Invisalign has allowed millions of patients to achieve more beautiful and healthy smiles without the cumbersome metal parts that come with traditional braces. Since each Invisalign tray is customized to fit snugly over the dental arch, it will add a small amount of width and length to the teeth when worn, which can affect the way you pronounce words. Here’s a quick overview of how Invisalign works and how you can make speaking clearly easier during treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic method that uses customized aligner trays made from clear and durable plastic to address dental misalignments like overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and gaps. After your orthodontist measures your teeth with a special device, you will receive a set of personalized aligners. You’ll need to wear each tray for at least twenty hours a day for two weeks before moving on to the next appliance in the sequence. Each tray will move your teeth a little closer to their ideal alignment.
While many patients report that Invisalign is significantly easier than braces, it still requires a lot of discipline from the patient. The trays must be removed when eating or drinking anything but water, and the teeth must be thoroughly brushed and flossed before the aligners are worn again. It’s also important for patients to clean their appliances daily and protect them from damage when they are not worn.
Can Invisalign Change the Way I Speak?
While Invisalign aligner trays are quite thin and discreet, they still add a small amount of mass to your teeth that can alter the way air flows around them during speech. When you first start wearing your aligners, you may notice that you develop a slight lisp. Thankfully, this problem will almost certainly go away on its own as you get more practice speaking with your aligners. If you wish to accelerate this adjustment period, try singing or reading a book aloud and repeating any difficult words until you get the hang of them.
Invisalign can be an excellent way to achieve your ideal smile. Consulting with your orthodontist can help you find the best ways to remain comfortable during treatment.
About the Author
Dr. James A. Hart earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class, and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He also serves as regent of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation. His office in Cleburne offers traditional braces, orthognathic surgery, and orthodontic emergency services as well as Invisalign. To learn more about living with Invisalign, contact his office online or dial (817) 645-2432.