainers?
This will vary according to how your teeth originally looked before the orthodontic treatment was started. However, as a general rule you will be asked to wear your Essix retaining appliance for at least 12 months. The appliance needs to be worn seven nights per week and also for two full days per week. If you wear the retainers for less time than this, your teeth will move.