Braces May Change Your Speech, but Not For Long

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, straighter smile—but Dr. Judy Lee and her team at Torrey Hills Orthodontics understand that patients often have questions (and sometimes a few worries) about how braces might affect their speech. One of the most common concerns we hear is:

 

“Will braces change the way I talk?”

The short answer? Yes—at first.

The better news? It’s temporary, and your mouth is more adaptable than you think.

 

Why Speech Changes Happen

When you first get braces, your lips, cheeks, and tongue suddenly have to navigate around a new set of obstacles. The brackets and wires take up space, and your tongue may need to relearn how to move during certain sounds—especially those that rely on tongue-to-teeth contact (like “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “th”).

 

Some patients experience a slight lisp or mumble during the first few days or weeks. Others might notice they have to slow down or work harder to enunciate clearly. This is completely normal.

 

It’s Like Learning a New Dance

Think of it this way: your mouth and tongue have been “dancing” the same choreography your whole life. Braces change the stage—so the steps take a little practice. Most people adjust within a couple of weeks, and any minor speech changes fade as your tongue learns the new routine.

 

Tips for Speaking Confidently with Braces

We’re here to help you feel comfortable every step of the way. If you notice a change in your speech after getting braces, here are a few things that can help:

 

• Practice reading aloud. Pick your favorite book or song lyrics and read them out loud daily. This helps retrain your tongue and build confidence.

 

• Focus on problem sounds. Struggling with “s” or “sh” sounds? Try tongue twisters like “She sells seashells…” to help fine-tune your pronunciation.

 

• Stay hydrated. Dry mouth can make speech feel even more awkward with braces, so drink plenty of water.

 

• Give it time. Your mouth is incredibly adaptable. In most cases, your speech will be back to normal (or even clearer!) before you know it.

 

Long-Term Bonus: A Clearer, Healthier Smile

Here’s the silver lining—some patients actually find that their speech improves after braces. Why? Because properly aligned teeth and jaws can help eliminate certain lisps or articulation challenges caused by misalignment.

 

So while you might sound a little different at first, the long-term payoff is a confident smile and potentially even better speech clarity.

 

Still Have Questions? We're Here for You!

Every patient’s experience is unique, and our San Diego orthodontist is happy to answer any questions you have—before, during, or after your braces journey. If you're ever concerned about how your orthodontic treatment is affecting your speech (or anything else!), give Dr. Lee a call at one of our two convenient locations or bring it up at your next visit.

 

Carmel Mountain Road location: (858) 481-1771

Bernando Center Drive location: (858) 485-5577