I haven't worn my retainer in months - Now what?

I haven't worn my retainer in months, and honestly, the thought of trying to jam it back onto my teeth is a little terrifying. It usually starts with a simple "I'll just skip tonight because I'm too tired," which quickly turns into a weekend, a month, and then suddenly it's been half a year since that piece of plastic has seen the light of day. If you're currently staring at your dusty retainer case on the nightstand with a mix of guilt and dread, you are definitely not alone. ...

May 14, 2026 · 7 min · Godat Tesi