When choosing Invisalign in Alhambra to realign your crooked smile, you probably already know many of the great benefits you can expect to experience while wearing these clear aligners. From improved functionality and flexibility to less irritation and faster results, you cannot go wrong with this unique method of orthodontics. But did you know that Invisalign can slightly affect your speech in the beginning? In this article, we will go over what you can expect as well as receive a few tips that will help you to start sounding like your “normal” self again.
What Causes a Person’s Speech to Change While Wearing Invisalign?
While people may be unable to see your Invisalign trays, they may discover you are undergoing orthodontic treatment because of the way you sound once you begin to wear your aligners. This is completely normal, as your mouth must adjust to these new objects; however, because the trays are thin, any variation in your speech will be minimal.
A slight lisp may develop, and certain words and syllables may sound a bit slurred. Because the tongue presses against the backside of your upper teeth when talking, the thin barrier of plastic can make “s” and “z” sound more like “th.” Fortunately, any speech impediment that develops should only last a few short days.
Ways to Help Your Speech Return to Normal
When meeting with your dentist in Alhambra about your Invisalign aligners and if they will affect how you talk, don’t be surprised if you’re provided some helpful tips that can minimize the change in your speech and get you back to sounding “normal” sooner rather than later. Some of the most common tips patients receive include:
- Practice enunciating certain words over and over again. This will reduce the severity of the lisp, allowing you to sound clearer when talking.
- Read aloud to yourself or others, so you can become more accustomed to talking while wearing your aligners.
- Continue talking to family, friends, and colleagues. Although it may sound odd at first, the more your talk, your tongue will adjust to the new thin plastic much quicker, allowing your speech to return to normal much quicker.
Invisalign is one of the best ways to straighten and realign your smile. Even if you do experience a slight speech impediment, trust that it should only last a few days before you begin to sound normal once again. Once you are finished with treatment, you may discover that the way you talk is far better than before, giving you greater confidence and a beautiful, healthy smile.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra, our team of dentists enjoys helping you and your family achieve optimal oral health. If you are missing one or more teeth and need a viable tooth replacement solution, we can use dental implants that are designed to replicate your natural tooth root and restore the look of your smile. Using only the very best materials and dental technology, you will feel confident and comfortable embracing new opportunities with a complete set of teeth. To find out if you are eligible for dental implants, contact us at (682) 289-6131.