Retention Once the teeth are straight and the braces have been removed, retainers will be provided to ensure that the teeth remain in their new position. Instructions regarding the retainers will be given at the time of fitting. Retainers are an essential part of treatment without which the teeth can move away from their straightened position and back to their original position. The retainers can take the form of a fixed retainer [picture Fixed Ret] or a removable retainer. Retainers are designed to be worn indefinitely as there may be movement of the teeth throughout life (even when braces have not been worn), especially of the lower front teeth. Retainers will be checked for a period of 1 year but further appointments to maintain and check the retainers can be made after this time.