Will Invisalign Affect the Way I Speak?

Goochland Dentistry uses the Invisalign system to straighten teeth comfortably and conveniently. Many patients love Invisalign for its discreteness. Furthermore, the aligners are detachable, allowing you to remove them when eating or cleaning your teeth.

While Invisalign aligners have numerous benefits, many patients are concerned about whether the treatment affects speech. Our Invisalign-Certified dentist, Dr. Peter Murchie, explains what to expect from Invisalign treatment and how to reduce possible speech impediments.

Does Invisalign affect speech?

Instead of metal wires and brackets, Invisalign and other clear aligner treatments use thin, lightweight, clear plastic trays to shift your teeth gradually with comfort and ease. But do these trays affect how you talk? Truth be told, any dental appliance in the mouth affects how you speak. However, since Invisalign aligners are so slim, the impact on your speech is minimal, if at all.

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Most speech changes are more pronounced in the first few days of treatment as your oral structures adapt to the trays. Because of the decreased space in the mouth, your tongue movement could be affected, creating a lisp when pronouncing words with the letters “s,” “z,” and “sh.”

However, not everyone is affected, and the changes are minor. Even better, the lisp lasts only a few days — your natural speaking ability will be restored once your mouth adjusts to the trays. .

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How to manage speech impediments

When you notice speech changes with your braces on, it’s natural to minimize talking to hide the speech impediment. However, talking frequently is the key to restoring your natural speech.

Following are the steps you can take to adapt quickly:

Note the letters you have difficulty pronouncing, and frequently practice repeating them
Try reading aloud to yourself or others
Converse more with friends and loved ones

What if your speech impediment doesn’t go away?

If you have tried the tips above and your speech hasn’t improved, please talk to your Invisalign provider. The problem could be because of the fit or placement of the trays.

Straighten your smile with the Invisalign treatment!

Goochland Dentistry has helped countless patients achieve straight, healthy smiles with Invisalign — and many of these patients are extremely happy with the treatment.

If you want to transform your smile with Invisalign in Manakin-Sabot, VA, please call (804) 784 4624 to reserve an appointment with Dr. Peter Murchie.