Our Journey with Clear Aligners
As a team offering Invisalign in Bromley, we at Bromley Dental Practice have always believed in experiencing treatments first-hand to better understand our patients’ journeys. When we decided to undertake Invisalign treatment ourselves to straighten our teeth, there was no question about which system we would choose. We’d like to share our experience with Invisalign, focusing on how it affected our speech and comfort during the early stages of treatment.
Initial Adjustments and Speech Changes

The First Few Days
When we first fitted our aligners, we noticed an immediate but subtle change in our speech. As dental professionals who speak with patients all day, these changes were particularly noticeable to us. There was a slight lisp, especially with ‘s’ sounds, but we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly we adapted. Within 48 hours, our speech had mostly returned to normal, though we remained conscious of the aligners’ presence in those first few days.
Comfort Considerations
The physical sensation of wearing Invisalign aligners aligned perfectly with what we regularly describe to our patients — noticeable, but not uncomfortable. The aligners felt snug against our teeth, creating a gentle pressure that reassured us they were doing their job. What impressed us most was how smooth the aligners were; there was no irritation to our cheeks or tongues, a concern we often hear from patients before they begin treatment.
Professional Impact
As professionals who spend much of our time discussing Invisalign with patients, we found wearing the aligners enhanced our ability to relate to their experiences. The minimal impact on our speech meant we could continue consultations and procedures without any significant adjustments to our routine. Experiencing the treatment ourselves has been invaluable in helping us provide more accurate, first-hand advice to patients considering clear aligners.
Daily Routine Adaptations
Speaking in Public
One area we were particularly interested in was how Invisalign would affect public speaking. As we often present at dental events and conferences, maintaining clear diction is crucial. To our relief, any minor speech changes were barely noticeable to our audiences, and our confidence remained unaffected. This experience allows us to reassure patients who share similar concerns about their professional or social lives.
Practical Tips from Experience
Through our own journey, we’ve developed several practical strategies that we now share with our patients:
- Reading aloud in the early days helps accelerate speech adaptation
- Staying well-hydrated reduces any initial discomfort
- Establishing a consistent routine for removing and cleaning aligners makes daily life easier
- Keeping a discreet case on hand for meals and social occasions ensures convenience
Long-term Observations
After several months of treatment, wearing aligners became second nature. Any initial speech adjustments completely disappeared, and we often forgot we were wearing them. This journey has enhanced our ability to deliver Invisalign treatment, as we now speak from both professional and personal experience.
Final Thoughts
Our experience with Invisalign has only strengthened our belief in its effectiveness as a comfortable, discreet orthodontic solution. While there were minor adjustments to speech and daily routines at the start, these quickly became insignificant. The process has not only improved our smiles but has also made us more empathetic and knowledgeable providers. Understanding Invisalign from the patient’s perspective has truly enhanced our ability to guide others on their own transformative journeys.