Speech is a complex process that involves precise movements of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Even small changes to these parts can affect the way you speak. When you use orthodontic devices for straightening your teeth, there’s usually a concern about speech changes. For adults particularly, this can be a consideration if clear speaking is crucial for their job or social life. This might affect their decision about getting an orthodontic treatment and what to choose, braces or clear aligners.1
Clear aligners are nearly transparent, plastic trays that fit over your teeth and gently move your tooth to the desired position to correct their alignment. They are designed to be less noticeable and more comfortable compared to traditional braces. However, there is a belief that aligners can cause changes with your speech. 2
In this article, we’ll address the confusion about aligners and their effects on your speech. We will clear up the common myths about how aligners impact your speech and explore the facts!
Myth 2: Aligners Will Make My Speech Unclear
Many worry that clear aligners will make their speech unclear or awkward. However, this concern is largely exaggerated.
Since aligners fit snugly over the teeth and slightly adjust the tongue’s movement, some people might notice very minor changes in their speech. These can be:
- A slight lisp with sounds like /s/, /sh/, /th/, /ch/, /zh/, and /z/
- Minor difficulty with some words
- Occasional slurring, especially when speaking quickly
These changes are typically very mild and temporary. Most people adapt quickly, and any minor issues usually resolve within a few days.3,4 To ease this transition:
- Be Prepared: Minor changes are normal and adjusting will be easier.
- Take It Slow: Speaking more slowly at first can help.
- Stay Positive: Regular check-ins with your orthodontist will address any concerns.
In reality, the speech changes with aligners are so subtle that most won’t even notice them. But in case you do, following the above-mentioned tips can ensure a smoother adjustment.4
So, the fact of the matter is that clear aligners are a great choice for teeth straightening, and any speech adjustments are so minor that they won’t make your speech unclear or awkward.
Myth 1: Aligners Can Change My Speech Permanently
Many people worry that clear aligners can cause permanent changes to their speech. The good news is that the minor changes in speech that may occur with aligners are usually short-lived. Most people notice improvements within just one to two weeks of starting treatment, with many returning to normal speech by 30 days. Studies have shown that speech issues significantly reduce within the first week of using aligners. By six months, almost everyone experiences no speech problems at all.
Clear aligners are designed to be a smooth transition, with minimal impact on your everyday life. So, while you might experience some temporary changes, clear aligners are made to quickly adapt to your life, and your speech will be back to normal in no time.1,3
Myth 3: Aligners Affect Speech More Than Braces
A common misconception is that clear aligners impact speech more significantly than traditional braces. In reality, this isn’t quite accurate. Both clear aligners and traditional braces may cause temporary speech difficulties at the start of treatment, but the extent and duration of these issues can differ.
Braces, whether they are labial (front) or lingual (back), can disrupt your speech, particularly at the beginning. This happens because they can interfere with the movement of your tongue and lips. Lingual braces, which are placed on the back of your teeth, often lead to more discomfort and speech issues as they take up space and irritate the mouth’s tissues.
On the other hand, clear aligners are made from smooth plastic and generally cause less disruption to your speech. Most people adapt to aligners within 7 to 14 days, whereas traditional braces might lead to longer-lasting speech challenges.1
Clear aligners are often preferred over traditional braces for their minimal impact on speech and comfort.1 The clear aligner cost in India ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 but varies depending on the complexity of each case and the technology being used. Yet, it is a good investment for a more comfortable and discreet solution for aligning your teeth and offers a smooth transition to speech adaptation. 5
Conclusion
Clear aligners may cause temporary changes in your speech, such as a slight lisp or difficulty with certain sounds, initially. However, these issues are for a short time, and most people get adapted within a few weeks. Aligners give you a smoother transition and better comfort, making them a preferred choice for maintaining clear speech during your orthodontic treatment.
