2025 Study: The #1 Reason Removable Retainers Fail

Finishing your treatment is only half the battle. A recent study published in December 2024 compared different retention protocols to see what keeps teeth straight for the long haul.

The findings were clear: while removable retainers are effective, they are more prone to failure compared to fixed wires solely due to compliance issues.

The study highlights that the stability of your new smile depends entirely on your daily habits. Unlike fixed retainers, removable ones require active dedication. Skipping wear time—especially in the first critical months—can lead to rapid relapse, undoing years of progress.

Pro Tip: Your retainers work only as hard as you do. Use a smart system to build the habit and protect your investment forever.

Source: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Retention Protocols, Pesqui. Bras. Odontopediatria Clín. Integr. (2024). [Link: https://www.scielo.br/j/pboci/a/g3tjDScyTBYwZqKjWYS5MGg/]