As you look for ways to get the straighter set of teeth you dream of, you may be excited to start a convenient Invisalign treatment. This uses clear aligners to gently shift your smile into a healthier alignment, but did you know they may change how you talk? It won’t hinder your speech, but you may notice some minor differences. Many people aren’t aware this can happen, so here is what you can expect and how to combat it.
How Does Invisalign Make Me Talk Funny?
During your Invisalign journey, you will have to wear a set of aligners every day. Initially, you may notice how odd your mouth feels with them in. While they are thin plastic, it does take up a small amount of space that used to be free. It’s not uncommon for your tongue to bump into them while you are talking, often showing up as a slight lisp.
It may seem awkward at first because you may even have minor issues sounding out certain letters, such as “s” and “z.” Many people, during their treatment, may accidentally pronounce these as a “th” sound.
The good news is that this is all temporary! Since they are custom-fitted to your mouth, they will be much more comfortable than traditional braces. They won’t take up much room, meaning it takes a short couple of weeks to get fully used to them! This is expected and normal when it comes to wearing a new oral appliance.
How Can I Get Back to My Normal Speech?
While you may poke some fun at yourself for speaking a bit differently, there are ways you can get used to talking with them! For instance, you will have to wear your Invisalign trays for 20 to 22 hours every day to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. Not only will this ensure your smile is moving smoothly, but it will help you get adjusted to them faster. The more you wear them, the easier time you will have getting used to them compared to if you take them out consistently.
Additionally, you can record yourself reading aloud! This will help you find any words that have become tricky and let you fully sound them out. You can get used to saying each syllable and adjust how you talk to ensure it comes out clearly.
One of the best things you can do is to be patient with yourself! It may be frustrating at first if you aren’t used to speaking a bit differently, so try your best to stay calm. Take a deep breath and remember how this is only temporary. By the end, you will have an aesthetic set of teeth that may help you feel more confident.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra, you benefit from an experienced team of dentists who want to help you feel better about your smile. By being a premier provider of Invisalign clear braces, you enjoy a convenient treatment that gets you to a healthier alignment without any metal wires or brackets. We are here with you every step of the way, so you can ensure your orthodontic journey goes as smoothly as possible. If you want to learn more about how aligners can benefit you, schedule an appointment or call our office at (626) 289-6131.