Many people want straighter smiles but prefer to avoid the hassle, discomfort, and frustration associated with traditional braces. Thankfully, many dentists offer a more discreet alternative with Invisalign.
Unlike standard orthodontics, which rely on metal brackets and wires, this service uses a series of transparent trays that fit over your arches to gently shift your teeth to their ideal places. But you’re not alone if you’re wondering whether this coverage might affect your speech patterns. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from speaking with Invisalign!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Once your dentist examines your mouth and determines you’re a good candidate for this treatment, they’ll take accurate digital impressions of your teeth and upload them to Invisalign’s software to design your custom-fitted trays.
Once they arrive, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting places. Then, after a week or two, you’ll be directed to switch to the next pair of trays in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your smile. Many patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, though your individual treatment timeline can depend significantly on your unique circumstances.
Will Invisalign Impact How I Speak?
It can sometimes take patients a week or two to adjust to wearing their clear aligners consistently, and it’s possible to develop slight changes in your speech patterns. For example, you might notice a lisp, especially when trying to pronounce “s”, “z”, and “th” sounds.
This occurs because the trays cover all sides of your teeth, including the surfaces you must press your tongue against to form certain sounds. Thankfully, most patients overcome these changes relatively quickly, but they can recur when you switch to the next set of aligners in another week or two.
How Can I Overcome Changes to My Speech from Invisalign?
If you’re worried about the way you sound when speaking with your trays inserted, you might try reading aloud to yourself at home, where you’re less likely to be judged for any errors you make. It can also help to record yourself so you can listen back and target any particularly challenging words or sounds you notice.
Once you find a process that works, you can try it again if you experience another lisp when you start wearing your next set of aligners.
If you have other pressing questions about what to expect from Invisalign treatment, your dentist can provide more accurate information based on your unique situation!
About the Practice
At Ambient Dental Spa, patients of all ages benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Hightower and Dr. Barrow share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a full menu of top-quality dental services, including Invisalign, using state-of-the-art technology for more accurate, comfortable results. If you want to straighten your smile or have questions about clear aligners, you can request an appointment on the website or call (301) 262-2624.