Are you feeling self-conscious about gapped, overcrowded, or misaligned teeth? Braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles, but many patients prefer to avoid the hassle and frustration of having metallic brackets attached to their teeth.
Those seeking a more comfortable and discreet solution might benefit from Invisalign, which relies on clear trays that fit over your arches to shift them. But you’re not alone if you’re worried the trays might impact how you speak. Continue reading to learn more about how Invisalign might affect your speech and what you can do about it!
How Does Invisalign Work?
This clear alternative to traditional orthodontics utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your arches, exerting consistent yet gentle pressure to shift them over a designated period. However, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous positions.
Then, after about a week or two, your dentist will instruct you to switch to the next set in your series, which has slightly altered dimensions to continue the forward movement of your smile. Many patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, though the timeline could potentially be longer or shorter, based on your unique circumstances.
Will Invisalign Impact My Speech Patterns?
It’s only natural to wonder if wearing Invisalign might impact how you talk, and the truth is, there’s a chance that it could. Although the trays are quite thin, they do cover your enamel, which affects your ability to press your tongue against it in specific ways to form various sounds and words.
As a result, some patients develop a mild to moderate lisp or slur when they first start wearing their new trays. Fortunately, these changes are usually temporary and often resolve themselves within a few days to a week or two.
How Can I Overcome Changes to How I Speak with Invisalign?
Are you wondering if there are ways to overcome your altered speaking patterns more quickly? Thankfully, there are several ways you can hasten this transitional period, including:
- Practicing at home. You might try reading out loud to yourself for 10 to 15 minutes daily to pinpoint specific words and sounds that are challenging, and spend time rehearsing them until you feel more confident.
- Record yourself. Feel free to record your own voice as you practice, not only to identify additional areas to strengthen, but also to monitor your progress thus far.
- Adhere to recommended wear times. You might feel tempted to avoid wearing your aligners to speak more clearly, but then your mouth might not adjust as quickly as it would if you had followed your provider’s wear time instructions.
If you have additional questions about adjusting to your new treatment, you can learn more by contacting your dentist directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Neal has decades of experience helping people build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry and has completed over 200 hours of continuing education to offer the most contemporary treatment options, including Invisalign. His compassionate nature is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (804) 447-1435.