Short answer: In the first days after braces or clear aligners are fitted, a slight lisp may appear, especially on sounds such as s, z, sh and t. This is mostly temporary; as the tongue gets used to the new structure it decreases noticeably within a few days to a few weeks. The effect may be more noticeable with lingual braces, which are fitted to the inner surface of the teeth. Talking a lot and reading aloud speed up adjustment; a change that lasts a long time should be reported to your doctor.
One of the first questions on the minds of many people who learn they will get braces is whether their speech will be affected. The short answer to "do braces cause a lisp?" is this: in the first days after the braces or aligners are fitted there may be a slight change in some sounds, but this is mostly temporary and corrects itself as the tongue gets used to its new environment. In this article we look at the relationship between braces and speech, which sounds are affected most, what to expect with different types of treatment and practice that eases adjustment.
Do braces affect speech?
Braces generally affect speech in a brief and mild way. During speech the tongue, lips and teeth make extremely finely tuned movements; for some sounds the tip of the tongue touches the back of the upper front teeth or a point very close to the palate. When a new structure enters the mouth, the tongue has to relearn these contact points.
An important piece of information for those worried that "my speech will be ruined once I get braces": thanks to its muscular structure, the tongue is quite good at adapting to a new situation. In most people the noticeable change fades within a few days and drops within a few weeks to a level people around you will not notice. This period varies from person to person, with the appliance used and with how much you talk. Braces are not expected to cause a permanent speech problem.
With classic (labial) braces, which are fitted to the front surface of the teeth, the effect on speech is generally limited because the brackets are on a surface the tongue hardly touches. With this type, getting the lips used to the brackets and irritation inside the cheeks come more to the fore.
Which sounds are difficult?
The sounds most affected in speech are those the tongue makes in close contact with the teeth or palate. These are mainly the following:
- S and Z: The s sound is the one mentioned most often with braces. Air passes through a narrow gap between the tip of the tongue and the upper front teeth; when the shape of this gap changes, a whistling or slightly lisped s may be heard.
- Sh, Ch and J: In these sounds, where the back of the tongue approaches the palate, clarity can decrease, especially if there is an appliance on the palate.
- T, D, N and L: These are sounds where the tip of the tongue touches the gum behind the upper front teeth; with lingual braces these sounds may be affected more noticeably.
- F and V: These are formed between the lower lip and the upper teeth; the edge of an aligner or the brackets may create a small difference in the first days.
In addition to these, there may be an increase in saliva in the mouth in the first days, which can make speech sound a bit "wetter." As the mouth gets used to the foreign structure, saliva production returns to normal as well.
What about lingual braces and clear aligners?
The effect of lingual braces on speech can be more noticeable than with classic braces, because the brackets are bonded directly to the surface where the tongue moves, on the inner side of the teeth. Since the tip of the tongue touches exactly this area for sounds such as T, D, N and S, a lisp may be more noticeable in the first weeks, and irritation on the edges of the tongue can also occur. This effect also decreases over time in most people. For the features of lingual treatment, you can take a look at our page on lingual braces.
Clear aligners, in terms of speech, act like a thin layer over the teeth. Because the aligner covers the teeth with a thin material, there may be a slight difference in the s and sh sounds for the first few days. At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided with Invisalign; wearing the aligners for the recommended time each day matters for both treatment and speech adjustment, because taking them out and putting them in often can prolong the tongue's adaptation. For details on speaking, sports and playing a musical instrument with clear aligners, you can read our article on speaking, sports and musical instruments with Invisalign.
Palatal expanders or some auxiliary appliances that sit on the palate can also cause temporary changes in sounds such as sh, ch, k and g. Which appliance will be used and its possible effect on speech can be discussed with your doctor while the treatment is being planned.
What practice speeds up adjustment?
The most effective way to get used to speaking is to talk a lot and deliberately once the appliance is in. With repetition, the tongue learns the new contact points. The practices below can support this process:
- Reading aloud: Reading a page of a book or newspaper aloud for 10 to 15 minutes a day speeds up the tongue's adaptation, especially on words with s, sh and z.
- Repeating the difficult sounds: Syllable repetitions such as "sa, see, soo, sha, shee, shoo" or tongue twisters with many s and sh sounds can help.
- Speaking slowly: Speaking a little more slowly and distinctly in the first days gives the tongue time to find the right position.
- Recording yourself: Taking short voice recordings on your phone makes it easier to see progress and to notice the sounds that are still a struggle.
- Swallowing before speaking: This reduces the buildup of saliva in the first days and makes sounds clearer.
- Singing: Song lyrics let you repeat different sound combinations in an enjoyable way.
If there is irritation inside the mouth, speaking may feel uncomfortable; in that case, applying orthodontic wax to bracket and wire ends can bring relief. For details on irritation, see our article on braces sores, and for other tips on daily life during braces, see our guide to things to watch for during braces treatment.
How to plan around work, presentations and the stage?
For people whose work depends on speaking, planning the start date of treatment makes the first adjustment period easier to get through. These suggestions can help teachers, lawyers, sales representatives, presenters, singers or managers who give frequent presentations:
- Avoid timing the fitting of braces or the delivery of the first aligners right before an important presentation, interview or stage performance; if possible, leave a gap of a week or two.
- Choose a weekend or a calmer work period for the adjustment.
- Before an important talk, rehearse the text aloud several times with the appliance in.
- For wind instrument players or those who use their voice professionally, share your professional needs with your doctor at the exam; this information can be taken into account when the type of treatment is chosen.
Although aligner wearers can take the aligners out for a short presentation, it is important not to make this a habit so that daily wear time is not disrupted. You can discuss this with your doctor and make a balanced plan.
When should you tell your doctor?
If the change in speech is still noticeable after a few weeks or is increasing over time, we recommend telling your doctor at your check-up. Sometimes a wire end poking the tongue, a rough edge on an aligner or the position of an appliance can affect speech more than necessary; such situations can often be resolved with a small adjustment.
If you had a speech difficulty before treatment, such as a lisp caused by the tip of the tongue pushing out between the teeth, the cause may not be tooth alignment alone. Situations such as a tongue-thrust habit can be assessed together with orthodontic treatment; if it is considered necessary, working with a speech-language therapist may be suggested. This assessment is made at the exam.
If there is a sore, swelling or pain in the tongue, cheek or lip that does not heal, it is also appropriate to contact the clinic without waiting for the next check-up.
Choosing a treatment in Ankara
If speech is an important criterion for you, it makes sense to talk through the differences between fixed braces, lingual braces and clear aligners before treatment begins. We compare the options in general terms on our page on clear aligners or braces. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, the alignment of your teeth, your bite and your expectations for daily life are assessed together during the exam; the method that suits you is determined on the basis of this assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a lisp last after getting braces?
In most people the change in speech is noticeable in the first few days and drops to an unnoticeable level within a few weeks. The time varies with the appliance used, how much the person talks and how quickly the tongue adapts. With lingual braces the adjustment period may be a little longer.
Do braces permanently affect speech?
Braces are not expected to cause a permanent speech disorder; the effect is mostly temporary. If a noticeable change remains after a few weeks, you should see your doctor to assess whether an adjustment to the appliance is needed.
Do clear aligners affect speech?
In the first days after clear aligners are fitted, there may be a slight difference, especially in the s and sh sounds. When the aligners are worn for the recommended time, the tongue generally adapts in a short time. At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided with Invisalign.
Do I need to do exercises to get used to speaking?
It is not mandatory, but it helps. Reading aloud for a few minutes a day, repeating words with the sounds you struggle with and talking a lot let the tongue learn its new contact points faster.
