Retainers play an essential role in your post-orthodontic treatment plan. They help keep your teeth straight, maintaining the smile you invested in. Your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer for life because teeth are prone to shifting. Retainers usually only last a few years, so it's imperative you know when it's time to replace it so you can keep your smile.

Braces are often considered an inconvenient, but necessary, rite of passage for children and young teens as they seek to correct crooked teeth and bite issues that may negatively impact oral health later on. While braces are common in childhood, the American Association of Orthodontists states one out of every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18.