Many patients considering Invisalign wonder how it works and whether there are any side effects. If you’re among them, you’ll be glad to know that these clear aligners are just as effective as traditional braces with fewer restrictions or irritations. However, when you first begin treatment, you may notice a slight change in your speech. But why is that, and will it go away? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Invisalign May Make You Lisp
When you first put in your aligners, your tongue has to get used to the sudden, small change in space. Even if it’s just a very slight change, this can sometimes cause a slight speech hiccup, especially with sounds like “s” or “sh.” The trays don’t change your voice or anything so drastic—they just make your mouth work a little harder until you adjust.
How Long Do These Speech Changes Last?
While it can be off-putting to hear you’ll likely need to deal with a lisp, most patients adjust very quickly. In fact, most are back to normal within a week or two. During this time, your tongue figures out how to move around the aligners, and the issue usually disappears. The more you wear your aligners and practice speaking, the faster your adjustment will be.
Tips to Speed Up Your Adjustment Process
If you want to ditch your lisp as soon as possible, here are some simple tips you can use to accelerate the adjustment process:
- Practice out loud. Read a book or talk to yourself in the mirror every day.
- Stay consistent. Wear your aligners as directed so your tongue adjusts quickly.
- Hydrate often. Dry mouth can make lisps sound more pronounced.
- Be patient. Don’t worry if your voice sounds different at first—just remind yourself that it’s part of the process.
These small efforts can help you get comfortable speaking with aligners in no time. With a little practice and patience, your speech will sound as natural as ever while your smile gets straighter every day.
Invisalign may cause a short “speech bump” on your road to a straightened smile, but it won’t last forever. If any issues linger beyond the first couple of weeks, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can make adjustments or rule out other causes, so you can get back to living life without missing a single conversation.
About the Practice
Dr. Khoi Le and Dr. Edward Murray provide personalized Invisalign treatment to help patients achieve the perfectly straightened smiles they desire. Our team at Khoi Dental Group is happy to offer guidance and support so you can feel confident, whether you’re at the beginning of your treatment or nearing the end. Call (904) 262-8409 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with us or visit our website to discover a full menu of services.