A popular orthodontic treatment that is shaking up the market is SureSmile clear aligners. They are a discreet alternative to traditional braces that don’t use any metal. Instead, you’ll wear plastic trays that will slowly shift your teeth into a healthier bite. However, since they sit over your teeth, many people don’t realize that their speech may change a bit. Thankfully, it’s not dramatic or permanent, but here’s what you can expect.
How Will SureSmile Affect How I Talk?
Unlike with braces, you will need to wear thin, removable aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. They apply a directed pressure on your teeth, but they take up just a small amount of room in your mouth. Your tongue may bump into them when you talk, giving you a minor lisp. Oftentimes, “s” and “z” sounds come out as “th.”
You may be embarrassed about this happening, but it’s temporary. Like with any other oral appliance, your mouth will adjust to the trays in due time. It may take a couple of weeks until you are fully used to your aligners, but then you’ll be able to get back to confident speaking.
What Can I Do to Get Used to My SureSmile Aligners?
However, while you may develop a minor lisp, that doesn’t mean you will have to deal with it! There are some exercises and tips you can follow to help get used to them and get clear speech once again. Here’s how:
- Wear your aligners for 22 hours every day. It’s important you stick to your treatment, not only to ensure proper movement, but so your mouth can adjust quickly. If you take them out too often, you may only delay this transition period and your results.
- Record yourself reading a book. You’ll be able to find tricky words that you trip up on, but listening back will help you hear anything that might’ve come out odd.
- Talk with a friend or family member. They’ll be able to give you advice on certain words that aren’t coming out clearly.
- Be sure to give yourself grace! Getting used to your new aligner routine will take some time. It’ll take a couple of weeks until you get your groove down. Once you do, you can look forward to your straighter smile and have a smooth journey to results you’ll love.
About the Practice
At Vason Family Dentistry of Buckhead, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Carlisle Vason and Dr. Kristen Grisham. We are happy to help the Atlanta community get the healthier bites they love with SureSmile clear aligners. By sticking with you every step of the way, we give you the tools you need to avoid any delays to your treatment. If you are interested in this type of orthodontics, schedule an appointment or call our office at (404) 367-9799.