Many people are choosing to get SureSmile to get healthier bites. This treatment uses clear aligners that you’ll wear every day to slowly shift your teeth into desired positions. As reliable as they are, many people aren’t aware of how they can affect your speech just a bit! It’s not a dramatic difference, but this temporary change can catch you off guard. Here’s what to expect and what you can do about it.
Can SureSmile Change How I Talk?
SureSmile uses thin, plastic trays that fit over your teeth. They’ll apply gentle pressure on them to move them into a healthier alignment. However, like with any oral appliance, they take just a bit of room in your mouth. Your tongue may bump into them, making you develop a minor lisp.
Your “s” and “z” sounds may come out pronounced like “th.” While it may be frustrating or embarrassing at first, this is only temporary. Again, your clear aligners are thin, so it won’t take long until your mouth gets used to having them in. It may take just a couple of weeks, but in no time, you’ll get back to speaking confidently!
How Can I Get Back to Normal Speech?
That being said, while you will need to get adjusted to your SureSmile trays, there are things you can do to start speaking more clearly once again. To help get rid of your minor lisp, you can:
- Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. In order to progress with your treatment, you’ll have to do this anyway, but it can help ensure you get used to them. When you take them out too often, then you may experience delays in your results.
- Try reading aloud while recording, so you can listen to it back. You’ll be able to catch any words that have been affected by your new speech and take time to pronounce them properly.
- Have a conversation with a trusted person. Talking to someone else can give you a new perspective to work off of and get toward clear speech!
The best thing you can do is give yourself plenty of grace. It’s easy to get frustrated and annoyed by this slight change, but it’s only temporary. Once you build your routine with your aligners and get used to them, it’s smooth sailing to a straighter smile.
About the Practice
At Precision Dental Care, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. David Mace and Dr. Navi Dhaliwal. Our team is here to help the community get the aligned grins they love with SureSmile. By sticking with you throughout your treatment, you can learn how to keep it comfortable and easy. If you are interested in this orthodontic service, schedule an appointment or call our office at (253) 838-2018.