If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth with Nu Smile aligners, you may be excited about the possibility of a straighter, more confident smile. However, it’s natural to wonder: Will wearing clear aligners change the way you speak? The good news is that any speech changes you experience with Nu Smile are typically minor and temporary, and there are simple strategies you can use to adapt quickly.
How Nu Smile Aligners May Affect Speech
Clear aligners like Nu Smile fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle pressure to shift them into better alignment. Since they cover the surfaces of your teeth, they slightly alter the space in your mouth, which can affect how your tongue moves when forming certain sounds.
Some people notice a slight lisp, especially when pronouncing “s” and “sh” sounds, during the first few days of wearing aligners. This happens because your tongue is adjusting to the new position of your teeth and the aligner’s presence.
Why Speech Changes Are Temporary
Although you may feel self-conscious about a slight lisp or speech change at first, your tongue and mouth typically adapt within a week or two of wearing your Nu Smile aligners consistently. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the aligners, your speech should return to normal.
It’s important to remember that keeping your aligners in for the recommended 20–22 hours per day will help you adjust more quickly, allowing your tongue to learn how to move around the aligners efficiently during speaking.
Tips for Speaking Clearly with Nu Smile Aligners
If you notice changes in your speech while wearing Nu Smile, try these helpful tips to speed up your adjustment:
- Practice speaking out loud: Read a book, sing, or practice tongue twisters to help your mouth adapt to speaking with your aligners in.
- Speak slowly: Speaking more deliberately can help you enunciate clearly as your tongue learns to navigate the aligners.
- Keep your aligners in: The more you wear them, the faster your mouth will adjust. Removing them frequently can slow your progress.
- Stay hydrated: A dry mouth can make speaking with aligners more challenging, so drink water throughout the day to stay comfortable.
The Benefits Outweigh the Temporary Adjustment
While a minor speech adjustment may feel inconvenient, it’s important to remember that it’s only temporary. Once your mouth has adapted, you’ll be able to speak clearly and comfortably while continuing your journey toward a straighter smile with Nu Smile aligners. The benefits of improved oral health, confidence, and a beautiful smile far outweigh the brief period of speech adjustment.
Ready to Start Your Nu Smile Journey?
If you’re ready to achieve a straighter, more confident smile without the hassle of metal braces, Nu Smile aligners can help you reach your goals while maintaining your lifestyle. They’re designed to be discreet, comfortable, and effective, so you can continue speaking and living your life with confidence.
About the Practice
At Nu Smile, we’re dedicated to helping adults and teens achieve healthier, straighter smiles with clear aligners tailored to your needs. Dr. G and our caring team combine advanced technology and personalized care to ensure your treatment is effective and comfortable. Learn more about Nu Smile aligners for adults here and discover how we can help you transform your smile while maintaining your confidence every step of the way.
Call us at (732) 889-7244 or request an appointment online.