The Connection Between Orthodontics and Speech Impediments

Both orthodontics and speech impediments are associated with poor alignment of the teeth. However, the similarities between the two end there. While speech impediments are a result of poor speech development, orthodontics is primarily used to improve the alignment of teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment and Speech Impediments

While orthodontics primarily works to improve the look of your smile, it can also help to improve your overall oral health. One of the most common problems that the orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, treat is malocclusion or “bad bite.” Patients with severe malocclusion generally experience difficulty speaking clearly and often resort to mumbling or slurring words together. Luckily, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® can correct these problems so that you never have to worry about your dental health affecting how you interact with others. Through the use of clear aligners, Invisalign treatment gradually shifts the teeth into the proper position so that they no longer interfere with your ability to speak properly.

How Orthodontic Treatment Can Improve Speech Impediments

When teeth are misaligned, it can lead to a number of issues, including teeth grinding or tooth wear. These issues can lead to malocclusions or misalignment of the teeth and jaw structure. This can cause discomfort in the mouth but can also affect a person’s speech. Tooth alignment can also influence your ability to chew and speak clearly. 

When teeth are misaligned, it can interfere with the way that these teeth come together when forming words. This can cause certain sounds to be pronounced differently from the way that they’re meant to be spoken. For example, the “s” sound can be harder to produce when the front teeth do not meet properly, which can result in this sound being replaced with an “f”! Additionally, tongue placement can also be impacted by misalignment of the teeth, making it difficult to pronounce your “th” and “sh” sounds as well.

Although these issues can be addressed by speech therapy alone in many cases, studies have shown that having orthodontic work completed can greatly increase the success of these efforts. By correcting the position of the teeth, patients can see a significant improvement in a speech following the completion of their orthodontic treatment.

Your best orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, may recommend orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of your smile but also to improve your overall oral health. Invisalign aligners are removable, so they do not interfere with your oral hygiene routine. However, they will help to align your teeth to promote healthy chewing habits and proper pronunciation. Whether you have slight bite irregularities or face a more serious condition like TMJ, your orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, will design a treatment plan for you that may involve a combination of orthodontic appliances and restorative treatment. 

Contact our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, and orthodontist in Stevensville, MT, at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870. You can call (406) 363-2200 to learn more.