Chances are you’ve heard of Invisalign clear aligners. They made quite the entrance when they emerged on the orthodontic scene, claiming to straighten teeth without bulky metal. This promise turned out to be true, and thousands of crooked smiles have since been corrected with these nearly invisible trays. Still, the fact remains: you’re putting an oral device into your mouth. Won’t that make talking difficult?
Yes – but not for long, and maybe not as dramatically as you’re thinking. Get ready to dive into the details of talking with Invisalign.
The Invisalign Profile
While Invisalign trays can be compared to a mouthguard or post-braces retainer, that better describes how they sit on your teeth. These aligners are actually thinner and more snug than other oral devices. This makes them less obstructive, meaning you’ll have plenty of room for turning sounds into words.
Adjust, Adapt, Overcome Saliva
However, easier to talk around doesn’t equate to being free of challenges. You know that Invisalign trays are working to straighten your teeth, but your mouth doesn’t! Since you’re introducing a completely new and foreign object to your oral biome, your mouth produces more saliva in an effort to keep things hydrated. That’s what it’s supposed to do to promote your health, but it does make speaking bothersome.
Fortunately, once your oral biology calms down, it will ease up on the saliva production. You’ll start adjusting to your Invisalign trays as well. That’s why it’s important to keep talking!
Don’t Stop Yapping!
The more you practice talking, the more natural your aligners will feel. Many Invisalign users report that any speech difficulties they encounter fade or completely vanish after about a month. Until then, here are some tips for lessening potential frustrations:
- Slow down when you talk
- Take care to enunciate
- Straighten your posture
- Give yourself grace and be patient
It can be annoying to re-learn something you’ve been doing perfectly for years – there’s no denying that! However, Invisalign trays are low-profile enough that your difficulties are likely to be temporary. Remember that it gets easier to talk over time, and your dentist is available to answer your questions. They’re your dental support team, so don’t be afraid to call them when you need help!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Chaffee is an experienced dentist with advanced knowledge in orthodontics. He’s also a Certified Invisalign Provider, meaning you can trust him to administer quality treatment. Between his outstanding credentials and commitment to helping patients feel welcome and comfortable, you can be rest assured that you’re in good hands. To schedule an appointment or contact the office with questions, call 805-576-8157 or visit Dr. Chaffee’s website.