Will Clear Aligners Make Me Lisp?

Clear aligners like Invisalign® in Columbia, SC are one of the most requested orthodontic treatments when there are alignment issues to be resolved. They’re ideal for mild to moderate problems with teeth alignment, and appropriate for people of all ages who are mature enough to bear the responsibilities of wearing them outside of the orthodontist’s office. One of the most often asked questions about clear aligners is how they feel in the mouth and—more specifically—if they will make the wearer lisp when they speak. This is a valid question, since clear aligners are a separate oral appliance that is worn inside the mouth and, to be fair, can take a bit of adjustment to get used to.

Why Lisping Can Occur

A lisp happens when the tongue has difficulty positioning itself correctly against the teeth or roof of the mouth while speaking. Clear aligners slightly change the space inside the mouth and may interfere with tongue placement, especially when pronouncing sounds like “s” and “z.”

How Long Does It Last?

For most patients, any speech changes, including a mild lisp, last only a few days to a couple of weeks. As the tongue gets used to the aligners, speech typically returns to normal. Those who experience a persistent lisp may need more time to adjust, but this is uncommon. Practicing pronunciation exercises and reading aloud can help speed up the adaptation process.

Ways to Reduce Lisping

If a lisp occurs, there are several ways to minimize it. Speaking slowly and deliberately at first allows the tongue to adjust to the new space. Practicing words with challenging sounds can also help train the tongue to work around the aligners. Not only that, but, wearing the aligners consistently as instructed will help make the adjustment period fly by faster.

Will Lisping Happen With Every Aligner Change?

Patients sometimes worry they’ll re-experience speech issues with each new set. But the mouth usually adjusts quickly, and any speech disruptions are minimal or nonexistent after the initial adjustment phase.

While some people experience minor speech changes initially, these effects are usually temporary and improve with practice. For all the details about wearing clear aligners, contact your Columbia, SC orthodontist today!