Many of our patients report that it takes some time to adjust to speaking clearly with Invisalign clear aligners. You may notice a slight lisp or change in how you form certain words; this is common and to be expected. For most, speech returns to normal in a week or two.
Why Your Speech Is Affected by Clear Aligners
Clear aligners add a thin layer of plastic to the teeth. The tongue needs to adjust to this new surface when forming sounds. The adjustment is usually subtle and temporary, and those around you probably won’t notice, even during the first week.
Tips for Adjusting to Speech with Invisalign
There are a few steps you can follow to help your tongue adapt more quickly:
- Talk as much as possible: Reading aloud, speaking on the phone, and normal conversation all help the tongue adjust faster
- Practise tricky sounds: Words with "s," "th," and "ch" sounds are those that many people stumble over. Practising those words specifically can help speed the process.
- Wear your aligners consistently: Removing the aligners frequently to avoid the adjustment only slows down the process.
What If Speech Problems Persist?
In rare cases, speech adjustment takes longer than a couple of weeks. If a lisp persists beyond that, let your dentist at Park Place Dental know. Sometimes an ill-fitting aligner or fit issue can contribute and is worth checking.
In most cases, speech changes with Invisalign are brief and manageable. Contact Park Place Dental in Barrie, ON, at (705) 728-9922 if you experience any issues or want to book an Invisalign consultation and find out whether clear aligners are right for you.