Invisalign offers countless advantages. It is a discreet, effective, and efficient way to straighten teeth. The removable nature of the aligners makes the treatment exceedingly convenient. But even though Invisalign has a subtle appearance, you might wonder if other people will notice your treatment because of the way you sound. Will Invisalign affect the way you speak? This blog post can give you a realistic preview of what to expect.
Speech Problems with Invisalign Are Rare
Studies have found that 93% of Invisalign patients experience no speech difficulties, so you can take comfort in knowing that your aligners are unlikely to affect your speech.
If you do notice a difference in the way you talk, it will probably be a subtle change. In fact, while you might experience a tiny lisp when you make “s” or “sh” sounds, others are unlikely to notice it. The lisp can occur because when the aligners are in place, they affect the way your tongue interacts with your teeth. This can lead to slight distortions in the way you pronounce words.
You might also find that you speak a little more slowly than normal. This happens simply because you are not yet used to the way your aligners feel. This issue is temporary and typically goes away in a matter of days or weeks.
Overcoming an Invisalign Lisp
Most patients who develop a lisp during Invisalign treatment are able to train themselves to speak more clearly after just a couple of days. How do they do so? Practice is the key. You can practice by chatting with your family members or reading out loud from your favorite book. As your mouth adapts to the way your aligners feel, you are likely to overcome any speech impediments and once again be able to express yourself with confidence.
What if Your Speech Impediment Does Not Go Away?
If you find that, even with time and practice, you are still struggling to speak normally with Invisalign, get in touch with your dentist. They might be a minor issue with the way your aligners were made, which your dentist can address by communicating with the Invisalign company.
Alternatively, if your aligners are fine and you continue to have a speech impediment, it could be that Invisalign is not the best treatment for you. Your dentist can talk to you about alternative methods of straightening your teeth.
Speech impediments with Invisalign tend to be both rare and mild. There is no need to be unduly concerned that this treatment will have a long-term effect on your ability to communicate.
Meet the Practice
The highly trained experts at All Dental in Westborough are proud to offer Invisalign and traditional metal braces. If you have questions about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, we are ready to consult with you. Contact our team at 508-217-7265.