While they can help you attain a straighter smile and look subtle, some may have concerns that aligners will impede their speech ability. Speaking clearly and confidently is a key component of success both in your professional and personal life. No one wants to stammer and slur through a presentation they’re giving at work. In this post, you’ll find discussion about the potential challenges Invisalign may present to your speech and what you can do about it.
Why Would I Experience Issues with My Speech?
Alterations in your speech can happen when using any type of oral dental appliance, whether it’s a retainer, traditional braces, or a mouthguard. The available space inside of your mouth, as well as the movement of your tongue, are limited when adding something to your natural teeth; this is why when you wear your aligners, or trays, you may experience an adjustment period as your mouth gets used to the new device.
What Kind of Issues Can I Expect?
While it’s not guaranteed, you may experience some difficulties speaking. One of the most common challenges is the development of a lisp. It can be difficult to articulate words with “s” and “sh” sounds in them, and you might notice a bit of lisping in your speech. Some may be able to work this out within the first few days, while others will need a little more time to adjust.
Your mouth will feel different at first as you get used to wearing your trays. Dental devices can alter your speech style by adding thickness to the roof of your mouth and the front and backside of your teeth. You may find that you can’t enunciate words as quickly as you’re used to.
What Can I Do to Improve My Speech?
There are a variety of ways you can get over the initial hump of challenges to your speech, including:
- Practicing speaking: Like with sports or any other skill you want to get better at, you have to practice. Speak out loud and challenge yourself with the words and sounds that are tripping you up.
- Reading aloud: Grab any reading material and set aside some time to read out loud. If you stumble, try that passage over again, and don’t give in to frustration.
- Recording yourself: By recording yourself speaking or reading, you can more easily identify the words and sounds that you’re having difficulty with.
- Speaking slowly and standing straight: A slow, relaxed pace will help with pronunciation, and good posture allows proper airflow through your voice box.
While you may experience some initial difficulty, be encouraged – with a little time, patience, and practice, you’ll be speaking as confidently as you were before Invisalign!
About the Author
Dr. Lauri Barge is a graduate of the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has since been committed to ongoing education, including study in complex restorative and aesthetic cases at the Las Vegas Institute. Having issues with your Invisalign treatment, or interested in learning more about the process? Dr. Barge and our team at Lauri Barge DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can see to your needs, whether it’s with Invisalign or one of our other services offered, like preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry. Visit us online for an appointment today, or call our Flower Mound office at (972) 539-3800.