Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Beyond enhancing your smile, orthodontics can also have a positive impact on your speech.
Clear and confident speech is vital for personal and professional success. Speech difficulties can arise due to genetics, injuries, developmental issues, or dental misalignments.
Ways Orthodontics Helps Speech
- Correcting crooked teeth: Misaligned teeth can hinder proper tongue and lip movement, causing distorted sounds like “s,” “z,” “f,” and “v.” Orthodontics moves teeth into better positions, making speech clearer.
- Improving jaw position and bite: Issues such as overbite or underbite can affect pronunciation of certain sounds. Proper jaw alignment helps speech clarity.
- Widening the palate: A narrow or high palate can cause nasal or muffled speech. Palatal expanders widen the palate, allowing better tongue movement and airflow.
Common Speech Issues Addressed by Orthodontics
- Lisp: Difficulty pronouncing “s” and “z” sounds due to tongue or teeth position.
- Tongue thrust: Habit of pushing the tongue between teeth, which can cause dental misalignment and speech problems.
- Speech problems from teeth/jaw misalignment: For example, children with overbites may struggle with “f” and “v” sounds until corrected.
Orthodontic Treatments for Speech Improvement
- Traditional braces: Metal brackets and wires that correct various dental issues.
- Clear aligners: Removable plastic trays for mild to moderate corrections.
- Palatal expanders: Devices used mainly in children to widen the upper palate.
The Importance of Early Orthodontic Care
Teeth and jaws respond better to treatment during childhood, making corrections faster, more effective, and longer lasting. Early treatment can prevent long-term speech difficulties and boost confidence.
Demirović Orthodontics is dedicated to providing expert care that creates beautiful smiles and helps patients speak clearly and confidently.
English 
Bosnian