Over two decades ago now, Invisalign debuted their clear aligners and the world of orthodontics has never been the same. Now, more than 12 million patients have used this teeth-straightening treatment to perfect their smiles! Despite the popularity of clear aligners, however, there is still a lot of misinformation circulating on the internet. For example, you may have heard that you’ll have a lisp during your treatment. If so, then keep reading to learn the answer to the question, “Will Invisalign affect the way I speak?”
So, Will Invisalign Affect the Way You Speak?
If you’re worried about Invisalign affecting your speech, you’ll be happy to know that the large majority of patients don’t experience any changes at all. That’s because the clear aligners are made out of a patented material that’s incredibly smooth and thin. Furthermore, each tray is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. As a result, it won’t protrude in a bulky manner that requires a huge adjustment.
A Few Effective Ways to Adjust to the Learning Curve
As mentioned in the previous section, the patients that do experience a slight learning curve can have peace of mind knowing that the changes are temporary and minor. With that said, there are a few ways you can help speed up the process if it’s concerning you. Reading out loud is a great place to start. Whether you’re scrolling through your social media feed or flipping through a magazine, read the captions and articles to practice. When you come across a more difficult word to pronounce, repeat it a few times to help your tongue adjust.
5 Incredible Benefits of Invisalign
If you’re still deciding whether or not you’re ready to commit to Invisalign, it can be helpful to learn about all the benefits of clear aligner treatment, including:
- The average treatment timeline is just 12-18 months.
- There aren’t any dietary restrictions.
- You don’t need to adopt any complicated oral hygiene regimens.
- There are fewer check-in appointments.
- The trays are custom-made with comfort in mind.
Simply put, you shouldn’t let your fear of adjusting to the aligners stop you. Changes to your speaking patterns are more rare than you think and, when it does happen, very minor. Plus, you’ll have the gorgeous smile you’ve been dreaming of in an average of just 12 to 18 months!
About the Doctor
Although Dr. Aliana Henkin didn’t start practicing dentistry until 2007, she has been a part of the dental field her whole life – both of her parents are dentists! When it came time for her studies, she attended Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and had the honor of joining the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society. To this day, she prioritizes continuing education and maintains active memberships with professional organizations to hone and perfect her skills even further. If you have a question about life with Invisalign or you would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit her website or call (973) 949-0925.