Will Invisalign Change My Speech?

Invisalign® aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Aligners are a good option since the appliances are less conspicuous and less invasive than traditional braces. A skilled dentist can achieve incredible results in 12 to 18 months. You may even start noticing results in a matter of weeks. While there are a few mild side effects, they can easily be corrected.

Invisalign and speech problems

Any type of dental appliance in the mouth may affect the way a person speaks. In many cases, this is due to the extra amount of thickness it adds to the roof of the mouth or the area behind upper front teeth. Invisalign clear aligners are made of very thin plastic. As a result, any impacts that they have on speech are usually very minor. Many patients do not usually encounter any major speech problems when wearing their aligners.

Speaking with Invisalign

Invisalign, like any other orthodontic appliance that stays in a person’s mouth, may take a few days to get accustomed to. The tongue may also need to get used to having it in the mouth. It is not unusual for people to notice at least some differences in the way they talk after starting Invisalign. Some people often notice a slight lisp or slur when speaking for a while.

But once a person gets used to wearing them, this issue should go away completely. In rare cases, a person may experience a speech problem that does not go away. If this occurs, the patient should talk to a practitioner. The good news is that the probability of developing a lisp with each set of new aligners is very low. By that point, the patient will have gotten used to wearing them.

Living with Invisalign

Many patients appreciate that Invisible clear aligners are removable. This means there are no food restrictions because patients can remove them when eating. Dentists often recommend removing aligners while eating. People do not have to worry about foods like popcorn or nuts that can get stuck in or damage traditional braces. Brushing and flossing teeth is also much easier since people can take them out.

A person can simply remove them, clean the teeth thoroughly, and then put them back in the mouth. This is much easier than when it comes to cleaning teeth with braces. People can also take aligners off for important occasions and events. But individuals should always keep in mind that the appliances should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. This means that people should only remove them when necessary and always keep them in the mouth afterward. When not in the mouth, people should keep them in their case to avoid losing them.

When to see a dentist

After starting Invisalign, patients may experience a lisp when speaking for a few days. One effective way to alleviate this issue is to practice speaking. But if you encounter a speech problem that does not go away, you should see your dentist as soon as you can. It could be a sign of other problems that need to be addressed.

Are you considering Invisalign in the Columbus area? Get more information at https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com.

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