When it comes to fixing crooked teeth, wearing awkward metal braces is no longer your only option. Invisalign clear braces have allowed countless adults and teenagers to straighten their smiles without making any aesthetic or lifestyle sacrifices. As the name implies, the aligners are practically invisible. Since they’re removable, they don’t get in the way of your normal diet or dental hygiene routine. If you’re considering Invisalign, though, you might be wondering whether it will be noticeable when you talk. Here’s what you need to know about speaking with Invisalign.
Will Invisalign Affect the Way I Talk?
The short answer – yes, but not for long. As thin and smooth as Invisalign trays are, they cover parts of your mouth that are often used for speech. This tends to occur most prominently when making the “s” sound; the upper aligner covers the place where your two front teeth meet the roof of your mouth. When you place your tongue there to create the “s” sound, your tongue may get confused until it adjusts. That’s why many Invisalign patients have a slight lisp when they first start wearing the aligners.
With that said, not everyone experiences this. In fact, some patients never notice any speech changes or difficulties during their treatment. If you do, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to speed up the Invisalign adjustment process!
How to Get Used to Speaking with Invisalign
In most cases, it shouldn’t take more than a few weeks for speaking with Invisalign to feel like second nature. To get to this point quickly, remember that practice makes perfect! The more you talk while wearing your Invisalign aligners, the faster your tongue will grow accustomed to their presence. When possible, try singing your favorite songs, reading a story out loud, or even having a conversation with your pet. It can be especially helpful to practice saying words with a lot of “s” sounds, like “Mississippi” or counting from sixty to seventy a few times in a row.
When to Talk to Your Dentist
Getting adjusted to talking with Invisalign shouldn’t take too long. If it has been several weeks or even months and it doesn’t feel like you’ve made any progress, don’t be afraid to reach out to your dentist! The problem might be due to an aligner that doesn’t fit properly and needs to be adjusted. Whatever the case may be, your dentist can examine your mouth and come up with a solution that makes speaking with Invisalign simple and comfortable.
The results of Invisalign treatment could potentially last for the rest of your life, so taking a few weeks to adjust your speech patterns is well worth it. With the right guidance from your dentist, your speech should soon be as clear as the aligners themselves!
About the Practice
Our five talented dentists at Brown Reynolds Snow LeNoir Dentistry combine state-of-the-art dental technology with old-fashioned friendly service to create a truly unforgettable dental care experience. At our two locations in Richmond, VA, we provide a vast array of dental services for patients of all ages, including Invisalign. If you’re interested in beginning Invisalign treatment, or if you’re having trouble speaking with Invisalign, please contact us via our website.