Yes — in many cases, braces can help improve certain speech problems. That’s because your teeth and jaw play a big role in how sounds are formed. If your bite or tooth alignment is off, it can impact how clearly you speak.
Here’s what Canadian patients should know about how orthodontics may support better speech.
🎤 Common Speech Issues Related to Teeth
- Overbite or underbite (can affect tongue placement)
- Gaps or crowding (can interfere with airflow and sound)
- Open bite (may cause a lisp or difficulty with “s” and “z” sounds)
- Narrow palate (can impact tongue mobility and resonance)
🤧 How Braces Can Help
- Correcting alignment and bite positioning
- Creating more space for the tongue to move properly
- Helping sounds come out clearer and more confidently
In kids, early orthodontic intervention can also support proper speech development as they grow.
🩺 What Braces Can’t Fix Alone
Braces won’t solve all speech issues — especially if they’re caused by:
- Neurological factors
- Muscle coordination problems
- Hearing loss or developmental delays
In these cases, a speech-language pathologist may work alongside your orthodontist to improve results.
✅ Team-Based Support Is Best
At McLevin Dental, we’ll assess whether your alignment could be affecting your speech — and we’re happy to coordinate with your family doctor or speech therapist if needed.
Wondering if braces could help your speech? Book a consultation and let’s explore the right solution for your smile, function, and confidence.