It’s normal to be a little nervous about starting orthodontic treatment. Life with braces or clear aligners is a whole new experience, after all. Beginning your smile journey is exciting, and we’ll be here to support you from your first day with Invisalign or SO Clear Aligners – to your very last day!
So how do you prepare for your first day? What can you expect when you head home with new clear aligners in your mouth?
“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! Your first day with Invisalign or SO Clear Aligners (our very own clear aligners printed in-house) will be a small change from what you’re used to, but it won’t be long before wearing clear aligners becomes your new normal.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about clear aligners:
Will I be able to speak with clear aligners?
While some patients experience a minor lisp when they first start wearing clear aligners, some don’t experience any changes in their speech. If you do notice a lisp on your first day, know that this is normal and temporary.
With clear aligners in your mouth, it can require a little extra effort to properly enunciate words and maintain your normal tongue-to-teeth positions. Most people can fully adapt their speech within a week or two!
You can try practicing these speaking 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, out of 54 Invisalign patients, 83% of Invisalign wearers got used to their aligners within one week and 93% of wearers say that clear aligners did not inhibit their speech at all.
It’s possible that you don’t have any problems speaking with clear aligners!
Invisalign Chewing Exercises
When you first place your clear aligners in your mouth, they may not mold to your teeth perfectly right away. (That’s the point of treatment – to guide your teeth into new positions!) This can make it challenging to fully seat the aligner.
There are a number of Invisalign chewing exercises you can practice to fit new clear aligners in place on your first day, and throughout your treatment. Chewing also stimulates tooth movement to support the treatment process!
Clear aligner “chewies” are small circular cushions that you can bite down on to help your clear aligners fit in place. Here’s how to do it:
- Position the chewie between your upper and lower teeth and bite down repeatedly.
- Move the chewie to different areas (between your front teeth, canine teeth and back teeth) and continue biting down until the clear aligners seem to snap into place.
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. Salt water rinses are a great way to provide gentle relief! Simply add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and swish the mixture around your mouth.
As your teeth get used to wearing clear aligners after a few days, any discomfort will subside.
When you visit us for your complimentary consultation at our Macon or Warner Robins orthodontist office, we will tell you everything you need to know to prepare for your clear aligner treatment. Patient education is important to us!
Still have questions about Invisalign or clear aligners?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! Dr. Spillers and Dr. Gordon are experienced orthodontists providing expert clear aligner treatment for all ages and cases. Our doctors have the skill, training and experience necessary to treat anyone with clear aligners.
We are dedicated to helping you find the right solution. Request your complimentary consultation with us at Spillers Orthodontics, where great smiles begin!
