When you first get your new braces or orthodontic aligners, you may find that you encounter some challenges when it comes to talking. Here are some tips from the Orthostyle Montréal team on how to navigate these challenges!
The first thing you should keep in mind if you are struggling to talk properly with your new braces is that there is no need to feel embarrassed about this!
Most people experience some difficulty when talking after their braces are first applied. It’s perfectly normal, and with a little effort, you’ll be able to overcome it fairly quickly.
The following tips should help you get back to speaking normally in no time:
1. Remember: this is temporary!
Your orthodontic appliances will certainly feel weird at first, and make it difficult for your tongue and other oral and facial structures to move as they normally do when you talk. But they will adjust, it’s just a matter of time.
2. Learn about speech functions.
Taking some time to learn about your speech functions is definitely worth your time.
First of all, it’s fascinating to learn how almost your entire body contributes to your ability to speak, but it will also give you some useful tools that will help you get back to speaking the way you normally do.
3. Use some orthodontic wax.
Orthodontic wax creates a smooth barrier between your braces and the inside of your cheeks. This helps prevent friction, and can help you speak more comfortably, too.
4. Practice!
The most important step you can take to getting used to talking with braces is to practice doing it! You can try singing, speaking or reading aloud to yourself, or even speech drills (you can find some free ones online!).
It may help to do this in front of the mirror, or even to record yourself, so that you can more easily catch your problem areas and sticking spots.
