Do I really have to wear braces for my entire life?

I am 고민중 for lifelong orthodontics due to malocclusion.

However, I read on the internet that once you get braces, you have to be prepared to wear retainers for the rest of your life.

I have seen many reviews saying that if you don't do that, it will either come back or collapse.

If retainers are neglected or not used properly even after orthodontic treatment for malocclusion, will the malocclusion also revert?

Or in the case of malocclusion, is it maintained continuously unlike regular orthodontics?