One of the most popular ways to get a straighter smile is with Invisalign. These are clear aligners that you wear throughout the day to align your bite. They are much more convenient than traditional braces, but since they go over your teeth, your speech might change a bit. The good news is that it’s nothing drastic, but it can catch you off guard if you aren’t expecting it, so here’s what may happen.
How Will My Aligners Change How I Talk?
Your Invisalign trays are made from a thin plastic. They are much more comfortable than bulky metal wires and brackets, but they take up just a small amount of space in your mouth. While it may not be much, your tongue may bump into them, giving you a slight lisp.
Many people often find that they pronounce “s” and “z” sounds like “th.” This can feel a bit awkward at first, but it’s only temporary. Your aligners are customized to you, meaning that you can get used to them quicker than braces. Usually, it takes about a couple of weeks to get adjusted to them, but this is normal and expected with any oral appliance you’re new to.
What Can I Do to Get Used to Invisalign?
You may feel a bit self-conscious about this shift in your speech, but thankfully, there are things you can do to combat it, such as:
- Get the full 22-hour wear time. You will have to do this to keep your treatment on track, but sticking with it can help your mouth get adjusted faster. Taking them out too often can make it take longer to get used to them and delay your results.
- Practice reading out loud and record it, so you can hear any tricky words. By pinpointing which ones, you can take the time and fully sound them aloud to figure out how to say each one clearly.
- Talk with a trusted individual, and they can let you know about anything you say that’s a bit off.
In the end, one of the best things you can do is to take a deep breath! It’s easy to be short with yourself and get frustrated, but you should try not to get worked up. This altered speech is only temporary. In no time, you will get used to them and enjoy smooth sailing toward a healthier bite that you feel more confident in.
About the Practice
At Salt Run Family Dentistry, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists. We are here to help the Augustine community get the straighter smiles they want with Invisalign. By ensuring your trays are customized, you can trust that they feel much more comfortable than other orthodontic treatments. If you want to learn more about what you can expect with clear aligners, schedule an appointment or call our office at (904) 824-3540.