What happens after aligner treatment is finished?

Finishing your aligner treatment is not the end of the orthodontic story. Once teeth have been moved to their correct positions, they have a natural tendency to drift back toward where they were. This process is called relapse, and it is a biological reality that applies to all orthodontic treatment, not just aligners. Retention is what prevents it.

The most common retention options are a thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of the front teeth, which is invisible and requires no active effort on your part, and a removable retainer tray that you wear at night. Many patients end up with both: a fixed wire for the front teeth and a removable night tray for overall stability. We recommend the approach that suits your specific case and your lifestyle.

Retention is not a temporary measure. It is a long-term commitment. The fixed wire is typically intended to stay in place indefinitely and only needs attention if it comes loose. The removable tray needs to be worn every night for at least the first year, with frequency potentially reducing after that depending on stability. Patients who stop wearing their retainers, even after years of stable results, do risk seeing some movement return over time.

At the end of your aligner treatment, we fit your retainer and explain clearly how to maintain it. If you are based in Europe, we make sure you leave with everything you need and that you know how to reach us if the wire loosens or the tray is lost or damaged. Replacement retainer trays can be made remotely if we already have your final scan on file.