While orthodontic treatment is great for cosmetic alignment of teeth, it can also play a large role in improving speech as misaligned teeth can contribute to speech difficulties. At the same time, speech therapy can support orthodontic treatment by training the tongue and oral muscles to function correctly which in turn helps the alignment and development of the jaws and teeth. At Louisville Orthodontics, Dr. Raina Chandiramani works to address all of these issues and will work in conjunction with speech therapy to achieve long-term improvements in both speech and dental alignment.
Speech is a highly coordinated process that involves the teeth, tongue, lips, and jaw. When any of these structures are misaligned, speech clarity can be affected. Research published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2017) found that malocclusions, such as overbites, underbites, and open bites, can interfere with articulation, particularly with sounds like “s,” “sh,” “z,” and “th.”
Common orthodontic issues that impact speech include:
- Overbite – Can make it difficult to pronounce “s” and “z” sounds.
- Underbite – Can affect clarity and articulation of words.
- Open Bite – Often contributes to a lisp or difficulty pronouncing consonants.
- Tongue Thrust – When the tongue pushes against the front teeth, it can cause misalignment and speech distortions.
Correcting these dental issues with braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatments can improve tongue placement during speech leading to better articulation of words.
While orthodontics addresses structural issues, speech therapy helps train the muscles of the mouth and tongue to function correctly. The two treatments work hand in hand to provide optimal results.
Speech Therapy Benefits for Orthodontic Treatment:
- Corrects Improper Tongue Posture – If the tongue pushes against the teeth (tongue thrust), it can cause an open bite or prevent braces from effectively aligning the teeth. Speech therapists work to retrain tongue posture to prevent orthodontic relapse. A 2020 study in The Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found that children with tongue thrust and open bites showed better long-term orthodontic results when they also received myofunctional therapy (a form of speech therapy that strengthens oral muscles).
- Improves Swallowing Patterns – Abnormal swallowing patterns can contribute to misalignment. Speech therapy helps patients develop proper swallowing techniques to support orthodontic stability.
- Enhances Articulation and Clarity – Speech therapy can address lingering pronunciation issues that remain even after teeth alignment is corrected.
- Speeds Up Adjustment to Braces or Aligners – Some patients experience temporary lisps when they start orthodontic treatment. Speech therapy can help them adapt more quickly by strengthening oral muscle coordination.
- Better Retention of Treatment – Research in The Angle Orthodontist (2021) reported that patients who combined speech therapy with orthodontic care had a lower risk of orthodontic relapse compared to those who received braces alone.
If you notice any of the following, your child may benefit from speech therapy in combination with orthodontic care:
- Persistent lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
- A tongue thrust habit that pushes against the teeth
- Open-mouth breathing that affects facial and dental development
- Difficulty adjusting to speech changes with braces or aligners
Here at Louisville Orthodontics, Dr. Raina Chandiramani works closely with speech therapists to ensure our patients receive the most comprehensive care possible. If you have concerns about speech or orthodontic issues, visit our website Louisville-Ortho.com to schedule a complimentary consultation!