**Talking with orthodontics** is one of the main concerns of patients before starting treatment. Many patients worry about the negative impact of dental orthodontics on their speech. The impact of orthodontics on speech is a topic that many people have questions about. This article examines the effects of orthodontics on speech, challenges and practical solutions to improve speaking with orthodontics. It also provides answers to common questions about the impact of orthodontics on speech and voice. Effects of Byte Abnormalities on Speaking Malocclusion or dental abnormalities significantly affect the quality of speech. The types of malocclusion each cause their own problems in speech. Large spaces between the teeth, limited space for tongue movement, and improper positioning of the jaws cause speech disorders. Open bite or lack of contact of the front teeth also causes certain speech problems. To produce different sounds, the tongue needs a suitable space and precise contact with the teeth. When these conditions are not met, it becomes difficult to pronounce tip-tongue letters such as "s", "z" and "t". Also, the improper passage of air between the teeth creates additional sounds in speech. Orthodontic complications in the field of speech are mostly short-term and can be resolved. Effect of orthodontics on speech The impact of orthodontics on speech has two positive and negative aspects. The negative side is mainly related to the initial period of treatment and temporary, while the positive effects are long-term and permanent. Fixed orthodontics using metal or ceramic brackets may initially cause a disturbance in the pronunciation of some sounds. This disorder is due to the presence of foreign bodies in the mouth that limit the space necessary for tongue movement. Invisible orthodontics, such as aligners, usually have less impact on speech, but may cause a foreign body sensation in the mouth in the first few days. ### Speaking challenges with orthodontics Talking with orthodontics at the beginning of treatment is associated with challenges. Stuttering or slowness in speaking is observed, especially in pronouncing words that require precise tongue movement. A hissing or humming sound due to air passing through the brackets is also common. The feeling of discomfort in the tongue due to continuous contact with orthodontic tools affects the fluency of speech. Also, it becomes difficult to pronounce some lingual letters such as "z", "s" and "t" at the beginning of the treatment. ### The positive effects of talking with orthodontics After the initial period, speaking with orthodontics not only does not cause problems, but has significant positive effects on speech. By correcting the arrangement of the teeth, orthodontics eliminates the person's previous speech problems. Correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws facilitates speech. Reducing fatigue during speaking and improving breathing performance are other benefits of dental orthodontics. Increasing voice power and more control over voice production are also considered to be long-term positive effects of orthodontics. Tips to improve speaking with orthodontics To reduce speech problems during orthodontic treatment, follow these tips: - Regular speech exercises by practicing words and sentences that you have trouble pronouncing, get your language used to the presence of orthodontic tools. - Reading aloud Reading a book, newspaper or magazine aloud helps to identify and solve pronunciation problems. - Patience and slowness in speaking slowly so that speaking quickly does not cause mispronunciation. - Recording and re-listening to a recording of your voice while reading and re-listening to it is useful for identifying pronunciation problems. - Using orthodontic wax If the brackets cause tongue irritation, orthodontic wax reduces friction. - Consultation with a specialist If speech problems continue, it is necessary to consult an orthodontic doctor. Is it hard to talk with removable orthodontics? Speaking with removable orthodontics and speaking with a removable plate is usually more challenging than fixed orthodontics. Mobile plaques occupy more space in the mouth and have more contact with the tongue. At the beginning of use, removable orthodontics may cause the sensation of a foreign body in the mouth and produce more saliva. These issues are usually more noticeable in the first few days and subside as you get used to it. The advantage of mobile plates is that they can be removed temporarily when necessary, such as important presentations or job interviews. However, to achieve optimal therapeutic results, it is necessary to use at least 22 hours a day. Does orthodontics affect the voice? Orthodontics has a positive role in increasing the quality of voice. By correcting the position of the teeth and jaws, breathing is better and the volume of the voice increases. Also, it is important to create a suitable space in the mouth for sound amplification, and orthodontics effectively provides this space. Slight changes in voice color may be observed during treatment, which are usually temporary. After full adaptation to orthodontic appliances, the voice will return to normal and may even be better than before. Strengthening the respiratory muscles and improving the breathing pattern are other positive effects of orthodontics on the voice. This is especially important for people whose jobs depend on sound, such as teachers or speakers. Does orthodontics cause stuttering? If you are asking whether or not orthodontics causes stuttering, the answer is no. None of the fixed brackets or mobile plates cause stuttering in patients. What may be mistaken for stuttering is the difficulty in pronouncing certain letters of the tongue that require repetition of the word for correct pronunciation. This is completely different from stuttering and will improve during the first few weeks of treatment. Stuttering is a neuromuscular disorder and orthodontics does not play a role in its development. On the other hand, orthodontics is effective in improving some speech problems related to dental abnormalities. Which orthodontic model has the greatest effect on speech? Lingual orthodontics has the greatest impact on speech. In this method, brackets are installed behind the teeth, which causes direct contact of the tongue with the orthodontic tools. Lingual brackets require more time to get used to because they are placed in the natural path of tongue movement. Speech exercises are more necessary in this type of orthodontics. It may take a few months to get used to speaking with orthodontics and speech returns to normal. In contrast, regular brackets have the least impact on speech. Clear aligners also have relatively little effect on speech, but may initially cause a foreign body sensation. **talking with orthodontics** although it is initially associated with challenges, but with patience and practice, these problems will be solved. The long-term positive effects of orthodontics on speech and quality of life justify the temporary nature of the initial problems. Contact us today for expert consultation and orthodontic treatment with Dr. Saeed Qureshi.