Can Invisalign Affect the Way You Speak?

If you want a discreet way to straighten your teeth, you may want to consider Invisalign in Houston, TX. Are you concerned that their impact on your speech will be a dead giveaway that you’re wearing clear braces? When it comes to Invisalign treatment, this is a legitimate concern. However, any dental or orthodontic appliance in your mouth has the potential to affect the way you speak. Fortunately, any problems with Invisalign are usually minor and easily remediable! Continue reading to learn what to expect from this treatment and how to reduce any potential speech impediments.

How Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?

Invisalign employs thin, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. Because the trays are so thin, they will only have a minor impact on your speech. For the first few days of treatment, you may notice a slight lisp. It will be most noticeable when making the “s,” “sh,” or “z” sounds. It should, however, dissipate as your mouth adjusts to the braces.

When you begin treatment, you may also notice a change in your speech style. Because you’re not used to having something in your mouth that restricts movement, you may speak slowly and slur words at first. However, the faster your tongue becomes accustomed to working with Invisalign, the faster any changes will fade. Talking is the key to speaking normally again! The adjustment period varies from person to person, taking anywhere from a few hours to several weeks for speech impediments to fade.

How to Overcome a Speech Impediment

One of the best things about Invisalign is that you can correct any changes in your speech within a few days. It may be instinctive to speak as little as possible to conceal a speech impediment, but frequent talking is the key to resolving the issue! Here’s what you can do to adjust more quickly:

• Practice the pronunciation and enunciation of the words you’re having trouble with all the time.
• Try reading aloud to yourself (or others)
• Increase your conversations with friends and family.

What if my speech impediment hasn’t gone away?

If you’re worried about how Invisalign will affect your speech, don’t be—they don’t last long and can be easily corrected by following the tips provided above! Above all, the benefits of this treatment far outweigh the minor changes in speech.