Speech and orthodontics are more interconnected than many people realize. While orthodontics is often associated with straightening teeth and improving smiles, the alignment of teeth and jaws also plays a critical role in how we speak. When the bite is misaligned or when certain teeth are out of place, it can interfere with the tongue’s ability to make contact with the teeth and palate in the way speech sounds require. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Laura Davis sees firsthand how correcting bite issues can lead to clearer, more confident speech for patients in Lawrenceville, Morrow, Stone Mountain, and Loganville, GA.
Several types of malocclusion—such as open bites, overbites, underbites, and severe crowding—can all impact articulation. For example, an open bite may prevent the front teeth from touching, which makes it difficult to produce sounds like “s,” “z,” and “th.” Similarly, a deep overbite may restrict tongue movement. Even minor misalignments can create subtle lisping or difficulty with clarity, which can have a significant effect on a person’s self-esteem, particularly in school or professional settings.
Common Speech Issues Linked to Orthodontic Problems
Many of the speech issues associated with orthodontic concerns relate to how the tongue interacts with the teeth and palate. Lisping is one of the most common examples. A lisp may occur when the tongue pushes through the teeth during speech—known as a frontal lisp—or when it pushes to the sides, called a lateral lisp. These issues are frequently tied to an improper bite or spacing between teeth. By addressing the underlying dental structure, orthodontic treatment can often reduce or eliminate these types of lisps.
Another concern is articulation delays in children, particularly those with crossbites or misaligned jaw growth. When the teeth or jaws are not in their proper positions, the natural rhythm and shape of speech are altered. In severe cases, this may be compounded by muscle compensation, where the mouth, lips, or jaw muscles develop incorrect patterns to accommodate the misalignment. Over time, these habits can become ingrained and harder to correct. For many patients at Davis Family Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment is a foundational step in overcoming long-term speech struggles.
How Orthodontic Treatment Can Improve Speech
Orthodontic treatment can correct structural issues that interfere with speech mechanics. By aligning the teeth and jaws into a more functional position, the tongue gains better access to the areas needed to form sounds accurately. This can lead to immediate improvements in articulation, especially for children whose speech patterns are still developing. Dr. Laura Davis often works in collaboration with speech therapists to ensure that both the dental and functional aspects of speech are being addressed simultaneously.
In some cases, appliances such as palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for the tongue and improving airflow. This can be particularly beneficial for children with narrow palates who are experiencing both speech and breathing issues. Braces and clear aligners, while often thought of for cosmetic results, also play a significant role in resolving spacing and bite problems that contribute to unclear speech. Even adult patients can experience improved diction and clarity after completing orthodontic treatment.
Braces and Speech: What to Expect
Patients are sometimes concerned that getting braces will worsen their speech, at least temporarily. While there may be a short adjustment period, most people adapt quickly. Any initial changes in speech are typically due to the presence of new appliances in the mouth, such as brackets or wires, which can slightly alter tongue movement. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Davis explains that this transition phase is usually brief and manageable with practice and time.
It’s also important to note that some types of braces, such as self-ligating or clear aligners, may cause less disruption to speech than others. Aligners, in particular, are custom-molded and smooth, making them less likely to interfere with articulation. Dr. Davis helps patients choose the best option based not only on orthodontic needs but also on lifestyle and speech considerations. In most cases, any temporary speech difficulty is outweighed by the long-term benefits of improved oral function.
Collaborative Care: Orthodontics and Speech Therapy
In situations where speech difficulties persist even after orthodontic correction, a collaborative approach between orthodontists and speech therapists can be highly effective. Speech therapy focuses on retraining the muscles and patterns involved in producing sounds, while orthodontic treatment provides the anatomical support for correct speech placement. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Davis often refers patients to speech-language pathologists when deeper intervention is needed to complement orthodontic progress.
This team approach is particularly valuable for children undergoing early orthodontic treatment, where both the physical and behavioral aspects of speech development are still in flux. By coordinating care, outcomes tend to be faster and more complete. Even in adult patients, resolving speech concerns can lead to improved communication and greater self-assurance. Understanding that orthodontics is part of a larger picture can help patients feel more supported and optimistic about their progress.
A Clearer Path Forward
Speech clarity is an essential part of everyday life, from school presentations and job interviews to casual conversations with friends and family. When speech is affected by orthodontic issues, it can have a far-reaching impact on a person’s confidence and communication. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Laura Davis and her team are committed to not only aligning teeth but also enhancing the overall quality of life for their patients across Lawrenceville, Morrow, Stone Mountain, and Loganville, GA.
Orthodontics is more than cosmetic. It’s about restoring function, improving health, and unlocking the potential for better self-expression. If you or your child are struggling with speech difficulties that may be connected to dental alignment, scheduling a consultation could be the first step toward lasting change. With the right plan and support, clearer speech—and a confident smile—are well within reach.
Sources:
Chigurupati, R., & Grayson, B. (2015). Speech and orthodontics: The role of dental occlusion in articulation. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal.
Yoshinaga-Itano, C., & Elfenbein, J. L. (1994). The effect of dental occlusion on speech production. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research.
Ruscello, D. M. (2008). Treating articulation disorders in children with structural anomalies. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
