Invisalign is a lot of people’s first choice if they are considering orthodontic treatment. However, one of the most common things people ask is: Will this affect my speech? If you talk a lot in school, work, or social situations, it is certainly a reasonable question to consider.
In this blog, we will address what is true, what is not, and how getting the Invisalign in Santa Clarita may impact your speech.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a contemporary method of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to align teeth and create a comfortable orthodontic experience. Unlike traditional metal braces, they are almost unnoticeable. People also enjoy them because they can be removed when eating or brushing.
If you are interested in getting your own Invisalign, you should definitely bring up your concern about speech before you start treatment.
The orthodontist near you can inform you more about how Invisalign’s technology works and what to expect during any necessary adjustment period.
Can Invisalign Affect Your Speech?
The answer is yes, but only initially! As soon as your orthodontist fits your aligner, your tongue will get used to having an aligner in your mouth. This will likely result in a slight lisp or changes in the articulation of some words.
If you are getting Invisalign from an experienced orthodontist in Santa Clarita, your aligner will most likely fit your mouth. It’s not uncommon to experience speech and speech-related problems when wearing aligners. The issues of speech usually include one of the following:
- A slight lisp, especially during “s” or “sh” sounds
- A slight feeling of your tongue hitting the aligner
- Slight difficulty making some sounds or words
If changes in speech make you feel self-conscious, take comfort in knowing that most changes are temporary and will last from a few days to a couple of weeks at most!
Tips to Help You Adjust More Quickly
Here are a few easy things to consider in order to help adjust to speaking with the Invisalign aligners quickly:
- Practice Speech: Read aloud or talk in front of the mirror to get your tongue used to speaking with the aligners. By implementing this simple practice, you may train your tongue to become used to the aligners more easily.
- Wear Them as Directed: Wearing the aligners as prescribed, 20–22 hours daily, will hasten the mouth’s ability to adapt.
- Start Slow: For the initial few days, wear the aligners at home where your comfort is easier. Once you have been comfortable on your own, then you can start talking at social events or work.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep sipping. Sometimes dehydration can seep into your mouth so that speaking doesn’t feel as comfortable or easy.
- Speak with Your Orthodontist: If the necessary adjustments in speech continue, please let your dentist know so they can check to confirm that the aligners would be fitted comfortably in your mouth and/or if there is some fine-tuning of the aligners necessary.
Adjusting to Comfort with Aligners
Besides speech, comfort can be a concern. At first, the aligners may feel “tight,” or you will experience a “pressure” on your teeth as the aligners adapt the teeth to their new position. It is expected to feel “tight” on your mouth, as it will take its little bit of adjustment. Nothing to worry about, because pressure is normal, and it only tells you that the teeth are moving to a different position.
Once your mouth adjusts to wearing aligners for a short while, then it will feel the fit, and the pressure will be felt differently.
Regular office visits with a dentist near you will ensure that every aligner is working appropriately and that the discomfort (discomfort or speech) is alleviated.
Common Concerns about Speech with Aligners
There are likely to be some myths about Invisalign and speech. Let’s clear some things up for you right now:
Myth 1: My speech will change with Invisalign permanently.
Fact: Changes in speech are temporary and usually last a few days only.
Myth 2: My speech will change more than those who wear traditional braces.
Fact: Braces and aligners both can change speech, but with aligners, you will have smooth comfort as they are removable while eating.
Myth 3: Only children will have an impact on their speech.
Fact: The same presence of change can likely be observed in adults. However, this is only temporary.
When to Contact Your Dentist?
If speech or speech-related impediments have lasted longer than a couple of weeks, or the aligners feel uncomfortable after a couple of days, then you should let your dentist know. They can check that you have indeed prescribed all the aligners, fit them, or make sure they align wherever necessary.
Speak Clearly, Smile Confidently—Invisalign Made Easy with Smile Republic Ortho!
Invisalign can cause slight variations in the ability to speak, which is generally for a short period of time. Most patients will feel comfortable within a few days to a maximum of two weeks. Also, practicing speech, wearing aligners consistently, and consulting your orthodontist will help in minimizing any temporary discomfort.
At Smile Republic Ortho, we aim to make your experience as comfortable and efficient as possible. Our dentists will make sure the aligners fit well so that you can speak clearly while the alignment of your teeth improves.
Call us to book your consultation today, and know that there is no need to worry about the effect on your speech while obtaining a confident, beautiful smile using Invisalign. It is easier than you think to obtain a perfect smile with Smile Republic Ortho.
