Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment because it straightens teeth discreetly with the help of clear aligners, which are far more preferable and comfortable for patients compared to traditional metal braces. However, despite all the benefits of Invisalign, some patients do tend to notice temporary changes in their speech, especially when they first begin their treatment. The good news is that any changes are usually minor, and with a little practice, your speech will sound completely normal again! Here’s what you need to know.
How Invisalign Can Affect Your Speech
Invisalign trays are designed to fit comfortably and naturally over your teeth inside your mouth, but it’s still possible to experience speech changes once you begin wearing them. A slight lisp is the most common speech change and usually happens because your tongue needs time to adjust to the presence of the aligners. This can lead to difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, particularly “s,” “sh,” and z.” Wearing Invisalign trays can also lead to your mouth producing more saliva than usual, which can further impact how you speak.
Tips for Helping Your Speech Adjust
The good news is that these changes are generally very short-lived and tend to improve as your mouth adjusts. Sometimes they briefly resurface when you swap to a new set of aligners, but for the most part, after those first few initial weeks, things should start to improve. If you’re still concerned about your speech, here are some tips that can help:
- Practice speaking aloud – Read a book, sing along to music, or talk with friends or family; even orating in front of the bathroom mirror can be effective!
- Repeat problem sounds – Focusing closely on words that give you the most trouble will help you retrain yourself to speak clearly.
- Be patient – For many patients, speech returns to normal within a few days or weeks. Stay the course and don’t give up.
- Wear your aligners consistently – The more you wear your aligners, the faster your mouth will adjust. You should be wearing them around 22 hours each day anyway, only removing them to brush your teeth and eat meals.
While it can feel frustrating to have even a minor change in your speech, remember that it’s temporary and part of the process toward a healthier, straighter smile. Most patients adapt quickly, and many people won’t even notice the difference in your speech; just remain patient and keep practicing!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Milford has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Milford and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 473-2002.