Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces for people seeking to straighten their teeth. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. However, some people may wonder if wearing Invisalign can affect their ability to speak clearly.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The aligners are custom-made for each patient and are changed every two weeks to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Invisalign aligners are removable, making eating and brushing teeth easier than with traditional braces.
How Invisalign Affects Speech
Invisalign aligners are designed to fit snugly over the teeth and may initially feel slightly uncomfortable. It can take a few days to get used to speaking with the aligners in place. Some people may experience a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words during this time.
The tongue plays a crucial role in speech, and Invisalign aligners can affect its position in the mouth. The aligners cover the teeth and can push the tongue forward, causing it to rest differently in the mouth. This change in tongue position can affect speech and cause difficulty in pronouncing certain sounds.
The most common sounds affected by Invisalign are those made with the tongue, such as “s,” “z,” “sh,” “ch,” and “j.” These sounds require the tongue to be in a specific position in the mouth, and the aligners can make it difficult for the tongue to reach that position. However, with practice, most people adjust to the aligners and are able to speak clearly.
Tips for Speaking Clearly with Invisalign
If you are experiencing difficulty speaking with Invisalign, there are some tips you can try to improve your speech:
1. Practice Speaking
The more you speak with the aligners in place, the easier it will become. Practice reading aloud or having conversations with friends or family to help adjust to the aligners.
2. Speak Slowly
When you slow down your speech, you can better concentrate on pronouncing each sound correctly. When you speak, do not hurry your words and take your time saying what you have to say.
3. Use Tongue Twisters
Phrases that are considered to be tongue twisters are ones that are difficult to utter, even for people who do not use orthodontic appliances. Tongue twisters are a fun way to exercise your tongue and enhance your pronunciation of certain sounds as well as your overall communication skills.
4. Use Dental Wax
If the aligners are irritating the tongue or rubbing against it, using dental wax on the aligners will offer a smooth surface, making speaking more comfortable and preventing the aligners from creating any further discomfort.
5. Speak to Your Orthodontist
Talk to your orthodontist if you are experiencing considerable difficulty speaking as a result of wearing Invisalign. They might be able to alter the aligners to better fit your teeth or provide you with further advice to help enhance your speech.
Conclusion
Invisalign can affect your ability to speak clearly, especially in the initial stages of treatment. However, with practice and patience, most people adjust to the aligners and are able to speak normally. If you are experiencing difficulty speaking with Invisalign, try practicing and speaking slowly, using tongue twisters, using dental wax, and speaking to your orthodontist. With these tips, you can improve your speech and continue on your journey to a straighter smile.
If you are looking for a dental institution that also specializes in Invisalign in Westborough, MA, look no further than our experienced practitioners here at Family Dental of Westborough. Our office is always open for dental care, cleanings, and routine maintenance, consistent with Massachusetts Phase 2 guidelines. Call us today to book your first Invisalign appointment with us.