Are you thinking about getting clear aligners to perfect your smile? They’re a popular orthodontic treatment that gradually straightens your teeth, and unlike traditional metal braces, they’re nearly invisible.
Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, specialize in clear aligners. Many of our patients say they prefer clear aligners because they offer a discreet and comfortable alternative to braces. But are there drawbacks, like making it difficult to speak clearly?
If you still have questions, you’re not alone. Here’s what you should know about how clear aligners work and whether they might affect your speech.
Clear aligners gradually straighten your teeth using a series of custom-made, removable trays. We use trays from Dentsply, designed to fit snugly over your teeth, applying gentle pressure to guide them into proper alignment over time.
You get a new set of aligner trays every two weeks or so, and you wear them for at least 22 hours a day. Clear aligner treatment typically takes 6-24 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.
Most patients start seeing noticeable improvements within a few months, and Dr. Touni develops a personalized timeline based on your needs.
Since they’re clear, aligners are virtually invisible when you’re wearing them — and they offer a number of other benefits beyond their discreet appearance. One of the biggest benefits is that they’re removable, meaning you can take them out when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth.
This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene compared to traditional braces, which can trap food and plaque around brackets and wires. Plus, clear aligners tend to be more comfortable since they don’t have sharp edges or wires that may irritate the inside of your mouth.
With proper use, aligners can effectively treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including crowding, gaps, and misaligned bites, all while offering a more convenient and flexible approach to orthodontic care.
There are lots of benefits to clear aligners, but it’s normal to have questions. One thing many of our patients are concerned about is whether clear aligners will affect their speech and what they can do about it.
When you first start wearing clear aligners, you may notice slight changes in the way you speak. This is because the aligners add a thin layer over your teeth, which can temporarily alter your tongue placement and airflow when forming certain sounds.
Some people experience a mild lisp, particularly when pronouncing words with “s” or “sh” sounds. However, this adjustment is usually temporary, and most adapt within a few days to a couple of weeks.
The key to overcoming any speech changes is practice. Reading aloud, repeating difficult words, or engaging in conversation can help your tongue adjust more quickly to speaking with your aligners in place. If you find your speech is significantly affected, talk to our team to make sure your aligners fit properly.
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is an important decision, and our team is here to help you every step of the way. When you have questions about how you can achieve your best and brightest smile, we provide expert guidance and personalized treatment plans to meet your goals.
You can schedule a consultation at Touni Orthodontics by calling our office or booking an appointment online today to learn more about how clear aligners can transform your smile and fit seamlessly into your life.
