Upon receiving your new braces, you may experience difficulty speaking clearly due to the movement of your teeth. Dr. Morrow and our team are here to provide helpful suggestions on how to adjust to this challenge.

If you’re having trouble speaking clearly with your new braces, remember that it’s completely normal! Many people have difficulty communicating initially after getting braces. With a bit of patience and effort, you can overcome this challenge quickly. Here are a few tips that can help you return to normal speech in a short time:

Remember that this is only temporary

It is common to feel strange sensations when you first start using orthodontic equipment, which can make it difficult for your tongue and other oral and facial structures to move naturally when you speak. However, with time, these structures will adjust and you will be able to speak more easily. Just be patient as it takes time for your body to adapt.

Learn about basic speech functions

It can be helpful to spend some time getting to know how your body works when it comes to speech. Not only will this help you understand how all the different parts of your body contribute to your ability to communicate, but it will also give you some useful tools to help you return to speaking in your usual manner.

Invest in some orthodontic wax

Orthodontic wax can be used to create a barrier between your braces and the inside of your cheeks, helping to prevent them from rubbing together. This can reduce friction and make it easier to speak comfortably, as well as alleviate some of the pain that may be caused by the braces rubbing against your cheeks.

Practice

One of the most effective ways to get used to speaking with braces is to practice speaking. This can include singing, reading aloud, or doing speech exercises (which can be found online for free). It may be helpful to do this in front of a mirror or on video, as it will allow you to more easily identify any trouble areas or difficulties. Another option is to record yourself and then review the recording to identify any issues.

Slow down a little bit

Wearing braces may help you slow down your speech and focus on pronunciation and enunciation. In the short term, this can help your mouth get used to the braces, and in the long term, it can improve your overall public speaking skills.

Stand up straight

Good posture, including standing upright with relaxed shoulders and a straight back, and keeping your chin up, can all contribute to effective speech. This positioning helps to align the diaphragm and larynx, allowing you to speak at your natural rhythms and best pitch. Deep breathing through your nose, until you feel your stomach expand, can also help to reduce anxiety.

If you have additional questions, our North York orthodontic team is here to help! Contact us at York Mills Orthodontics.