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Can retainers move teeth?

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So in a word: no.  Retainers retain.  Active movement requires something ELSE, but it may resemble a retainer.

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Immediately after braces come off (or alternative methods are completed), retainers are to be worn as much as possible for a period of time, usually about 3 months.  After that, one can usually go to night time use only (wear while sleeping).  While teeth may shift a bit during the day and move back at night while wearing retainers, this movement is considered insignificant.

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If I offered you a magic nightgown, one that if worn each night you would remain skinny, would you wear it?  This is how a retainer is, you wear it at night to preserve the work that was done previously.

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