Do Dental Braces Affect Speech?

“I just got my braces. Will this affect my speech?” 

As we all know, common orthodontic treatments typically help patients get their teeth aligned, improve oral health, and enhance smiles. So, whether that’s braces or clear aligners, people who have them usually want  to get their crooked or misaligned teeth fixed. Basically, anything about the teeth. 

But, one question often asked by many patients is whether wearing dental braces also affects speech. Initially, braces do have a minor impact on speech as your mouth tries to adjust to the introduced oral appliance. But fret not, as this only happens during the transition stage or the first time the braces are attached. 

Let’s explore how dental braces might impact speech and how you can adapt to any changes during the dental braces’ procedure. 

Understanding the Impact of Dental Braces on Speech 

When we talk about getting braces done, of course, the first thing that comes to mind is getting the teeth straight. But one other aspect that many patients think of is whether braces can also affect their speech. Fret not because we’re telling you as early as now that it’s common for people with braces to notice a change in their speech after getting them attached. 

This is because your mouth is introduced with a foreign dental appliance that includes brackets and wires. The tongue, lips, and teeth all play essential roles in speech, and these brackets and wires can somehow interfere with the way your mouth moves as you speak — especially during the early stages. But don’t be too alarmed because these effects are often temporary, and your speech will improve once your whole mouth has adjusted to the braces. 

How Do Dental Braces Work? 

The usual purpose of braces is to get your teeth straightened. Now, here’s how they work–braces naturally come with brackets and wires. When steady pressure is applied, eventually, the teeth will shift into their ideal positions over time.

First, the brackets are bonded to the teeth, then they will be connected by a metal wire. This will be periodically tightened by your dentist or orthodontist, usually every month. This gradual process helps to correct misalignment, overbites, underbites, and spacing issues, depending on what kind of issues you have with your teeth. 

Common Speech Issues 

Speech issues after your dental braces procedure are common but don’t get it confused with a speech impediment. A common example of a speech impediment is stuttering or struggling to say sounds that people don’t understand what you’re saying. 

These impairments need a different type of treatment than dental braces. So, when you have speech impairment already, dental braces may not be the best solution for your difficulty. Remember, braces are particularly for getting the teeth aligned. 

Now, going back to dental braces. Speech issues after the procedure are temporary, and most people adapt to it within a few weeks. These changes often affect sounds that require the tongue to touch the teeth, such as “s,” “z,” or “sh” sounds.  

So, if you’re thinking of getting braces for your teeth, here are a few common speech issues you might face after starting the dental braces procedure: 

• Lisps: The most common issue is a slight lisp, particularly when trying to pronounce “s” sounds. This occurs because the tongue needs to adjust to the new space in the mouth. 

• Mispronunciation: Certain consonants, like “t,” “d,” and “n,” might also be difficult to articulate clearly, especially in the early stages. 

• Slurred Speech: As you adjust to wearing dental braces, you might feel like you’re slurring your words due to the sensation of the braces in your mouth. 

 

How Long Will My Speech Be Affected? 

For most people, any speech issues caused by dental braces are temporary. Within 1 to 2 weeks, most patients happen to adapt to wearing dental braces already and regain normal speech. But remember that this timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the additional appliances attached to your teeth. With these additions, it can take a little more time before your mouth can adapt to the braces that’s attached. 

What’s interesting is that our bodies are remarkably adaptable, and with practice, your mouth will get used to the new setup quickly. It can be helpful to practice speaking, particularly the words or sounds you find most difficult, to speed up the adjustment process. 

Tips to Improve Speech While Wearing Dental Braces 

Here are some tips and practices to help you adjust to speech changes when wearing your dental braces: 

1. Practice Speaking Out Loud 

After installing your braces, try to read aloud or initiate several conversations with  family and friends to help you adjust more quickly. The more you use your mouth, the sooner it will adapt to the new arrangement of your teeth and braces. 

2. Use a Mirror 

Some patients look in the mirror frequently to see their new appearance with braces, but talking in front of the mirror can also help. Speaking in front of a mirror can help you visually see how your tongue and lips move. This is especially helpful if you’re struggling with certain sounds. 

3. Try Tongue Exercises 

There are specific tongue exercises that can help improve speech. One simple exercise is to say “ssss” slowly to get used to the way your tongue interacts with the braces. You can also try exaggerating certain sounds like “t” and “d” to help your tongue adjust. Tongue twisters can also help, plus it’s fun to do them with your friends or family. 

4. Be Patient 

Remember that this stage of your dental braces journey is just temporary. While it can feel frustrating at first, patience is key to helping you have a smooth-sailing relationship with your braces. These changes will also likely fade as you adjust. 

Talk to Our Dentists  

While wearing dental braces may cause slight speech changes initially, don’t worry because these are just temporary during your adjustment period. In a few weeks, you’ll be able to speak normally once your mouth has become accustomed to the braces.  Remember, the whole process is a journey that not only improves your smile but also enhances your overall oral health.  

If you’re still hesitant about braces, our dentists at Blue Gum Dental can give you a more informational overview of our braces and other teeth alignment appliances. Book a consultation with us, so we can come up with the best treatment plan for you.