Retainers and Aftercare

What happens after aligner treatment?

After the active phase of aligner treatment, retention is the next stage.

A registered practitioner will explain what retention involves for your

case — commonly a retainer worn on a schedule, with follow-up visits to

check the result holds.

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

This page gives general aftercare guidance. It cannot give you a wear

schedule or instructions for your device — those come from your treating

practitioner.

Aftercare in general terms

• Keep follow-up appointments so the result can be reviewed.
• Keep the teeth and any device clean, and follow the practitioner's

• Contact the practitioner promptly if a retainer no longer fits, is

cleaning instructions.

• Ask what retention is expected to involve and for how long.

damaged, or causes pain.

Teeth can move after treatment ends, which is why retention and follow-up

matter. If you no longer have a practitioner, arrange an assessment with a

registered dentist or orthodontist.

Source: Dental Council of New Zealand — orthodontic resources

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

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.