Can orthodontic treatment fix speech issues?

Braces and clear aligner treatment are mainly used to straighten smiles and fix improper bites, but they can also improve speech problems. Orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners straighten the teeth, which can help with lisps, pronunciation difficulties, slurred speech, and unclear speech. 

Why Orthodontics Help

To make the different sounds of the letters of the alphabet, the teeth, lips, and tongue have to interact in a specific way. A speech issue is more likely if the teeth or jaw are misaligned. The tongue might also have difficulty moving properly around the mouth when teeth are not in the ideal positions.

For example, the “s” and “z” sounds are made by the tongue’s placement against the top front teeth. A lisp might develop if those front teeth aren’t in their correct place. An open bite may also cause difficulty in pronouncing the “d” and “t” sounds, whereas whistling when talking comes from gaps between teeth. 

Orthodontic treatment helps to properly align the teeth and jaw, in turn improving tongue posture, enhancing lip control, correcting bite issues, and reshaping the oral cavity for clearer speech.

Solve Your Speech Problems

For help from experienced orthodontic professionals, contact our office today to set up an appointment and discover whether your speech issues can be solved with the help of braces or other aligners!