It’s normal to be a little nervous about starting orthodontic treatment. It’s a whole new experience, after all.
Before you begin ClearCorrect™ clear aligner treatment with our experienced dentist, Dr. Alex Shore, 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 with Signature Smile Arts.
Here’s what to expect on your first day of clear aligners:
Speaking with clear aligners
Your first day with clear aligners will be a small change from what you’re used to, but it won’t be long before clear aligners become your new normal.
Some patients experience a minor lisp when they first start wearing clear aligners. This is normal and temporary! It can require a little extra effort to properly enunciate words when you first start speaking with clear aligners, 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 clear aligners 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 clear aligners 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 clear aligners!
Clear Aligners 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.
There are a number of clear aligners 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.
Do clear aligners (or Invisalign) hurt the first day?
According to the same study published by the Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics, 35% of clear aligners 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 at our Homewood dentist office (after your free virtual consultation), Dr. Shore will tell you everything you need to know to prepare for your clear aligners treatment. Patient education is important to us, and our team is here to help you adjust to your new life with clear aligners.
Request a virtual consultation with trusted clear aligner providers!
We’re proud to be a top dentist in Homewood, IL, providing clear aligners for all ages. Our highly-experienced dentist, Dr. Alex Shore, is known for going above and beyond to meet our patients’ needs.
Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Shore has been awarded a Fellowship and Mastership certification by the International Dental Implant Association for excellence in implant dentistry. When you’re with our team, you can guarantee that you’re in the best hands.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! If you haven’t begun your smile journey yet, request a free virtual exam for you or your child today.
