Talking with Trays: Will Invisalign Affect Your Speech?

If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign, you probably have a few questions—and somewhere near the top of the list is, “Will it make me talk funny?” It’s a valid concern that’s kept many patients from trying the treatment. But is this truly an issue, or is it simply a nervous fear? Continue reading to see what really happens when you start wearing your Invisalign trays and whether your speech will suffer.

Some Speech Changes Are Normal

When you first put in your aligners, you may experience some slight speech changes like lisps, excess saliva, and slurring. This is because your tongue has to adjust to the new shape and space in your mouth, even if it’s just a tiny amount.

The good news is that these talking tribulations are usually temporary and will go away within a few days. Your tongue is a fast learner, so it’ll adapt quickly! And don’t worry, most people around you won’t even notice for the short amount of time you’re adjusting.

Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re still feeling a little self-conscious and want to speed up the process of regaining your regular speech sooner, practice speaking aloud at home.

For example, you can try:

• Reading a book or article out loud
• Singing along to your favorite songs
• Repeating tricky phrases like “sixty-six sticky cinnamon sticks”

The more you speak with your aligners in, the faster your mouth adjusts and the smoother your speech becomes.

Don’t Take Them Out to Talk

It might be tempting to remove your aligners before a big meeting or phone call, but that defeats the purpose. Invisalign works best when worn 20–22 hours per day. Taking them out too often can deny your mouth the time it needs to adjust and can also delay your progress! Leaving your aligners in is the best way to press on and regain your regular speaking sound.

Don’t Take it Too Seriously

A slight lisp or speech change might happen, but it’s usually temporary and very minor. Most patients adjust within a few days to a week, and many never notice any change at all! Instead of stressing about a small inconvenience, it’s better to focus on the long-term benefits of a straighter, healthier smile. These will far outweigh a few days of tongue training!

Wearing Invisalign might cause a small speech adjustment at first, but it won’t last long. So, if you want a straightened smile, call your dentist today to schedule a consultation. Once you get past the initial speed bump for your speech, you’ll be glad you kept up with your treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Philip Lisk is a skilled general dentist with over two decades of experience helping patients feel confident and comfortable with their smiles. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, he combines clinical expertise with a patient-focused approach, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Call (919) 870-6892 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Philip A Lisk, DDS, or visit our website to see a full menu of services.