How many hours should I wear my retainer at night? Is there a specific timeframe that is considered optimal for ensuring that my teeth remain in their desired position? After all, I’ve invested time, effort, and possibly a considerable amount of money in orthodontic treatment to achieve a straighter smile, so it stands to reason that I wouldn’t want to jeopardize those results. Should I be adhering to a strict schedule, or is there some flexibility in how long I can wear it each night? Are there any particular factors—such as age, the severity of my initial misalignment, or how long I had braces—that might influence the recommendations regarding retainer usage? It’s perplexing to ascertain if wearing the retainer for just a few hours would suffice, or if dedicated, continuous wear throughout the night is essential for the preservation of my orthodontic results and overall dental health. What are the implications of not wearing the retainer for the recommended duration?