Are you looking to get on a path towards a straighter smile? Invisalign is a great option for shifting your teeth to their aligned positions and it have numerous benefits. However, a valid concern that many people have is whether or not it will change the way that they speak. After all, it is a foreign object in your mouth, and you are bound to feel it with your tongue. Continue reading to learn about how it can affect your speech and some tips to help.
Possible Speech Issues with Invisalign
When you use any oral appliance, including retainers, traditional braces, and Invisalign, you could potentially notice that it affects the way you speak. Here are some of the possible issues you may experience:
- Slight Lisp: A lisp occurs when the “s” and “z” sounds are pronounced the same way as the “th” sound. This can happen when airflow in the mouth is impacted by the placement of the tongue. Since aligners affect the tongue motion against the teeth, this is a possibility as you become used to Invisalign.
- Speech Style: At the beginning of Invisalign treatment, the mouth will feel different from usual. This may mean speaking more slowly and slurring words. It will take more work to speak quickly and fully enunciate your words like you normally do. Once the tongue gets use to functioning with your aligners in, these differences in your speech should disappear.
How Can You Correct Your Speech with Invisalign?
Because humans are so adaptable, when patients notice that they’ve developed a speech impediment, the can often times naturally correct it after just a few days. Just remember that practice makes perfect! Take the time to practice pronunciation and enunciation of the words and sounds that you are having trouble with. This is usually the best way to overcome a slight lisp or slurring. Try reading aloud to yourself or having a conversation with a friend or family member that you feel comfortable around. Invisalign will not affect your speech in this way in the long run, so there is no need to worry. With enough practice and patients, you will be talking just like you normally do in no time!
If you’re worried about speaking with Invisalign, just remember that it takes practice. By staying determined and patient, you will have your voice back in a jiffy!
About the Author
Dr. Dalia Georgy earned her dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma and has over 200 continuing education credits to her name. She has also undergone extensive specialty training in braces, including courses from F.O.R.C.E Int. and Gerety Orthodontic Seminars. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Association, and American Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule a consultation at her office in Glenpool, visit her website or call (918) 201-1414.