Getting braces can be an exciting experience, especially considering how the orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of your smile and facial structure. Yet, some people say that wearing braces can change the way you talk. So do braces affect speech?
Maldonado Orthodontics is one of the go-to destinations for metal braces in Louisiana. Because we specialize in orthodontic treatments, our professionals understand that braces do more than transform smiles. Here, we share how braces affect speech issues.
How Braces Affect the Way You Talk
Despite knowing how a good smile improves your mood, you might not realize how braces can affect you beyond straightening your teeth. Do braces affect speech? In short, yes, they can.
When you wear orthodontic braces, speech can sound a little different than normal. The problem is usually temporary due to the wires, brackets, expanders, bite plates, and other traditional braces components interrupting your tongue movements when you talk. As a result, some words or sounds are harder to pronounce unless you practice talking with braces.
Below are other details to remember regarding braces and its effect on speech.
The Braces Lisp Effect
One of the most common verbal struggles people have when they get traditional metal braces is a lisp that affects S, Z, and T sounds. This change occurs because many people have a forward tongue position or place the tip of their tongue on their teeth to form certain sounds when talking. With braces and other oral or dental appliances taking up space, it can be tricky to position the tongue correctly to make the desired sounds.
Usually, wearing braces won’t impede somebody’s ability to speak, but articulation might be off. Not everyone experiences the braces lisp effect. Still, people who use braces for speech correction are more likely to notice a difference in how they talk with the dental appliance.
How Long Braces Speech Issues Last
Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific timeline for the speech change from braces to return to normal. The problem usually occurs when you first get braces since it takes time to get used to wearing them. You might feel general discomfort in your cheeks and tongue and struggle to eat hard, crunchy foods.
It’s perfectly acceptable to experience discomfort and trouble enunciating your words right after getting braces. Most people notice improvements within one to two weeks as their mouth adjusts to the dental hardware.
Tips for Improving Your Speech While Wearing Braces
Despite knowing the answer to “Do braces affect speech?” being yes, you can do things to improve your comfort and enunciation more quickly. Here are some tips to consider:
- Protect Your Cheeks and Tongue:Â Apply dental wax over wires and brackets that are irritating the insides of your mouth. As the wax hardens, it becomes a protective barrier that prevents metal components from scratching your tongue and cheeks.Â
- Stick to Soft Foods:Â Your mouth may be sensitive after getting braces. Eating soft food like scrambled eggs, applesauce, and yogurt with cold drinks can numb your mouth and lessen the discomfort from the braces. Avoid sticky, hard, or chew food.Â
- Practice Speaking:Â One of the best things you can do to speed up the restoration of your speech is to practice regularly. Besides conversing with others, you can read aloud, sing, or simply repeat words with problematic sounds.
Improve Your Smile Today With Orthodontic Treatment
Do braces affect speech? For some people, wearing braces can temporarily affect how they speak. Still, other people rely on orthodontic treatments like speech impediment braces and speech therapy braces to correct misalignments that cause faulty speech.
Maldonado Orthodontics proudly provides personalized orthodontic treatments to residents throughout Louisiana. Our board-certified professionals can help transform your smile and improve your quality of life using metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners.Whether you’re interested in getting an orthodontic treatment or need a regular brace adjustment, we can help. Call (985) 542-8719 today to request a consultation with us at Maldonado Orthodontics.
