Invisalign remains a popular option for patients who desire a straighter set of teeth but want to avoid the bulky and unsightly look of metal braces. Offering clear aligners that appear virtually invisible, these trays are fully customized to each person’s unique needs. But what many people may not realize is that Invisalign can take some time to get used to, especially when it comes to the changes that can occur with one’s speech. Read on to discover how these aligners can change the way you talk and what you can do to “fix” it.
What Type of Speech Issues Can Invisalign Cause?
It’s important to remember that none of the speech issues that occur with Invisalign are permanent. These temporary changes may be bothersome but should not cause lasting worry, as they will not remain a problem for long.
While wearing Invisalign aligners, you may develop:
- A lisp: This occurs when you’re unable to clearly make the “s” or “z” sound but instead say “th.” The reason this happens is that your tongue will not sit in its proper place but instead, be impacted by the placement of the aligners. Fortunately, your mouth will quickly adjust, causing the lisp to fade over time.
- Slower or slurred speech: You may notice when initially receiving your Invisalign that you begin to speak slower or even slur your words. This is normal and to be expected; however, to speed up the process of returning to “normal,” you’ll need to talk more. Although your aligners are thin, they still add a minimal amount of thickness to the backs of your teeth, causing your speech to sound different, but the more you talk, the faster you’ll overcome these issues.
Additional Ways to Speak Clearly with Invisalign
Apart from talking more so that you no longer slur your words or speak slowly, you will find it helpful to also:
- Read aloud
- Talk to your spouse, partner, family member, or friend
- Ask for feedback when talking to someone else, as they can pinpoint areas of your speech that sound different
- Maintain good posture by standing up straight
Speaking while wearing Invisalign may seem difficult at first, but don’t let it keep you from moving forward with treatment. Before you know it, you’ll be talking normally again, and once you see your results, you’ll find it is well worth the temporary inconvenience.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Coats is a trusted Longmont dentist with more than 25 years of experience and a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. After earning his dental degree at Creighton University School of Dentistry, he joined his father’s practice and is now pleased to work alongside his son and fellow dentist, Dr. Kevin Coats. The two provide top-of-the-line dental care to patients living nearby, even offering Invisalign clear aligners to those who need to straighten their teeth to enjoy better oral health. If you are considering this clear alternative to metal braces, visit our website or call (303) 776-4090 to learn how we can help.