Braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles, but they’re also notoriously awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, the metal wires and brackets detract from your appearance.
Thankfully, your dentist can reposition your grin more discreetly with Invisalign. This clear alternative to standard orthodontics is “invisible” so it won’t draw unwanted attention to your teeth. However, many patients worry that this treatment will alter their speech patterns. If you’re considering Invisalign, continue reading to learn more about it!
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as more people realize they can achieve their smile goals without having bulky brackets cemented to their teeth for months or years at a time. This method utilizes transparent plastic trays that are customized to fit over your teeth to reposition them gently. You must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their previous places.
After a week or two, your provider will give you the next aligners in your series to wear to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. Most patients complete this treatment within 12 to 18 months, which is shorter than the average 18 to 24+ months with braces.
Will Invisalign Impact My Speech Patterns?
Because these clear trays fit over the tops of your chompers, many patients wonder whether the plastic will alter their ability to enunciate different sounds. While it’s indeed possible that this might occur, the impact is usually temporary and can be overcome with enough time, patience, and practice.
Any oral appliance has the potential to impact how you press your tongue against your teeth to form unique words, and Invisalign is no exception. Some patients develop a slight lisp when trying to utter “s”, “z”, or “th” sounds. You might also inadvertently slur or speak more slowly when you first begin wearing your trays until you acclimate to their presence in your mouth.
How Can I Adjust to Speaking with Invisalign?
Fortunately, the changes to your speech that can sometimes happen when starting Invisalign are usually temporary. The plastic trays are thin, so it doesn’t usually take long to overcome any alterations in your speaking ability. Some people overcome any issues in a matter of hours, while it takes others a few weeks to relearn how to speak more normally with their clear orthodontics inserted.
You can try reading out loud to yourself at home, where you don’t have to worry about being judged for any mistakes, to adjust more quickly. You can also record yourself, then listen and identify problem sounds to practice until they’re perfected.
That said, an estimated 93% of Invisalign patients don’t notice any changes in their speech patterns, meaning your ability to communicate is not likely to be seriously affected by your treatment.
Meet the Author
Dr. Anita Madhav has 20+ years of experience helping patients build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. She graduated from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry, and today, offers a wide variety of services to meet your needs at one convenient location, including Invisalign. Then, she utilizes state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you want to reposition your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 618-1111.
