415-513-5066

BRIGHT, HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL SMILES

450 SUTTER STREET, #808 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108

People of all ages who want to straighten their teeth are attracted to Invisalign® because of their practically invisible appearance. However, some patients ask, “Will Invisalign® give me a lisp?”

We get it. If you have a social career where you have to speak in meetings with colleagues and clients over the phone, via video calls, or in person, the idea of developing an embarrassing lisp might cause you to reconsider. Ultimately, what’s the purpose of investing in discreet orthodontic work if a potential side effect reveals your secret?

Are you looking for a caring Invisalign® provider in San Francisco, CA? At California Dental Innovations, Dr. Mina Levi gently guides patients over speedbumps that might occur during Invisalign® treatment. Learn more about your orthodontic options by contacting our office today.

Why do some patients experience an Invisalign® lisp?

A lisp is a speech impediment, which causes the “s” and “z” sounds to be spoken like “th.” Generally, improper tongue placement inside the mouth affects airflow as you speak, producing lisps and causing certain words to sound awkward when spoken.

A Normal Side Effect of Orthodontic Treatment

Because the space within your mouth is altered, some orthodontic patients (including traditional braces and Invisalign® patients) develop lisps. Basically, any orthodontic device can cause the tongue to move differently. Compared to metal braces, Invisalign® trays are less bulky because they are composed of thin, biocompatible plastic. Hence, the changes in speech patterns with Invisalign® are usually less noticeable.

Ill-fitting Invisalign® Trays

Additionally, a person undergoing Invisalign® treatment might develop a lisp if their trays do not correctly fit. Each tray is designed to fit snugly over the teeth. Yet, your teeth might not comfortably fit the mold if your treatment is slightly off. Thus, a lisp might develop. It’s wise to follow your orthodontic treatment protocol to a T and meet with an experienced Invisalign® dentist, like Dr. Mina Levi, to ensure proper fit throughout treatment.

Because each Invisalign® tray slightly adjusts as treatment progresses, some patients ask, “Should I expect a lisp with each new set of aligners?” In short, “no, not typically.” Each set is similar enough in shape and thickness, so you should be able to adjust in virtually no time.

How long will this Invisalign® lisp last?

Although every person is different, your Invisalign® lisp might fade within a few hours, days, or weeks. The longevity of your Invisalign® lisp is dependent on how quickly you become accustomed to your aligners.

How to Gracefully Adjust to Invisalign®

Practice makes perfect! If you are struggling with an Invisalign® lisp, the ideal way to adjust your speech pattern is to keep talking! Find the time to practice by yourself—train by talking to yourself until your lisp disappears.

For example, you can say “sixty-six, seventy-seven” to practice those tricky “s” sounds. Even though you might feel silly, the more you talk, the faster your speech should return to normal.

Find Out More Information About Invisalign® in San Francisco

Fortunately, not all patients experience an Invisalign® lisp, and even those who experience this side effect of treatment quickly adjust and resume normal speech.

So, a short-lived speech challenge shouldn’t be considered a deterrent when contemplating clear aligner therapy. Instead, think of the bigger picture: a straighter, healthier smile waiting for you at your treatment finish line!

Dr. Mina Levi eagerly shares her Invisalign® insight and can steer you on a path to a straighter, healthier smile with ease. Contact California Dental Innovations today by calling 415-513-5066 or messaging us online.