Are you looking forward to straightening your smile with Invisalign? This orthodontic treatment is a great option that’s discreet and fits easily into your lifestyle. You won’t have to worry about any metal in your mouth, but they do have one thing you’ll have to overcome. That is how they will change your speech. It’s not a dramatic difference, but many people don’t know what to expect. Keep reading to learn why this happens and what you can do about it.
How Does Invisalign Affect the Way I Speak?
As you are first starting your treatment, you may notice right away how different your mouth feels with the Invisalign trays in. They are taking up a small amount of space, so your tongue may tend to bump into them when you’re talking. You may develop a slight lisp, but it’s only temporary.
This altered speech may feel a bit awkward initially, as you may not be able to pronounce certain letters or sounds as clearly. One change that people experience is pronouncing their “s” and “z” sounds like “th.”
You may be relieved to hear that this change is short-lived. Your clear aligners are made of a thin, custom-fit plastic that’s durable. They will feel more comfortable as they don’t take up as much room in your mouth as braces do. Like with any other oral appliance, your body will naturally get used to it in a couple of weeks.
What Can I Do About It?
While speaking a bit off is normal, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do to speed up the adjustment period. Here are some easy tips:
- Wear Your Aligners for 20 to 22 Hours Every Day: You will have to keep them in for this long for an effective treatment, but the more you wear them, the faster your mouth will adjust to them.
- Practice Reading Aloud: This may bring you back to your phonics days, but doing this will help you find words that are tripping you up. When you find a tricky phrase, you can take the time to slowly speak out each syllable. Recording yourself when reading can also help you hear how you sound!
The best thing you can do is to be patient with yourself. Speaking differently can feel frustrating at first, but remember to take a deep breath. It’s only temporary, and, before long, you will be smiling and speaking again with confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. He is committed to helping you get the straighter teeth that you want by offering Invisalign. Dr. Brice and his team are with you every step of the way, so you can feel confident about your treatment. If you want to learn more about how clear aligners are a solution to misaligned teeth, schedule an appointment or call us at (210) 903-5565.