Do clear aligners interfere with speech?

-- Sean Myran, DDS

side view of smiling naked asian woman holding a snoring mouthpiece
TABLE OF CONTENT

Clear aligner therapy causes far less speech interference compared to traditional braces. A few differences:

  • Aligners are smooth and seamless. Braces have brackets and wires that can obstruct normal tongue motions.
  • Aligners are removable when needed for speaking engagements or occasions. Braces are fixed 24/7.
  • The thin plastic is more flexible and allows more natural movements. Thick metal is more rigid and restrictive.
  • Aligners don’t cover the palate or back teeth. This enables clearer pronunciation.

Are clear aligners BPA-free?

You may notice a slight temporary lisp for the first 1-2 days as your tongue adjusts to having aligners in. But overall, aligners allow normal speech production with minimal long-term effect. Just take them out as needed for important speeches or interviews when maximum clarity is vital!

Are clear aligners more comfortable than braces?

Picture of Sean Myran, DDS

Sean Myran, DDS

Dr. Sean Myran is a dentist and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He practiced and ran his private practice dentistry for ten years and has been a full-time online marketing expert for the last 15 years. He writes for Dental Country and other blogs covering a wide range of dentistry-related topics.