If you’re considering Invisalign, you probably already know about its cosmetic appeal—clear aligners straighten your teeth without the obvious look of braces. But you might be wondering, will wearing Invisalign affect how I speak? It’s a valid question, especially if you regularly give presentations, speak on the phone, or interact with people for work.
The short answer: Invisalign may cause a slight, temporary change in your speech, but most people adjust within a few days to a week. Here’s what to expect and how to adapt.
Why Invisalign Can Affect Speech at First
Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, but they still add a thin layer of material to your bite. This slight change in the contours of your mouth can affect the way your tongue interacts with your teeth when forming words.
For some people, this results in a mild lisp, especially when pronouncing sounds like “s,” “sh,” or “z.” This happens because the tongue needs time to adapt to the new space created by the aligners.
How Long the Adjustment Takes
The good news is that your mouth is incredibly adaptable. Most Invisalign wearers notice any speech changes disappear within the first week of wearing aligners consistently. In some cases, the adjustment can happen in just a couple of days. The more you wear your aligners and speak while wearing them, the faster your mouth will adapt.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. While each new set might feel slightly different, the adjustment period is typically much shorter after the initial phase.
Tips to Adjust More Quickly
If you want to speed up your speech adjustment, try these strategies:
- Read Out Loud: Practice speaking clearly by reading a book, news article, or even song lyrics out loud to yourself. This helps your tongue and lips adapt to the new shape of your bite.
- Have Conversations While Wearing Aligners: Resist the temptation to remove your aligners to talk. The more you speak with them in, the sooner your mouth will get used to them.
- Practice Difficult Words: Focus on words or sounds that give you trouble, such as “silly,” “scissors,” or “zebra,” until they feel natural again.
- Stay Consistent with Wear Time: Wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day will help you adjust faster and keep your treatment on schedule.
Yes, Invisalign might cause a minor, temporary change in your speech—usually a slight lisp—but for most people, it’s short-lived and barely noticeable to others. With consistent wear and a little practice, your speech will return to normal quickly. Think of it this way: a brief adjustment period is a small trade-off for a straighter, healthier smile without the visible brackets and wires of traditional braces.
About the Author
Dr. Alex J. Johnson has more than 30 years of experience practicing dentistry. He is a graduate of Washington University, where he also earned his Orthodontic Certificate. He has continued his education with training at prestigious organizations including the Pankey Institute. Dr. Johnson also stays current in his field through memberships in the Florida Dental Association, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and the American Association of Orthodontists. If you’d like to begin Invisalign treatment, schedule your appointment with us online or call our Palm Harbor office at (727) 786-7550.