93% of Invisalign patients reported no difficulties with speech impediments. However, any orthodontic appliance you wear in your mouth may cause a temporary speech impediment.
There is often some debate about whether or not Invisalign can result in you having a lisp. Some people are hesitant to receive the treatment for fear of having a lisp even though they may be well aware of the benefits it can provide by straightening your teeth without the use of visually intrusive metal braces.
Let's talk more about this unwanted side effect of a lisp while using Invisalign treatment. Is this actually true, or is it a myth?
One reality that should be confronted is that any type of dental or orthodontic appliance in your mouth has the potential to cause a speech impediment. Some people are more affected than this by others. The key word here is potential.
How likely it is that Invisalign, and other dental treatments that sit at the roof of your mouth and behind your front teeth- can give you a lisp? More importantly, if there is a lisp that surfaces, how noticeable is it, and how long will it last?
A Lisp is Unlikely, but not Impossible
The answer to the first question is thankfully is that it is quite uncommon for any speech impediment, including a lisp, to occur. Some studies have shown that 93% of Invisalign patients reported no difficulties with speech impediments while wearing an invisible brace system. That is good news.
Is is possible? Absolutely. But if it does occur, how long will it last? Most people who notice a lisp are able to adjust their speech and adapt their mouth to wearing the liners for the prescribed period of time.
It is not recommended to take the liners out early, as this can not only prolong the lisp, but also prolong the desired timeline to correct the positioning of the teeth. Lisps are most noticeable when pronouncing sounds made from the letters 's' and 'z'.
Additionally, there are multiple types of lisps, such as:
- Frontal: When the tongue pushes through your teeth.
- Lateral: When the airflow between the tongue and mouth is uneven.
- Dental: When the tongue presses against your front teeth.
- Palatal: When your tongue touches the roof of your mouth while making certain sounds.
When you decide to get Invisalign, stick to your prescription and remember that even if you have a lisp at the beginning, after your mouth adjusts it will go away. The key is sticking to your plan and being patient!
How to Deal with a Lisp from Invisalign
The best way to manage your lisp is to speak often and give your mouth opportunities to get used to wearing the liners. There are also exercises you could do to reduce or eliminate the lisp sooner, such as tongue exercises. Tongue stretching exercises will help the muscles of your mouth. Move your tongue up and down, then side to side. It is also important during the early stages of the treatment to slow down when speaking make sure you are enunciating your words correctly.
Practice is very important, and your lisp will eventually wear off. Keep in mind that every case is different, but if your lisp does not seem to be improving after the first couple of months, it is best to consult your orthodontist to ensure that your liners are fitted correctly and if there is anything else you should be adding to your routine to ensure proper speech moving forward. A lisp can be viewed as a slight inconvenience on your journey to healthy, straight teeth, which will be permanent, not temporary.