How often should I wear my retainer after three years of discontinuation? It’s a pertinent inquiry that seems to baffle many individuals who have recently completed their orthodontic treatment. After such a significant period without wearing a retainer, what frequency is advisable to prevent any potential dental drift? Should I resume wearing it every night, or would a more flexible schedule suffice? Furthermore, is there a recommended duration for each wearing session that would be most beneficial in maintaining the alignment achieved through braces? Not to mention, could different circumstances influence this decision, such as age or the initial severity of misalignment? Would consulting with my orthodontist provide insights tailored to my specific dental history? As I ponder over these considerations, it becomes evident that the answers may vary significantly based on individual cases. How does one determine the most effective strategy for retainer usage after such an extended hiatus?