16/10/2026
Completing a course of Invisalign clear aligner treatment is a milestone, but the end of aligner wear is not the end of orthodontic care. The phase that follows is called retention, and it is as clinically important as the treatment itself.
Teeth move through gradual remodelling of the bone around them. When active treatment finishes, those tissues need time to settle, and during this period teeth can tend to drift back towards their original positions. This is known as relapse, and it applies to all orthodontic treatment, including fixed braces.
A retainer helps hold the teeth in their new positions while the surrounding tissues consolidate. Our latest article explains:
- Why teeth can move after orthodontic treatment
- The difference between removable retainers and fixed (bonded) retainers
- How long retainers are generally worn, from full-time in the early months to night-time wear in the longer term
- How to clean and store a removable retainer, and what to do if one is lost or damaged
- Why fixed retainers are checked at regular dental reviews
Retainer wear is different for every patient, so your dentist will recommend a plan based on your individual treatment.
Learn more: https://dentiquedentalspa.com.au/smilemakeovers/invisalign/
Dentique Dental Spa
6/145 Walcott St, Mount Lawley WA 6050
08 6244 0089
*Outcomes are not guaranteed. All procedures carry risks, including non-surgical procedures like dental veneers and whitening. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. See the Resources section of our website for additional treatment information and considerations.