Speaking, Clearly: Will Invisalign Affect How I Talk?

What have you heard about Invisalign treatment? Chances are, at least one person you know has taken advantage of it or plans to. It offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces for straight smiles and better dental health. However, many patients considering these clear aligners may wonder how it will affect their ability to speak.

If you want the truth about how Invisalign will affect your speech, continue reading.

Initial Adjustments with Invisalign

When you first start wearing Invisalign aligners, it’s normal to experience some adjustments in your speech. You may notice minor changes in pronunciation or find that certain sounds are slightly altered. This is because the aligners, though thin and transparent, introduce a foreign object into your mouth.

When this happens, your oral biome reacts producing more saliva than usual, and temporarily affects your tongue’s positioning and movement.

Adapting to the Aligners

As you continue to wear your aligners, your tongue and oral muscles will gradually adapt. In fact, most patients find that any speech changes they initially experience diminish or disappear within a month. The important takeaway is that the adjustment period is temporary and your speech will likely return to normal!

Practice Makes Perfect

As the old adage goes, “practice makes perfect.” If you find that your speech is affected by your aligners, there are strategies you can try to improve it!

Practice speaking aloud while wearing the aligners to help your mouth adjust to the new movements required for clear speech. Reading aloud, engaging in conversations with friends or family, and practicing specific sounds that may be challenging can all help improve your speech while wearing Invisalign.

So, while a speech adjustment period when you start using Invisalign is often expected, it’s typically temporary and minor. With time and practice, you’ll find your speech returning to normal quickly as you become accustomed to wearing the aligners. If you have any concerns about how Invisalign may affect your speech, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your dentist. Remember, clear communication is key to a successful Invisalign treatment. Despite any difficulties you face, the end result will be worth it!

About the Author

When you decide to get Invisalign for yourself, you’ll want a dentist with the experience and know-how to get it done right. Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky has been helping his patients achieve a straight smile with Invisalign for decades. He earned his dental doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and continues expanding his knowledge through continuing education, today. Call (215) 348-2224 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Terry F. Rakowsky, DMD, or visit the website to explore other services they provide.