If your teen is about to kick off their orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, one common question that might be weighing on both of your minds is: “How are the aligners going to affect speech?” This is a valid question, as teens inevitably spend quite a bit of time socializing and chatting; however, the truth is that while Invisalign can alter speech, these changes aren’t permanent by any means. Here’s what you and your teen need to keep in mind.
Why Invisalign Might Alter Your Teen’s Speech
Invisalign aligners fit very snugly over your teen’s teeth, which can slightly change how their tongue moves inside their mouth. Since the tongue is responsible for helping form sounds like “s,” “sh,” “th,” and “z,” your teen might notice a mild lisp or the sensation that their mouth is full. Certain words may also be tricky or nearly impossible to pronounce correctly.
Most patients end up adjusting to these speech issues within a few days to a couple of weeks; however, this is also dependent on how consistently they’re wearing their aligners. They need to be worn for roughly 22 hours a day in order to properly move the teeth, and as this happens, your teen’s mouth should also begin adapting to speaking with the aligners in.
Tips to Help Your Teen Speak Clearly
Confidence is everything when it comes to speaking clearly with Invisalign, and these tips can help your teen out during their initial adjustment period:
- Encourage them to read aloud for a few minutes each day while wearing the aligners. Conversing one-on-one with them can also help.
- Have them practice words with “s” or “th” sounds slowly and clearly, since these are likely to give them the most trouble.
- Make sure they’re drinking plenty of water to avoid dry mouth, which makes speaking clearly more difficult.
- Talking becomes easier when good posture is maintained, so encourage them to sit or stand up with their back straight.
Invisalign is designed to fit comfortably into your teen’s lifestyle—and any changes in speech are going to be temporary. That said, getting the hang of talking shouldn’t take them too long, and before you know it, they’ll be enjoying a straighter and more confident smile!
About the Practice
With Dr. Christina Helfrich, Dr. Moe Beydoun, and Dr. Hyun Jeong Lee leading our team, we’ve proudly served the dental needs of families in New Britain for several years. We offer a wide range of pediatric services for children of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners for teens in need of orthodontic treatment. If you have questions about the blog, or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child or teen, you can reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (860) 224-2419.