Another common orthodontic treatment that is used are retainers. Orthodontic retainers can be made out of plastic or stainless steel. They are typically used after one’s braces have been removed to ensure that the teeth stay in place. Basically the teeth become accustomed to staying in their place while the bone and gums surrounding the teeth get accustomed to the new position of the teeth when the retainer is worn. If the retainer is not worn, the teeth may become misaligned once again. Most orthodontists recommend that the retainer is worn at night for a long period of time.