Is It Permissible to Continue Wearing a Retainer After Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatment?
Question
Assalamu alaykoum,
I had a gap between my two front teeth and some crooked lower teeth. Dentists told me braces or Invisalign were not medically necessary but optional. I chose to proceed to correct the gap and crookedness.
Later, I learned that changing teeth for purely aesthetic reasons may be impermissible, and I became very anxious. I repented and hope Allah accepted it.
Now that treatment is finished, I have been told I must wear a retainer every night to keep my teeth in place. During treatment, some teeth were made slightly smaller to allow proper alignment. If I stop wearing the retainer, my teeth may shift unpredictably, cause new gaps, or create bite problems, and they will not return to their original state.
Is it sinful to continue wearing the retainer? Or should I stop and risk damage to my teeth? I am very anxious and do not want to displease Allah.
Jazak Allah khair.
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This question requires careful distinction between initiating a cosmetic change and maintaining bodily health and preventing harm after a change has already occurred. It also requires removing unnecessary fear and hardship from the heart.
1. The Shar‘i Context
The well-known prohibition relates to unnecessary permanent alteration of Allah’s creation for beautification alone, such as the hadith regarding filing teeth for beauty.
However, scholars explained that this prohibition applies to initiating such alterations without need, not to managing consequences afterward, especially when harm would result from undoing or neglecting care.
Islam does not obligate a person to cause harm to themselves in order to undo a past action, particularly after repentance.
Allah says:
“And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.”
Surat al Baqarah 2:195
2. Your Situation After Treatment
In your case:
- The orthodontic treatment has already occurred
- Teeth were reshaped and repositioned
- Stopping the retainer may cause damage, instability, or new defects
- Your teeth will not return to their original natural state
At this stage, wearing a retainer is not beautification. It is preservation and prevention of harm.
3. Wearing a Retainer Is Not a New Act of Alteration
Continuing to wear a retainer:
- Does not create a new change
- Does not increase beautification
- Does not alter the creation further
Rather, it prevents:
- Dental harm
- Bite dysfunction
- Unpredictable movement
- Physical damage
Sharia does not require abandoning care when doing so leads to harm.
4. Repentance Ends the Matter
Even if one assumes, for argument’s sake, that the initial decision was questionable:
- You repented sincerely
- Allah accepts repentance
- A repented sin is erased
Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who repent.”
Surat al Baqarah 2:222
Islam does not command a person to live in fear after repentance, nor to damage their body as a sign of regret.
5. Removing the Retainer Is Not Required
You are not required to:
- Remove the retainer
- Risk dental damage
- Allow new gaps or bite problems
Doing so would contradict the Sharia principle of preventing harm.
6. Relevant Usul Principles
ما حرم ابتداء لا يلزم إزالته إذا ترتب على الإزالة ضرر
What is prohibited initially is not required to be removed if its removal leads to harm.
even if your thoughts it isn’t permissible from the beginning you do not have to undo it.
Final Ruling
It is permissible for you to continue wearing the retainer.
Wearing it is not sinful, not a continuation of a prohibited act, and not displeasing to Allah. At this stage, it serves the purpose of preserving health and preventing harm, not beautification.
You are not required to undo treatment, cause yourself damage, or live in anxiety. Your repentance is valid, your intention is sound, and Allah is Most Merciful.
Calm your heart, continue caring for your health, and know that Allah does not punish His servants for seeking ease after sincere repentance.
And Allah knows best.