Will I Have a Lisp With Aligners

You may have new aligners in place. Or, a loved one is starting their journey with Invisalign aligners. You will notice a slight lisp. Don’t panic, this is normal. It’s treatable and reversible. If you have noticed a lisp with aligners, read on for the quick facts on how and what to do. Let’s start with what aligners are. 

What Are Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign consists of comfortable flexible plastic trays. Custom fabricated especially for you. They are near invisible. You would be able to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners. A modern approach to straightening teeth. Wearing the aligners will shift your teeth into place. Based on the exact movements programmed for you.

There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten.

Basic Information on Lisps

There are different types of lisps. The medical terms are below.

• Lateral lisps are a result of uneven airflow connected to the tongue
• Palatal lisp is when the tongue pushes against the roof of the mouth
• Interdental lisping is when the tongue pushes on the spaces between front teeth
• Dentalized lisping is when the tongue pushes against the front teeth

Will I Lisp With Traditional Braces?

Yes, all braces will affect your ability to speak naturally in the beginning. Traditional braces are known to take longer to speak naturally. This is due to the wires and brackets that take up more space than aligners.

Lingual braces also cause a lisp. The brackets are behind the teeth with this treatment style. Your tongue will notice this the most.

Expect a slight lisp when speaking with these braces.

What Causes Lisps With Invisalign Treatment?

Lisps are speech defects where words with s and z sounds are pronounced “TH.” Lisping occurs because the tongue is placed improperly in the throat when a speaker is talking, and this affects airflow, causing the sounding of certain words to be different.

Some patients with Invisalign or those with conventional braces have lisps due in part to the adjustment of the teeth. This can affect pronunciation.

Invisalign aligners are manufactured from thin plastic and change in shape is usually minimal. Sometimes people an adjustment period and to get used to their teeth in a new position.

Can Lisps be Fixed?

Yes, if you develop a lisp while wearing clear aligner devices you can be certain this issue can be resolved within a few days. Your tongue must ideally acclimate itself better when the aligner is present.

A clear aligner system will help to solve any problems related to speech development. Since many lisp problems occur as a result of structural abnormalities that cause poor tongue placement, it can be a problem of tongue positioning that can result in a slight lisp.

How Long Will I Lisp With Invisalign Treatment?

If you are a patient who developed a lisp or speech impediment you may find it resolved within a few weeks.

Naturally, your tongue will adjust better with the presence of aligners.

How Long do You Wear Invisalign For?

If you plan to have an Invisalign orthodontic procedure it’s advisable that you wear the aligner for the recommended duration. Orthodontic treatment may between 9 months and 3 years. Case complexity is key here.

The time needed is dependent on the level of malocclusion and oral health.

Lisp Exercises

It is easy to get rid of a lisp. The exercises below are popular for those just starting Invisalign trays.

• Say sentences or quotes that contain vowels and syllables repeatedly
• Up and down then to the side. These movements give your tongue strength
• The sounds “Z”, “S”, “Th”, or “Ch” can be said with tongue down
• Drink with a straw

Conclusion

We are experts with Invisalign patients. Any speech impediments or oral health issues that come from treatment are treatable and known by the doctors and the team.

Gluck Orthodontics is a trusted name in orthodontic care. Dr. Gluck is a board-certified orthodontic specialist. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Here at Gluck Orthodontics, we proudly provide any patient with the very latest in orthodontic care plus a little something extra from the friendly staff that we like to call ‘The Gluck Experience.’

To learn more about lisping and oral health during orthodontic appliance treatment, schedule your initial orthodontic consultation, call us at 615-269-5903. Or visit us online or in person.

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.