Like many Americans, you’d like to straighten your teeth. Invisalign clear aligners offer a comfortable, low-profile way of doing so, but whether it be due to someone you know or things you’ve heard, you’re worried about how you might sound during treatment. Basically, you want to know whether Invisalign will affect your speech. Keep reading, and you’ll see why this likely won’t be much of a problem!
How Does Invisalign Work?
After taking precise impressions of your teeth, your dentist will provide you with your first set of Invisalign trays. These clear plastic aligners are similar to athletic mouthguards, except that they’re slimmer and more low-profile. They’re also designed to not only fit snugly in your mouth, but also gently nudge your teeth into straighter positions by applying pressure. Every so often, you’ll advance to a new set of trays that will continue to guide your pearly whites.
Since you’ll have a foreign oral appliance in your mouth, it’s natural to wonder whether the added bulk with affect your speech!
Will I Be Able to Talk Normally?
Fortunately, Invisalign trays aren’t so bulky that they’ll impair your speech permanently. You might experience some difficulty pronouncing certain sounds clearly, particularly “s,” “th,” and “z.” However, as you get more and more used to the way Invisalign sits in your mouth, you should be able to talk as you normally would.
How Can I Get More Adjusted to My Aligners?
The more you talk with your aligners, the easier it will be to enunciate! Professionals and Invisalign enthusiasts alike recommend the following tips:
- Read out loud, either to yourself or to a trusted audience
- Speak slowly and carefully, paying special attention to how your mouth moves with your aligners
- Record yourself when you talk so you can play the recording back and hear how you sound
- Make sure you’re standing up straight – this allows for proper airflow and can make talking feel more natural
You can also rely on your loved ones for help. Ask them to be patient with you and encourage you to speak more often. Once you’re talking like a pro, they’ll likely forget you’re wearing Invisalign aligners in the first place!
About the Practice
At San Marcos Gentle Dental, our three exceptional dentists are ready to help you with all your oral health needs. If you’re interested in Invisalign, our resident expert, Dr. J. Robert (Bob) Donnelly, would be happy to meet with you for a consultation. His advanced training enables him to provide quality treatment for those looking to straighten out their teeth, and he can provide top-notch tips for getting adjusted to your new aligners. To book your appointment today, call our office at 512-396-5225.