Clear aligners are a reliable way to straighten your smile, but it will take time for you to become accustomed to wearing them for 20 to 22 hours every day. Until then, you may have to deal with a few challenges; in many cases, this can include changes to your speech. Many patients find that their clear aligners alter the way they talk at the beginning of their treatment. Below is a closer look at the kind of speech issues you can expect with your new aligners – as well as steps you can take to resolve them sooner.
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What Speech Issues Can Clear Aligners Cause?
When you first start wearing clear aligners, it’s normal to experience a slight lisp. The presence of the aligners in your mouth can change the positioning of your tongue when you’re trying to make the “s” and “z” sounds, causing them to come out like the “th” sound.
On top of that, clear aligners can sometimes have an impact on your speech style. You may find yourself speaking more slowly than normal, and you might develop a tendency to slur your words.
Fortunately, the speech issues mentioned above are typically very minor. You can normally expect them to go away on their own within a couple of weeks once your mouth has gotten used to your aligners.
How Can You Resolve Clear Aligner Speech Problems Sooner?
The key to overcoming the speech issues caused by clear aligners is practice. The more you speak with the aligners in your mouth, the sooner your tongue can learn to adjust for them. To give yourself as much practice as possible, try making a habit of reading aloud and repeating any particularly troublesome words.
In some cases, it can help to record yourself while you’re talking with your aligners. Listening carefully to the recording can make it easier to identify the kinds of words that are giving you trouble, thus helping you figure out what you need to focus on during your speech practice.
Make sure that you aren’t speaking too quickly with your aligners. It’ll be easier to pronounce your words correctly if you maintain a relaxed pace. Additionally, you should pay attention to your posture; standing up straight improves the flow of air to the larynx, which can go a long way toward making it easier to speak.
The exact amount of time it takes to adjust to clear aligners varies from person to person, but as long as you’re giving yourself plenty of time to practice, it shouldn’t be long before you get used to speaking with your new oral appliances. Once you do, you’ll be able to feel confident about communicating with others again while you’re in the process of creating the straighter smile you deserve.
About the Practice
At Oak Ridge Dental, we bring patients in San Ramon comprehensive, state-of-the-art care that focuses on promoting the health of the whole body and not just the mouth. For those who want a solution for crooked teeth but don’t want to have to wear metal brackets and wires, we offer fully customized clear aligners. If you’re interested in learning more about the clear aligner process, you can schedule an appointment at our office by visiting our website, using our online scheduling tool, or calling (925) 735-6190.
