If you’re getting braces and wondering whether they’ll affect your speech — the answer is: maybe at first, but not for long. Most people adjust within a few days to a couple of weeks, and your speech returns to normal quickly.
Here’s what Canadian patients should know about how braces may (or may not) affect the way you talk.
🎤 What Sounds Are Affected?
Braces may cause minor changes in how you pronounce:
- S, Z, T, and D sounds
- Especially if you have brackets on the front teeth or use orthodontic appliances like expanders
You may hear a slight lisp or notice a difference when speaking fast — but it’s temporary.
🛌 How Long Does It Last?
- Most people adjust in 7 to 14 days
- Practicing speech out loud can help speed up adaptation
- Tongue position naturally adjusts to work around the brackets
🪠 Tips to Adjust Faster
- Read aloud at home (books, lyrics, poems)
- Talk more often — don’t shy away from conversation
- Use orthodontic wax if brackets are irritating your lips or cheeks
✅ Braces Won’t Hurt Long-Term Speech
Once you’re adjusted, you’ll speak just like you always did. In fact, if your bite or tooth positioning was causing speech challenges before, braces may actually improve your clarity!
Nervous about how braces will affect your speech?
Talk to the team at McLevin Dental
— we’ll guide you through what to expect and how to adjust with confidence.