Invisalign is a great way to straighten your smile, but it can come with its own set of challenges. One of them that hardly ever gets mentioned is how it affects your speech. But will your clear aligners make you talk funny as long as you’re wearing them? Continue reading to learn the answer and see how you can continue enjoying conversations with friends and loved ones during your treatment.
Can Invisalign Affect Your Speech?
When you first put in your Invisalign aligners, your mouth has to adjust to a new shape. That means your tongue might bump against the plastic trays or struggle a bit with certain sounds, especially “s” and “sh.”
This slight adjustment can cause a temporary lisp. But don’t worry, it usually fades within a few days—a couple of weeks maximum—as your mouth and tongue get used to the presence of your aligners.
Tips to Speak Clearly with Invisalign
Want to speed up your adjustment period? Try these simple tips:
- Practice Reading Aloud: Reading a book, singing your favorite song, or chatting with a friend can help your mouth adapt more quickly.
- Keep Your Aligners In: The more you wear them (22 hours a day is the goal!), the faster you’ll get used to them—and the sooner any speech changes will disappear.
- Be Patient with Yourself: Remember, this is temporary. You’ll likely notice the difference more than anyone else.
What If My Lisp Doesn’t Go Away?
In most cases, any lisp or speech change fades within a week or two. But if you’re still noticing issues after that, don’t panic. It could be an easy fix! Here’s what might be happening:
- Improper Fit: If your aligners aren’t fitting snugly, they may be affecting your tongue placement more than usual. Make sure you seat them properly each time you put them on and use the chewies that come with your kit.
- Normal Speaking Habits: Some people naturally speak with more tongue-to-tooth contact, which takes longer to adjust to. Practicing certain sounds can help retrain your speech muscles.
- Dry Mouth: Invisalign can sometimes reduce saliva flow, making speech feel different. Be sure to sip water throughout your day to keep your mouth moist.
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, call your dentist. They can assess the issue and may be able to make some adjustments to your aligners or treatment plan to help.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, including when you’re talking. While there might be a brief adjustment, you’ll be back to speaking clearly and smiling confidently in no time. So, don’t let a little initial sloshing shock you. Your new smile is worth the effort!
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Thomas Pogue is a skilled dentist with a doctorate from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Since graduation, he’s never stopped learning, taking every opportunity for continuing education through professional organizations, Implant Seminars, SPEAR, and the Sirona Institute. Call (563) 332-7734 to schedule your Invisalign consultation at Pleasant Valley Dentistry or visit our website to learn more.