SureSmile treatment is an exciting step toward a straighter smile, and you’re probably eager to begin. But if you’ve done some research, you might have come across people online who say their clear aligners changed how they talk. The truth is that this is a common issue when you first start your aligners. However, it’s also true that it won’t last forever! Here’s what to expect from your aligners and what you can do to adjust faster.
Your Mouth Is Adjusting
When you first put your SureSmile aligners in, you may notice a slight change in how you sound. This usually comes in the form of excessive saliva, a lisp, or slightly sloshing speech. These quirks appear because your tongue is getting used to the new shape of your mouth.
At the same time, the rest of your mouth notices the presence of what it perceives as a foreign object. This causes it to produce more saliva in an attempt to wash away the “invader.”
All of this is normal and will fade away in a few days as you get used to your aligners.
How to Adjust to Your SureSmile Aligners Faster
In the vast majority of cases, irregular speech patterns fade within three to seven days after starting SureSmile treatment. If you want to keep that schedule trending shorter, here are some great tips:
Don’t Remove Your Aligners
It may sound counterintuitive, but taking your aligners out won’t help you speak with them. At best, it offers a temporary fix, and at worst, it delays your treatment. Instead, keep them in as long as possible. The more you talk with your aligners in place, the sooner your tongue adapts.
Read Aloud
Practice helps your tongue adjust more quickly, especially if you’re attempting more complex words. Try reading your favorite book, a newspaper, or some tongue-twisters to get some complex practice that you won’t get with normal conversation.
Talk All You Can
Having longer conversations during the first couple of days of your treatment can give you a big jumpstart on adjustment. This helps you get comfortable forming different sounds with your aligners in and gives you more confidence as you go.
When to Call Your Dentist
If speech changes last longer than a week or seem to get worse, let your dentist know. Ill-fitting aligners are rare, but they can cause ongoing speech problems. Your dentist can check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
SureSmile is designed to fit comfortably and blend into your lifestyle. Most speech changes are mild, temporary, and easy to overcome with practice. Before long, you’ll be saying what you want, when you want—all while staying on track for a straighter, healthier smile.
About the Practice
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide are proud to provide personalized care for every patient. From discreet orthodontics like SureSmile to everyday preventive and restorative dentistry, our team helps patients feel confident, supported, and informed throughout their treatment. Call (940) 566-4888 to schedule a SureSmile consultation with us or visit our website to learn more.