What Are Clear Aligners?

What is a clear aligner?

A clear aligner is a removable, transparent device used to gradually move

teeth, worn over the teeth rather than bonded to them like traditional

braces. Aligner treatment in New Zealand is supervised by a dentist or

orthodontist registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand, who

assesses suitability, plans the sequence of aligners, and monitors

progress at intervals through treatment.

What can this page establish, and what can't it?

This page explains what clear aligners are in general terms. It cannot

tell you whether aligners are appropriate for your teeth, bite, or oral

health — that assessment requires an in-person examination by a

registered practitioner.

How supervised treatment works

A registered practitioner takes records (typically impressions or a scan,

photographs, and X-rays where needed), plans a sequence of aligner stages,

and reviews progress at intervals to confirm teeth are moving as planned

and to adjust the plan if they are not.

Source: Dental Council of New Zealand — orthodontic resources

(https://dcnz.org.nz/patients-the-public-and-employers/orthodontic-resources-for-patients)

Source: Orthodontics New Zealand — patient resources

(https://www.orthodontists.org.nz/)

Sources checked: 2026-08-11

_The Aligner Guide editorial team. Editorially checked against cited

sources; not clinically reviewed._

This page provides general information, not diagnosis or treatment

advice. For advice about your circumstances, consult an oral-health

practitioner registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.