It’s normal to be a little nervous about starting orthodontic treatment. It’s a whole new experience, after all.
Before you begin Invisalign® treatment with our experienced orthodontists, Dr. Dunn and Dr. Schreiber, and our dedicated team, you may have a few questions. Will I be able to talk? What will it feel like? We’ve heard these questions before, and we love that you’re thinking ahead.
We’re here to guide you along your journey to a beautiful smile. Here’s what to expect on your first day of Invisalign:
Speaking with Invisalign
Your first day with Invisalign will be a small change from what you’re used to, but it won’t be long before Invisalign becomes your new normal.
Some patients experience a minor lisp when they first start wearing Invisalign clear aligners. This is normal and temporary. It can require a little extra effort to properly enunciate words when you first start speaking with Invisalign, but most people adapt their speech within a week or two.
There are also a few exercises you can practice to help enunciate certain sounds, especially “s” and “shh” sounds that can be more challenging with clear aligners. Try these exercises to get rid of Invisalign lisp:
- Practice pronouncing “sss” “shh” “th” and “ch” with your tongue pushing downward, instead of upward.
- Take note of the words you struggle to pronounce properly and practice them over and over again until your mouth muscles get used to the new positions.
- Practice tongue movement to loosen up and strengthen your tongue muscles! Move your tongue side-to-side and up-and-down to help train your tongue for new sounds.
According to a study published by the Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics, 83% of Invisalign wearers get used to their aligners within one week and 93% of wearers say that clear aligners did not inhibit their speech.
It’s likely that you don’t have any problems speaking with Invisalign.
Invisalign Chewing Exercises
When you first place your clear aligners in your mouth, they may not snap into place right away. (That’s the point of treatment – to move your teeth into new positions!) This can require you to fully seat the aligner, or ‘click’ it into place.
You can chew Movemints® edible mints to guide your aligners into place. These mints are shaped with a curve to position between your aligners and bite down on, while freshening your breath and preventing dry mouth.
Chewing also stimulates tooth movement to support the treatment process!
Does Invisalign hurt the first day?
According to the same study published by the Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics, 35% of Invisalign patients have no pain and 54% reported mild pain that lasted for only 2 to 3 days following the initial insertion of clear aligners.
You may experience some minor soreness or tenderness around your gums as your teeth adjust to the pressure of your clear aligners.
When you visit us for your complimentary consultation at our orthodontist office in Millbrook, Montgomery or Wetumpka, we will tell you everything you need to know to prepare for your Invisalign treatment. Patient education is important to us.
Our team is here to help you adjust to your new life with braces or Invisalign.
Request a complimentary exam with trusted Invisalign providers!
When you’re with our team, you can guarantee that you’re in the best hands. We’re proud to be recognized for our Invisalign expertise as Platinum Invisalign providers!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. If you haven’t begun your smile journey yet, request a complimentary exam for you or your child (or both) today!
