Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners can briefly affect speech as the wearer adjusts to them. Invisalign’s mouthpiece-like aligners, though custom-made from smooth, clear plastic and significantly more comfortable than metal braces, can initially alter tongue positioning when speaking.
The relatively brief acclimation period can temporarily alter pronunciation, particularly with sounds that require specific air flow or tongue positioning. However, as you (and your mouth) adapt to wearing the aligners, your speech should return to normal—this usually happens within a week or so.
Minimizing Invisalign's Impact on Speech
To expedite the process, it's essential to practice speaking while wearing your clear aligners, which helps your mouth acclimate to their presence.
In short, while there may be early speech challenges associated with Invisalign aligners, most patients find these to be fairly minor and short-lived, considering them a small price to pay for a beautiful, symmetrical smile and a robust, properly aligned bite.
Find the Best Dentist for Invisalign in Watkinsville, GA.
If you’re in the Watkinsville area and want to learn more about Invisalign’s many benefits and how to optimize your treatment results with minimal impact on the clarity and comfort of your speech, contact Dr. Brent Nail and the excellent Athens Oconee Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!