
Orthodontic treatment is a great way to transform your smile, align your teeth, and enhance your oral health. However, beyond the visible changes, there is another aspect of orthodontics that often goes under the radar: its impact on your speech. From braces to clear aligners, orthodontic appliances can affect how you speak.
While changes in your speech due to orthodontic devices can be frustrating, there are several things you can do to adjust to them. At Bailey Orthodontics, our experienced team is well-equipped to guide you through your orthodontic journey, ensuring you feel confident and reassured. If you are concerned about your new or upcoming orthodontic device’s impact on your ability to speak, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
How Orthodontic Appliances Influence Your Speech
Many orthodontic devices, including braces, clear aligners, and retainers, can impact the way you sound when you speak. Some of the ways that each orthodontic device can impact your speech include:

- Braces: Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that are fixed to the teeth. While effective in straightening teeth, braces can initially cause some speech changes. The presence of brackets and wires may interfere with tongue movements, affecting pronunciation, particularly of certain sounds like “s,” “th,” and “sh.”
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are removable trays that gradually shift teeth into alignment. While they offer the benefit of being nearly invisible, it’s important to note that any speech changes are usually temporary and part of the adjustment period. Some patients may experience a temporary lisp during this time as they get used to speaking with the aligners in place.
- Retainer: Retainers are custom-made devices worn after orthodontic treatment to maintain the results. Depending on the type of retainer (fixed or removable), they may have minimal impact on speech. However, some patients may notice slight changes in articulation initially.
Common Concerns and How to Address Them
If your orthodontist has recently recommended you get braces or clear aligners, you may be concerned about their impact on your speech. While there are several concerns you may experience about the addition of a new orthodontic device, there are several things you can do to address these concerns and adapt to this change:
1. Lisping or Slurred Speech
If you’ve recently gotten braces or clear aligners, it may impact your speech, including slurred speech or lisping. While this can be frustrating, it is important to understand that this is often a temporary effect and improves with time. You simply need time to adjust to this change. If your speech difficulties persist, you may want to consider speech therapy. Speech therapists can provide exercises and techniques to improve articulation and clarity.

2. Discomfort and Irritation
Discomfort and irritation that may impact your speech are to be expected, especially after you’ve just gotten your new orthodontic device. You may also experience some discomfort after adjustments. If your pain persists, you may want to speak to your orthodontist. Adjustments can often be made to alleviate this pain without compromising the efficiency of your orthodontic treatment.
3. Embarrassment or Self-Consciousness
For many orthodontic patients, especially those who are younger, there may be a lot of embarrassment and self-consciousness about the significant change to your speech. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to speak to your orthodontist or family and friends. With their reassurance and support throughout this transition, you should begin to feel more confident with your new orthodontic device.
4. Difficulty Pronouncing Certain Sounds
With the addition of an orthodontic device, you may notice that you struggle to pronounce certain sounds. While this change in your speech can be frustrating, persistent practice can help you overcome these difficulties. If you’re noticing speech difficulties, read aloud or practice tongue exercises recommended by your orthodontist. As you continue practicing, you should begin to speak as you did prior to the addition of your orthodontic device.

Adapt to New Devices with the Help of Bailey Orthodontics
If you are struggling with changes to your speech, working with a reliable orthodontic team is a great way to begin adjusting. If you are looking for a team in the Bountiful or Farmington area that can help you through the orthodontic process, turn to our team at Bailey Orthodontics. For over 20 years, our team has provided the most reliable orthodontic treatments to patients across the Wasatch Front.
In addition to our team of experts, we provide patients with plenty of online resources to ensure the orthodontic process goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re preparing for traditional braces or clear aligners, our team is here and ready to help you start your orthodontic journey. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our orthodontic team to start the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.