With a fixed retainer, you won't have to worry about your teeth shifting, since the wire is bonded to your teeth. The problem comes in when you have removable retainers — and you potentially forget to put them in. If you don't wear a retainer, you run the risk of your teeth starting to shift slightly. This can also affect your bite as well (per Sage Orthodontics).

What can further complicate the issue is the amount of time that has elapsed since you wore your retainer. If it's been a really, really long time (and you can't even get the retainer onto your teeth), you might need to start your orthodontic treatments all over again (via Elite Daily). When you consider the cost of starting all over again — plus the financial investment and not being able to eat those sticky foods that are a dental no-no — it's worth the hassle of wearing your retainer.

The truth is that you might always need to wear a retainer (via Healthline). And even though it might make you feel frustrated to be tied to your retainer nightly, you'll be grateful for it when you show off your beautiful smile every day.