Invisalign is a popular choice for straightening teeth because it’s clear, comfortable, and removable. But if you’ve never worn aligners before, you might be wondering whether they’ll change the way you talk. While Invisalign can cause minor speech adjustments in the beginning, these changes are usually temporary and easy to overcome with practice.
How Invisalign May Affect Your Speech
When you first start wearing Invisalign, your mouth has to adapt to the thin layer of plastic over your teeth. This adjustment period can cause slight speech changes, such as:
- A mild lisp, especially when pronouncing “s” and “sh” sounds
- Subtle differences in how your tongue contacts your teeth
- Feeling like you have to work harder to form certain words
These changes happen because your tongue is used to touching your natural teeth in specific ways. When aligners are in place, the new surface changes that contact point just enough to alter how some sounds are made.
Why the Changes Are Temporary
Your mouth is remarkably adaptable. Most people notice speech changes for only a few days to a couple of weeks after starting Invisalign. As your tongue and lips get used to the aligners, you’ll naturally find new patterns of movement that allow you to speak clearly again.
It’s also worth noting that not everyone experiences a noticeable lisp or speech issue. Some people adjust so quickly that they hardly notice a difference at all.
Tips for Adjusting Your Speech Quickly
If you do notice your speech sounds different, these strategies can help speed up the adjustment process:
- Practice speaking out loud by reading a book or article to yourself.
- Focus on tricky sounds like “s,” “z,” and “th” until they feel more natural.
- Speak slowly and clearly rather than trying to rush through words.
- Wear your aligners consistently—removing them often slows down the adaptation process.
The more time you spend speaking with your aligners in, the faster your tongue will adapt to them.
What Not to Do
It can be tempting to take your aligners out before important conversations or presentations, but this can actually prolong the adjustment period. Invisalign is designed to be worn 20–22 hours a day, so removing them frequently can delay both your treatment progress and your speech improvement.
When to Talk to Your Dentist
If you still notice significant speech issues after a few weeks, let your dentist know. Occasionally, speech changes may be due to an imperfect fit or a rough edge on an aligner. Your provider can make small adjustments to improve comfort and speech clarity.
With a little patience and practice, Invisalign’s impact on your speech will likely be short-lived—and the long-term benefits of a straighter smile will far outweigh any temporary challenges.
About the Practice
Infinity Dental Care in Hillsboro offers personalized orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign clear aligners, to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Dr. Kalluri is dedicated to making treatment comfortable and convenient while providing expert guidance through every step of the process.
Call us at (503) 352-5116 or request an appointment online.