My teeth were getting scrunched up! Ugh. I looked in the mirror (or watched myself on video) and all I could see was my lower teeth (which used to be straight), now all scrunched together.
I’m probably just as concerned about my appearance as anyone else, and so this change in my smile was a small concern to me. But add to that the fact that I had just read a book about breathing…yes breathing…and how important it is to our health to have open airways to breathe. And having my mouth get smaller wouldn’t be helping in that area.
And then thirdly, I’ve spent a lot of time recently in nursing homes helping my mom, and realized that whatever ailments we have in our bodies right now ARE ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE as we get older. Yes…your knees, hips, shoulders…and teeth!
So, off I went to investigate getting Invisalign braces. Those are the clear (removable) braces that move teeth and seem to help so many people. I made the investment and have been wearing these clear shackles on my teeth for around 10 months.
Has it affected my voice over work? Yes. But would I recommend them anyway? Probably.
Being a voice actor with Invisalign braces can be challenging, but it's not impossible. With dedication, practice, and effective communication with your dentist, you can excel in your voice acting career while maintaining your orthodontic treatment.
The Challenge of Invisalign for Voice Actors
1. Clear Pronunciation: One of the core skills of voice acting is clear and precise pronunciation. Invisalign braces, though discreet, can slightly affect your speech initially. Certain sounds may be harder to articulate, which can be a significant challenge for voice actors.
2. Comfort During Recording: Long hours in the recording booth can be demanding, and the presence of Invisalign trays may cause discomfort or soreness. This can hinder your ability to focus on your performance.
3. Maintaining Consistency: Wearing Invisalign requires diligence in maintaining your treatment schedule. This includes removing trays for meals and brushing before putting them back in. Juggling these responsibilities with a voice acting career can be tricky.
Making the Most of Your Voice Acting Career with Invisalign
1. Practice Enunciation: To overcome the challenge of pronunciation, practice speaking with your Invisalign trays in place. Reading scripts or vocal exercises aloud while wearing them can help improve your articulation. I also chose to remove my braces at times when recording…shhh…don’t tell my dentist.
2. Proper Tray Maintenance: Regularly clean your Invisalign trays to ensure they don't affect your voice quality. A clean set of trays will be more comfortable.
3. Schedule Flexibility: Communicate with your dentist about your voice acting career. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan or provide guidance on managing your trays effectively.
4. Hydration and Vocal Care: Stay well-hydrated during recording sessions to prevent your mouth from becoming dry, which can exacerbate any discomfort from your Invisalign. Additionally, follow vocal care practices like warm-ups and cooldowns to protect your voice.
5. Professional Support: Consider working with a speech therapist or vocal coach who can help you adapt to your Invisalign trays and enhance your vocal performance.
Conclusion:
Remember that Invisalign is a temporary phase in your life, and the benefits of a straighter smile and healthier mouth will be worth the effort. Stay patient, plan to work through the challenging times and you'll get through the process. And occasionally, take those trays out!