I had braces for 2 1/2 years to correct my teeth. My top teeth turned out great but my bottom teeth were very uneven still and not centered. I expressed my concern and he said "Do not worry the retainer with help align it.". The so-called retainer was actually just a mouth guard like on you can buy at Walgreens. This did not retain my teeth and my teeth has gotten worse. The two years of braces seems like a waste.