Today, Invisalign aligners are a modern and popular orthodontic treatment method that can straighten your teeth in just several months. However, many patients ask: does Invisalign cause speech problems? In this article, we answer this question.
Does Invisalign Cause Speech Problems?
Any orthodontic solution can cause temporary speech problems or a lisp. This happens because the appliance changes the amount of space inside your mouth. Thus, the way your tongue moves when you speak changes, too, which might feel unnatural and cause some discomfort. However, in most cases, patients soon get used to the new position of the tongue and the amount of space in the mouth and begin to speak normally again.
Even though Invisalign aligners are very thin, they still affect the amount of space and the position of the tongue. Thus, a lisp might develop while you adjust to wearing the aligners. However, for most patients, the changes in the way they speak are minor and more noticeable to them than to the people around them.
How Long Will the Lisp Last?
The good news is that the lisp or any other speech problems caused by your new aligners should go away in several days. Some patients might need a more extended adjustment period—up to a couple of weeks.
However, if you experience a lisp or other speech issues for longer than a month, contact your dentist for advice and a checkup. It is possible your aligners do not fit properly and have to be adjusted or replaced.
How to Make Speech Problems Caused by Invisalign Go Away Faster?
Once you get accustomed to your new orthodontic appliances, you will most likely not experience any speech issues. Even when you change to a new set of trays, you will speak normally, as they will remain the same thickness throughout the treatment. Follow these steps to make the process easier:
Wear Your Aligners as Much as Possible
It can be tempting to remove your aligners and let yourself rest when you experience discomfort. However, wearing Invisalign for the recommended 22 hours every day is the most crucial step in having the lisp go away faster. The sooner you get used to your new appliances, the sooner you will be able to speak normally. You can take out your trays if you have an important presentation or speech, but still, make sure that you wear the aligners for at least 20 hours that day.
Practice Speaking
Another advice is to try speaking as much as you can to get the necessary practice. You can also try pronouncing challenging words over and over again or try reading tongue twisters, books, and poetry aloud. Pay attention to how you pronounce words and speak slowly and deliberately at first. You will be able to come back to your natural pace of speaking once you have enough practice.
Stay Hydrated
When you start wearing your trays, you might experience excessive dryness in the mouth. It can worsen the lisp or other pronunciation issues. Make sure to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist throughout the day by drinking plenty of water.
Prevent Rubbing
If you experience discomfort or pain because the new appliances rub the soft tissue in the mouth, it can also make speaking challenging. You can solve this issue by using dental wax to prevent rubbing, making speaking more comfortable.
Can I Avoid Speech Problems with Invisalign?
Unfortunately, neither you nor your doctor will be able to predict whether you will experience any speech issues. There are no ways to prevent the possibility of the lisp developing when you start wearing the aligners. The severity of the issue largely depends on each case.
We recommend accepting that some adjustment period will be needed and practicing speaking with the new device patiently until the lisp goes away.
According to some studies, braces are less likely to cause prolonged speech issues compared to Invisalign, since they take up less space in the mouth and do not cover your teeth entirely. Thus, if you are worried about having a lisp due to the nature of your job or other activities you engage in, opting for traditional braces might be a safer option for you.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to start your journey to a perfect smile today. Call our office and get an effective orthodontic treatment in Mission Viejo. We offer a wide range of orthodontic solutions, and our specialists will be able to offer you the option most suitable for your goals and needs.
We look forward to your visit to Dentist Mission Viejo.