Invisible Issue: Will Invisalign Impact My Speech?

Are you looking for a more comfortable, discreet way to straighten your smile than traditional braces? Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative that’s less noticeable and invasive than standard orthodontics.

Instead of brackets and wires, this treatment relies on transparent trays that fit snugly over your arches to gently shift them. However, many patients worry that the aligners will impact their ability to speak clearly. Continue reading to learn more about why this sometimes happens and what you can do about it!

How Does Invisalign Work?

Once you’ve consulted your dentist and they can confirm that you’re a good candidate, they’ll make impressions of your teeth that are shared with Invisalign, which uses them to design your trays. You must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous places.

Then, after about a week or two, you’ll be instructed to switch to the next set in your series. Most patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, though the overall treatment timeline can vary significantly based on your unique circumstances.

Will Invisalign Change How I Speak?

The smooth plastic trays of Invisalign are typically considered a less invasive treatment than braces because they’re removable. That means they have less impact on your daily habits, like your dietary decisions or dental hygiene routine  

However, it is indeed possible to develop a mild lisp, slur, or other change to your speech patterns, especially when you first start wearing new aligners. Some patients experience changes in the first couple of weeks of treatment as their tongue and other mouth muscles and tissues acclimate to the presence of their clear trays.  

How Can I Overcome Changes to My Speech from Invisalign?

Not all patients develop changes in the way they speak when they begin wearing their trays, but if you do, don’t lose hope! The effect is usually temporary and resolves on its own after a week or two as your smile adjusts to your treatment.

You can help speed up this process by practicing reading or speaking to yourself out loud at home, where you don’t have to feel as self-conscious if you make a mistake. You might even try recording yourself and listening for any challenging words or sounds to rehearse until you feel more confident in your enunciation. It can also help to try to speak more slowly until the muscles in your mouth relearn how to form different sounds with your aligners in place.

If you continue to struggle with changes in your speech patterns after a few weeks, contact your dentist to let them know so they can ensure your aligners fit properly.

About the Practice       

Patients at Springhetti Dentistry benefit from two dentists committed to providing you and your family with exceptional services to meet all your unique needs. Dr. Springhetti and Dr. Oberley collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to you and your family conveniently under one roof, including Invisalign. Their caring approach is combined with careful attention to detail and state-of-the-art technology for beautiful, accurate results you can count on. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (317) 875-7645.