What Words Are Hard to Say With Invisalign?
Starting Invisalign is exciting. A straighter smile is in reach. However, speaking clearly with new aligners can take some adjustment. Many patients notice small changes in speech during the first few days. Certain sounds and words may feel harder to pronounce until the mouth adapts.
This guide explains which sounds are most affected, why it happens, and what you can do to adjust quickly.
Why Invisalign Affects Speech
Invisalign aligners cover your teeth with smooth plastic. While they are thin, they slightly change the way your tongue and lips touch your teeth. Good pronunciation depends on precise airflow and tongue placement. Small shifts inside the mouth can affect this balance, especially at first.
The good news is that many patients adapt in one to two weeks with regular practice.
Words That Are Harder to Say at First
Several types of sounds tend to be harder when you start Invisalign:
Sibilant Sounds: “S,” “Z,” “Sh,” and “Ch”
Words like sunshine, session, zebra, and championship require the tongue to direct air against the teeth. With aligners on, air can escape differently. This sometimes causes a soft lisp or slushy sound.
Common examples:
• “Sister”
• “Session”
• “Zebra”
• “Champion”
• “Shopping”
“Th” Sounds
Words with “th” sounds need the tongue to push gently against the top front teeth. Aligners create a smooth barrier, making it harder to place the tongue properly.
Common examples:
• “Think”
• “Therapy”
• “Through”
• “Thank you”
Plosive Sounds: “P,” “B,” “T,” “D,” “K,” “G”
Plosive sounds depend on a quick burst of air from the lips or back of the mouth. The presence of aligners can make these bursts less sharp or slightly muffled at first.
Common examples:
• “Potato”
• “Baby”
• “Doctor”
• “Kick”
• “Good”
Consonant Clusters
Words with several consonants together can be tricky because the tongue must move quickly across different mouth positions.
Common examples:
• “Strength”
• “Splendid”
• “Script”
• “Twelfth”
Longer or Tongue-Twisting Words
Aligners may cause longer or more complicated words to sound slightly jumbled until you adapt. You might find it helpful to slow down when speaking these words.
Common examples:
• “Administration”
• “Architecture”
• “Philosophy”
How to Improve Speech with Invisalign
Adjusting to aligners takes time and practice. Here are simple steps to help:
Practice Speaking Daily
Speak as much as possible. Read aloud from a book, sing along to your favorite songs, or rehearse speeches in the mirror. The more you speak, the faster your tongue and lips adjust.
Focus on Problem Sounds
Target the sounds you find hardest. Repeat words with “s,” “th,” or “ch” sounds several times a day. Break them into syllables if needed.
Sample exercises:
• Say “sunshine” slowly, stretching the “s.”
• Repeat “thank you” with careful tongue placement.
• Practice “championship” by pausing slightly between syllables.
Record Yourself
Hearing your own voice helps spot mistakes and track improvements. Record short passages every day and listen for problem sounds. Focus on slow, deliberate speech during early practice sessions.
Use Tongue Twisters
Tongue twisters are a fun way to train your mouth. Start slowly and build speed over time. Some helpful examples:
- “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
- “The thirty-three thieves thought they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.”
Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth can worsen speech challenges. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. A moist mouth helps your tongue and lips move more smoothly across the aligners.
Relax Your Jaw
Tension in the jaw can interfere with speaking clearly. Try simple jaw stretches. Open and close your mouth gently ten times before long conversations or presentations.
Common Questions About Speech Changes
Will I Always Have a Lisp with Invisalign?
No, most lisps go away within one to two weeks. Your tongue will adapt as you practice speaking with the aligners in place.
Can Singing Help My Speech?
Yes. Singing exercises the muscles involved in speaking. It helps your tongue and lips get used to the feeling of aligners. Pick songs you enjoy and sing along daily. Many patients tell us singing along to favorite playlists during their commute helped speed their adjustment.
Should I Remove Aligners for Important Meetings?
If you are still adjusting and need to give a speech or lead a meeting, it is fine to remove your aligners for a short time. Just remember to wear them at least 20 to 22 hours per day overall to stay on track.
Are Some Aligners Harder to Speak With Than Others?
Aligner thickness can vary slightly. Some people notice that thicker aligners feel more awkward at first. However, consistent practice matters more than thickness. Speech usually normalizes with time, regardless of aligner type.
Will Speech Problems Be Permanent?
Speech changes with Invisalign are temporary. Once you finish treatment and stop wearing aligners, your natural speech returns without lasting effects.
Extra Tips for Faster Adaptation
• Smile while speaking. It helps stretch your lips and improves articulation.
• Read children’s books out loud. The simple, clear language is great for practicing.
• Chew sugar-free gum for a few minutes after removing aligners (if your dentist approves). It strengthens jaw muscles.
• Give yourself grace. Everyone sounds a little different at first.
Encouragement for Your Invisalign Journey
The first few days with Invisalign may feel strange, but every day gets easier. Many patients share that practicing tongue twisters and reading out loud helped their speech return to normal faster than they expected. Stay positive, keep practicing, and know that clear speech returns quickly with daily effort.
If you have questions about Invisalign or want personalized guidance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Forrest and the team at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center. We are here to help you every step of the way.
