Effect of the Inman Aligner on Speech


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The Inman Aligner is an orthodontic innovation which has seen widespread use since its development and first use in the United States in the year 2000. Offering a dramatically reduced treatment time, the Aligner can very successfully straighten crooked and misaligned teeth within a fraction of the time taken by many alternative braces and the like. In this article we look at how the use of this highly effective and very popular tool can influence speech, an issue which many potential users are often concerned about.

The Inman Aligner and Comfort and Ease of Speech

One of the major issues inherent to the use of orthodontic braces is the effect fitting these devices can have on the normal function of the mouth. This encompasses comfort of eating and the ability to speak clearly. The presence of the bulky metallic frame traditionally used by orthodontists as braces can seriously impact speech, and most modern orthodontic devices are designed to minimise their impact on clear and comfortable speech.


The Inman Aligner is no exception to this, with comfort being a major concern in the basic design and application of this device. That being said having any kind of framework in your mouth will have an influence on your ability to speak, and your comfort in doing so. As such, while comfort is a key part of designing and applying the Inman Aligner, you are likely to find some difficulty or discomfort in speaking when they are first fitted. Fortunately most people find that after this initial period of difficulty, they acclimatise to the Aligner and can speak clearly and comfortably. How long this might take will naturally vary from person to person, you may find that you have virtually no trouble in speaking through the Aligner! If you are concerned about this however, it is always worth having a chat about the matter with your dentist or orthodontist.

The Inman Aligner is removable, and as this is the case you may find it tempting to remove the Aligner when you first start using it, thereby overcoming any discomfort in speaking. It is important to remember that while it is removable, you will be advised to wear the Aligner for a minimum period of so many hours a day (this will depend on your dentist’s advice, but will typically extend from 16-20 hours a day). It is important that you abide by these instructions to get the most out of your aligner, and because you will find that the more you wear the tool, the more accustomed to its used you will become, and this includes comfort in speaking with the Aligner.


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