Talking With Braces

When you initially acquire your new braces or orthodontic aligners, you may notice that you have some difficulty communicating due to the fact that your teeth are gradually moving. Here are some helpful hints from our Manitoba dental team on how to deal with these difficulties.

The first thing you should keep in mind if you are struggling to talk properly with your new braces is that there is no need to feel embarrassed about this!

After their braces are first put on, the majority of people have some difficulties communicating verbally. It's very natural, and with a little perseverance, you'll be able to get over it fairly soon.

The following suggestions should assist you in returning to normal speech in a short period:

Remember That This Is Only Temporary

To begin with, you will most likely experience strange sensations as a result of your orthodontic equipment, which will make it difficult for your tongue and other oral and facial structures to move as naturally as you are used to when you speak. However, they will eventually adjust. It is only a question of time.

Learn About Basic Speech Functions

It should be worthwhile to devote some time to getting more familiar with your speech functions.

First and foremost, it is interesting to understand how practically every part of your body contributes to your capacity to communicate, but it will also provide you with some important tools to help you go back to speaking the way you are accustomed to doing.

Invest In Some Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax should act as a barrier between your braces and the inside of your cheeks, preventing them from rubbing together. This aids in the prevention of friction and can also make it easier to talk more comfortably. It might also help to reduce some of the pain of the braces rubbing against your cheeks.

Practice

Practicing speaking with braces is one of the most significant steps you can take toward becoming used to doing so. You can try singing, speaking, or reading aloud to yourself, or even speech exercises (you can find some free ones online) to improve your communication skills.

It may be beneficial to perform this exercise in front of a mirror or even on video so that you can more quickly identify your trouble regions and sticking points. Recording yourself so you identify some trouble spots is another option.

Slow Down A Little Bit

Placing braces on your teeth can help you slow down your speech and concentrate on your pronunciation and enunciation. In the short term, this should allow your mouth to become acclimated to the braces, and in the long run, it should help you to become a more effective public speaker in all situations.

Stand Up Straight

All of these factors contribute to the mechanics of speech: standing up straight and tall, shoulders relaxed and back, and chin up. Proper posture positions the diaphragm and larynx in such a way that your natural rhythms and best pitch might be obtained when speaking. The act of taking deep breaths in through your nose until you feel your stomach extending all the way out is a great method to calm your anxieties as well!