How to Minimise Speech Changes With Braces: Tips for Clear Talking
Getting braces is a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Many people notice slight changes in speech during the first few days or weeks, this is completely normal and usually temporary.
Why can speech change after braces are fitted?
When braces are first fitted, your mouth needs time to adjust to the new hardware. Depending on what type of braces you have chosen, you may have brackets, aligners or wires that can change tongue placement and how the air flows during speech. Your mouth is also incredibly sensitive to changes as it has a high density of nerve endings with low activation thresholds that are crucial for functions such as speaking, eating and drinking.
The good news is that these changes are temporary and with a bit of practice and patience, your speech will return to normal. In this article, we will explain what you should expect and offer practical tips to help you adapt quickly.
What Types of Speech Changes Can Occur?
It is normal to notice some subtle shifts in your speech when braces are first fitted. Common, temporary changes include:
- Lisping with certain sounds (especially z or s)
- Slight slurring or mumbling
- Difficulty pronouncing certain consonants due to new tongue positioning
- Gaps, pauses or hesitancy in speech as your mouth gets used to the feeling of braces
These changes in speech usually wear off within a few days to a couple of weeks as your lips, tongue and muscles adapt. Although it’s a significant adjustment, most mouths adapt quickly.
7 Tips and Exercises to Maintain Clear Speech
To minimise speech changes and help your mouth adjust, there are lots of exercises you can choose from that you can incorporate into your daily routine. These can be carried out alone or you can ask someone to listen to how you sound to reassure you that things are improving:
- Read aloud slowly - This helps your tongue adjust to new positions
- Recite tongue twisters - A fun challenge that improves precision (Remember, these are hard to recite even without braces, so don’t worry if this is tricky!)
- Practice troublesome sounds - focus on “s”, “z”, “sh”, and “th”
- Over-enunciate temporarily - Exaggerating sounds builds muscle memory
- Speak more slowly - Rushing can make new speech patterns harder to control
- Drink plenty of water - Prevents a dry mouth, which can affect speech
- Use a mirror - Watching your mouth move can improve awareness and clarity
Carrying out these exercises daily can make a big difference in helping your mouth adjust.
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3 Daily Habits and Communication Strategies
- Let friends, family and co-workers know that you have just had braces fitted - This will help you feel more confident when speaking, as those around you will be aware of the reason why your speech may be slightly different
- Try not to avoid speaking - Avoiding talking will only delay the adjustment period
- Track your progress - Be aware of how your mouth feels every day and pay attention to your speech returning to normal. It can also be useful to ask someone you trust to tell you if they are noticing improvements.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
It is exceptionally rare for changes in speech to persist, but if you are not noticing any improvements or if things are worsening after a couple of weeks, reach out to your orthodontist for advice. They will be happy to see you and check that everything is fitted correctly. They may also be able to offer some specific tips to help.
Don’t Let Speech Concerns Hold You Back From Your Best Smile
A temporary speech adjustment is a small step toward a lifelong, confident smile. If you have any questions or would like to book your first appointment, contact our friendly team at Accessible Orthodontics.;
FAQs
How long will speech changes last after getting braces?
Most people will adjust within a few days to two weeks. Every person is different and it will depend on how often you practice your exercises and how frequently you talk.
Which sounds are most affected by braces?
Sounds like “s”, “sh”, “z” and “th” can be trickier at first because the tongue needs to find new placement around the braces.
Are speech changes normal or a cause for concern?
Very normal and very common. Speech changes are temporary and just part of the adjustment process.
How often should I practice speech exercises?
5-10 minutes a day will help your speech return to normal faster. Consistency is key.
When should I contact my orthodontist about speech issues?
If speech changes last longer than two weeks or worsen in that time, reach out to your orthodontist.
Are certain types of braces more likely to affect speech?
Any change to the mouth can cause temporary changes in speech due to the new hardware in your mouth, but traditional braces can take slightly longer to adjust to than aligners.
Can a dry mouth make speech problems worse?
Yes. Ensure you are keeping hydrated to help your tongue move more smoothly.
Is it safe to speak while eating with braces?
It’s not recommended. Chewing and speaking at the same time can lead to food getting caught in your braces. It will also make your speech less clear.
