Clear Aligner Change Calendar

In clear aligner treatment, each aligner is made to move your teeth towards the next planned position. This tool turns the change interval your orthodontist gave you into calendar dates and, if you like, lets you add the dates to your phone calendar. This tool does not produce medical recommendations; the information stays only in your browser and is not sent anywhere. Your orthodontist sets the change interval; enter the interval your orthodontist told you.

How to use the calendar

1. Enter the date you switched to your current aligner and its number.
2. Type in the change interval your orthodontist gave you, in days.
3. Enter the last aligner number; this is usually shown on the aligner packs or in your treatment plan notes.
4. Check the list that appears and, if you like, download the .ics file and add it to your calendar.

If your orthodontist updates the change interval during treatment, you can recreate the calendar by entering the new interval and the aligner number on that day. You can read about how the change frequency is set in our article how often are clear aligners changed.

Tips for aligner change day

• Switching to a new aligner in the evening, before bed, can help you sleep through the feeling of pressure in the first hours.
• Rinse the new aligner with lukewarm water before putting it in; hot water can distort its shape.
• Make sure the aligner is fully seated on your teeth. If your orthodontist recommended one, use a seating aid (chewie).
• Do not throw away the previous aligner; clean it and keep it in its case. If there is a problem with the new aligner, your orthodontist may ask you to go back to the previous one for a while.
• Choosing soft foods on the first day can make tenderness in the teeth easier to get through.
• If the edge of the aligner is poking, it clearly does not fit or one of the attachments has come off, let the clinic know.

For details on daily wear time, cleaning and storage, see our clear aligner wear guide. The treatment process page describes the general course of treatment.

What to do if an aligner is lost or broken

If an aligner is lost or broken, do not move on to the next aligner on your own. Usually the first thing to do is to put in the previous aligner you have and let the clinic know. Depending on your situation, your orthodontist may recommend staying in the previous aligner, moving on to the next one or having a new aligner made. For step-by-step guidance, you can use our what-to-do guide. If you are travelling, our page on lost or broken aligners while travelling may also help.

Why does keeping to the calendar matter?

Each aligner is designed on the movement achieved by the previous one. If aligners are changed too early, you may move on to the next step before the teeth have reached the planned position; if aligners are not worn long enough, they may start not to fit. So keeping to both the change interval and the daily wear time helps treatment progress as planned.

Small habits that make tracking easier

• Having aligner change days fall on the same day of the week can make them easier to remember; you can discuss this with your orthodontist.
• Write the switch date on the aligner pack you are using.
• Bring your current aligner and the previous one with you to check-up appointments.
• If you could not wear your aligners enough because of illness, travel or a busy period, tell your orthodontist at the next check-up.
• After creating the calendar, check the first and last dates in the list to make sure the information you entered is correct.

If you have questions about attachments, elastics and daily wear time, the article how many hours a day should clear aligners be worn may also help.

Frequently asked questions

I don't know my change interval. What should I enter?

Do not enter a guess. Your orthodontist sets the change interval; if you are not sure, call the clinic to confirm.

I changed a day late. What should I do with the calendar?

You can recreate the calendar by entering the actual date you switched to the new aligner and its number. If delays happen often, mention this to your orthodontist at your check-up.

Is the information I enter saved anywhere?

No. The calculation is done in your browser; the information is not sent to the clinic or anywhere else.

What should I do if the new aligner doesn't fit?

Without forcing it, go back to the previous aligner and let the clinic know. Your orthodontist assesses how to continue.

For questions, you can call 0312 911 60 36 or use the form on the contact page.

This page is for general information only; diagnosis and the treatment plan are determined by an examination and your orthodontist's assessment.