If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be, you may be wondering if you are a candidate for clear aligners. You may have even considered calling your dental office in Tampa, FL, to ask about a consultation to see if clear aligners can correct your orthodontic issues. Well, the fact is that ClearCorrect clear aligners provide a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces.
However, there are some common questions and concerns regarding ClearCorrect aligners; one such question is whether your speech is affected when wearing them. So, let’s answer that question and more about ClearCorrect clear aligners.
What Are ClearCorrect Aligners?
If you suffer from certain kinds of malocclusion, including an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, you might be a candidate for ClearCorrect clear aligners. The ClearCorrect lab uses the latest technology to digitally create custom-made, nearly invisible, removable aligners that gently and gradually straighten your teeth.
You won’t have to worry about being embarrassed to smile with ClearCorrect; all you have to do is wear your aligners for two weeks at a time before switching to the next set. You will wear your aligners for approximately twenty-two hours each day, removing them only to brush, floss, and eat.
Because you don’t have to worry about bending wires or brackets, you can eat all of your favorite foods, and since you can remove your aligners to brush and floss, maintaining your oral hygiene is much easier than with traditional braces.
Will ClearCorrect Aligners Affect My Speech?
Truthfully, any orthodontic appliance can potentially affect the way you speak, but these speech concerns are usually minimal since the clear aligners are so thin. If you do have a slight speech problem when you first begin wearing ClearCorrect, it will probably be with the pronunciation of the letters “s,” “sh,” or “z.” Many patients report that these problems disappear when they adapt to wearing their clear aligners.
Other minor speech concerns include speaking more slowly or slurring words; adjusting to something new in your mouth can feel strange. Every person is different, so your adjustment period will vary.
Ways to Reduce Speech Issues
When you first begin wearing ClearCorrect clear aligners, you might be tempted to avoid talking because you’re worried about how you will sound to others. However, the best thing you can do to adjust to your new aligners is to practice talking! Here are some tips for adjusting to ClearCorrect quickly:
- Read aloud to yourself or others.
- Have conversations with family and friends.
- Practice pronouncing and enunciating the letters and sounds you’re struggling to say correctly.
If you try all these things but are still speaking with a lisp or having trouble pronouncing certain sounds, contact your Tampa dentist. Your aligners may not fit properly and might need to be adjusted. Above all, remember that the benefits of ClearCorrect aligners far outweigh the temporary speech issues you may encounter.
Caring for Your ClearCorrect Clear Aligners
Now that you know how to adjust to wearing your ClearCorrect aligners, you should also know how to take care of them and your teeth during your treatment time. Follow these care guidelines for the best results:
Soak your aligners – Your aligner trays are susceptible to stains over time, so you can keep them looking clean by soaking them in retainer cleaner or denture cleaner. After you soak them, be sure to rinse them thoroughly.
Wear your aligners as much as possible – You should only remove your ClearCorrect aligners when eating, drinking hot drinks, brushing your teeth, or flossing. The more you wear your aligners, the better chance you have of reducing your treatment time.
Avoid toothpaste on your aligners – Although fluoride toothpaste is excellent for brushing your teeth, it can scratch your aligners, making them look dark and dull.
Rinse your aligners – Every time you remove your aligners, you need to rinse the saliva from them using cool, clean water. If you don’t rinse them, the saliva can dry and make your aligners look yellowish. Saliva can also cause bacteria to form in your mouth, leading to tooth decay.
Maintain oral hygiene – After every meal, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back into your mouth. This will help you avoid trapping bacteria under your aligners. Trapped bacteria can cause your aligners to become stained, and it can cause tooth decay.
Keep your aligners in their case – To avoid losing or damaging your ClearCorrect aligners, it’s best to keep them in their carrier case when you aren’t wearing them. Taking your case with you when you go out to eat is essential.
Are You Considering Clear Aligners in Tampa?
If you need a dentist in Tampa, FL, look no further than North Tampa Dentistry. Our professional dental team is ready to help you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. With ClearCorrect clear aligners, we can shift your teeth into a more desirable position, and you can keep your mouth clean and healthy more easily since your aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing. If you’re ready to see what ClearCorrect aligners can do for you, we’re ready to take your call. You can reach us at (813) 968-5368 to schedule a consultation.