Can Invisalign Affect the Way You Speak?

Invisalign is a relatively new treatment that straightens teeth. You have certainly heard about all of the advantages that Invisalign offers. Compared to the old metal braces, it is less painful. Moreover, it is more aesthetically attractive since it is “invisible.” 

Certainly, you’ve also heard about its drawbacks, such as the fact that it may take longer for your teeth to straighten than with metal braces. However, despite its reduced pain, the procedure isn’t completely free from discomfort. Apart from the discomfort you initially experience, there could be some drawbacks to it that can affect your social life, for example, difficulty speaking. 

Though in most cases, Invisalign does not affect the way you speak. It’s a legitimate concern when it comes to teeth straightening treatment. Therefore, you must know that any orthodontic device in your mouth has the potential to influence the way you talk or say certain words.

Thankfully, any concerns that may arise with Invisalign can usually be fixed efficiently! You can reduce any potential speech impediments by reading below about what to expect from this treatment.

How does Invisalign affect the way you speak?

The Invisalign system gradually shifts your teeth into place with thin, clear, plastic aligners. You won’t notice any difference in your speech since the trays are so slim. In the beginning, you may hear a slight lisp, and nothing serious. Making sounds like “sh”, “s”, or “z” will most likely reveal or grab your attention toward any speech issue. Once you get used to the aligners, it will dissipate.

During treatment, you might also notice a change in your speech style. Because you’re not used to having something in your mouth limiting your motion, you may speak slowly and slur words initially. The quicker you get used to aligners, the faster you will be able to correct any alterations. Speech impediments can fade in as little as a few hours to as many as several weeks, depending on the individual.

How can you keep speech problems away when wearing Invisalign?

There are some tips that you can follow to keep speaking issues at bay when wearing aligners for the very first time. Here are some tips for the same if you can follow: 

• Wear your aligners as much as possible: If you want to see any difference in the way you speak with aligners, then you must wear them as much as possible. Make sure only to remove it when you are eating or brushing. Wear it for at least 20 hours daily to get used to it quickly. 

• Converse as much as possible: You can easily get rid of any speech impediment if you try to talk as much as possible when wearing Invisalign. In order to say words clearly without any discomfort, you are saying letters or words that you find difficult to talk about again and again while wearing aligners. This will help you get in the habit of conversing more.
• Try reading loudly to others: Practicing pronunciation and reading newspapers or books loudly to others will help you with your speech problem.  Developing your pronunciation and enunciation of words can help you adapt to your new dental appliance and overcome a slight lisp. 

During the start of the treatment, most patients experience lisps. But when it does not disappear within a few weeks, it may be concerning. You should contact your dentist if your speech does not return to normal after trying the tips above. This could indicate that the mold does not fit or is not placed correctly in your mouth.