Clear aligners are some of the most sought-after orthodontic solutions. Their discreet appearance and superior flexibility make them attractive to those who want to avoid metal brackets and wires to straighten their teeth. They offer many great benefits, but one reality that comes with these aligners is how they can change a person’s speech. Is it permanent? How obvious is it? These are normal questions to ask when considering whether you want to pursue clear aligner treatment for your smile.
Do Clear Aligners Cause Changes in Speech?
In most cases, yes, patients can expect to notice a slight change in their speech when wearing clear aligners.
The reason is that the tongue, teeth, and surrounding oral tissues must adjust to the new appliance inside the mouth. Since these trays cover the lower and upper arches of teeth, there is a good chance that a small lisp will form, but not permanently.
Initially, the change will be more prominent; however, as your mouth adjusts to the aligners, it will begin to fade until it is no longer noticeable.
Can You Speed Up This Timeframe?
There are ways to overcome the lisp you develop while wearing clear aligners. It will require persistence on your part, but you will begin to notice a substantial improvement if you:
- Practice hard-to-pronounce letters or sounds while at home
- Read aloud to yourself or to someone else, repeating difficult words or sounds along the way
- Slow down how fast you speak so that you can fully pronounce certain words
- Maintain good posture while speaking, as this allows for proper airflow so that you can talk more clearly and easily
- Record yourself while reading so that you can hear what you sound like and practice various words, sounds, and phrases to improve over time
The most important thing to remember is that your lisp will not last forever. This temporary change is normal for most individuals who wear clear aligners, so you’re not alone. After the initial phase is over, you’ll begin to sound like your normal self again.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
Grand Dental – Naperville is led by a team of dental experts whose mission is to help patients take back their oral health and enjoy life with a healthier smile. When clear aligners become the treatment of choice for individuals who want a straighter smile, our team is here to ensure the process is successful from beginning to end. Since speech changes are common during treatment, we will recommend ways to quicken the adjustment period so that the person can resume life as normal much sooner.
Visit our website or call us at (630) 576-9970 if you have questions about clear aligner treatment and what you can expect.