Can Invisalign Alter a Person’s Speech?

Many people considering Invisalign® have valid concerns about whether or not there will be a noticeable difference in the way they talk. According to a Nedwed study, 93% of patients did not experience any speech impediments while using Invisalign®. In a subsequent study, Nedwed found that 46% of those who did experience speech issues had no persisting trouble with speech. Any alterations experienced are usually minimal and quickly remedied.

Potential speech issues while using Invisalign®

The thing to keep in mind is speech alterations can occur while using any type of oral dental appliance. Retainers, traditional braces and other mouthpieces have the potential to affect speech because the available space inside the mouth is changed as well as the way the tongue is able to move.

Slight lisp

The speech defect known as the lisp occurs when the "s" and "z" sounds are pronounced the same way as the" th" sound. This can result when airflow in the mouth is impacted by improper placement of the tongue. Dental mouthpieces impact both the space inside the mouth and tongue motion against the teeth, so word pronunciation may be altered.

It is important to remember a lisp that has been fixed may reoccur with each new set of aligners as the teeth are continually adjusted. The tongue may need time to readjust, but it should not take as long as when the initial aligners were inserted. In some cases, an Invisalign® tray that does not fit properly can cause a lisp. That makes it crucial to keep your mouth very still during the molding process and visit a trusted dentist for treatment.

Change in speech style

Because the mouth feels different, patients may at first speak more slowly and slur words. It will take more work to talk quickly and enunciate. Although it may seem initially awkward, talking is actually the key to returning to a normal speech style. The faster the tongue gets used to functioning with the aligners in place, the faster any alterations in speech will disappear.

Dental appliances can change speech style by adding thickness to the roof of the mouth, as well as to the front and backside of the teeth. The good news about Invisalign® aligners is:

• They are made of very thin plastic
• They fit extremely snugly
• They only cover the tooth surface

This means any speech changes are typically small and will naturally fade with time. Everyone adjusts differently to these aligners. Some have speech issues for the first few hours while others take several weeks to speak normally again.

Conclusion

The potential benefits provided by Invisalign® treatment typically far outweigh any slight awkward feelings or speech alterations. In most cases, aligners are far less invasive and cause fewer speech issues than other dental mouthpieces. Any changes in speech resulting from aligners usually do not last long and are simple to correct. The effects of a new set of aligners on speech can be remedied more quickly by frequent talking.

Are you considering Invisalign® in the Delray Beach area? Get more information at https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com.

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