Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment due to the many benefits it offers, such as its discreet appearance and the removable nature of the aligners. Before you move forward with treatment, though, you may wonder if there are any downsides to Invisalign. For example, will it affect your speech? This blog post shares some important information on that topic.
How Common Are Speech Problems with Invisalign?
Most patients do not experience any difficulties with their speech when they are using Invisalign aligners. In fact, one study from Nedwed found that 93% of patients notice no significant differences while they are using their trays!
Still, you might wonder about the people who do experience a difference in their speech. The same survey mentioned above found that for about half of those individuals, the issue is not persistent. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that just 3 – 4% of patients have ongoing speech problems with Invisalign.
How Exactly Can Invisalign Affect Speech?
The most common speech modification with Invisalign is a slight lisp, which could affect your ability to enunciate “s” and “z” sounds. That can occur because the aligners completely cover the exposed portion of the teeth, which can have an impact on the way the tongue interacts with them.
Other patients find that they have to speak more slowly than usual while they are wearing Invisalign aligners because it takes more effort to enunciate certain sounds.
How to Adjust to Speaking with Invisalign
If you notice any speech issues while wearing Invisalign, the problem is likely to go away after a bit of time and practice. Here are a few tips that may help you to adjust:
- Do not be afraid to talk. You might find it a bit awkward to speak while wearing your aligners, but that should not prevent you from trying! Read out loud or chat with trusted friends as you practice your pronunciation.
- Be patient. Although most patients adapt to Invisalign fairly quickly, others find that it takes a few weeks for them to feel comfortable talking with their aligners. If you have an event coming up where you want to be able to speak with confidence, you may decide to slightly delay the start of your treatment.
- Seek help if necessary. Ongoing speech problems with Invisalign could indicate that an aligner does not fit properly. Your dentist can assist you with this problem.
There is only a small chance that Invisalign will affect your speech, but most patients find that communicating while wearing their aligners is easy!
Meet the Practice
The experienced and compassionate team at Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield is proud to provide both Invisalign and traditional braces for members of our community. If you are interested in straightening your teeth, we would be pleased to answer your questions about the available treatment options. Get in touch with our office at 860-263-0441.