Braces in Glen Mills PA are an effective orthodontic treatment to help straighten teeth and improve oral health. However, one common concern among people wearing braces is how they affect their speech. The good news is that speech difficulties associated with braces are temporary and can be overcome with some strategies and patience.
What are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to straighten and align teeth, improve oral health, and enhance the appearance of a person's smile. They consist of small brackets attached to the teeth and connected by wires and rubber bands.
The brackets are usually made of metal or ceramic materials and are designed to apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position. Over time, the wires are tightened to increase the pressure and help move the teeth into alignment.
Braces can correct orthodontic issues, such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, and gaps between teeth. They are typically worn for one to three years, depending on the severity of the problem and the desired outcome.
How Braces Can Affect Speech
Braces can interfere with speech production by affecting the movement of the tongue and lips, which can result in lisping, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, and slurring. This is because the braces take up space in the mouth and may cause discomfort, leading to changes in speech patterns.
- Strategies to Overcome Speech Difficulties
The following are some strategies that can help overcome speech difficulties associated with braces:
- Practice Speaking With Braces
Exercises to improve tongue and lip movements can help you adjust to speaking with braces. Speaking slowly and deliberately can also help prevent lisping or slurring.
- Seek Help Fom a Speech Therapist
A speech therapist can help you identify and correct specific speech difficulties caused by braces. They can offer various types of therapy customized to meet your specific needs.
- Use Orthodontic Wax or Silicone
Orthodontic wax or silicone can be applied to the braces to help reduce speech discomfort. These products help create a barrier between the braces and the mouth, making speaking more comfortable.
Additional Considerations
It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent dental problems that may interfere with speech. Communication with the orthodontist is also important to ensure that the braces are properly fitted and that any discomfort is addressed promptly.
It’s important to note that speech difficulties associated with braces are temporary and generally resolve within a few weeks to a few months. In some cases, it may take longer for speech to return to normal, but with patience and persistence, speech difficulties can be overcome.
The strategies mentioned above, such as practicing speaking with braces, seeking help from a speech therapist, and using orthodontic wax or silicone, can help overcome these difficulties. With patience and persistence, you can adjust to speaking with braces and enjoy the benefits of a straighter smile.
Are You Interested in Braces in Glen Mills PA?
At Swiatek Orthodontics, we can provide you with reliable braces to help fix and manage your misaligned teeth. Give us a call to learn more about the different services we offer!