Public Speaking With Braces: Tips to overcome challenges

For a healthy, beautiful smile, braces are crucial. However, you can expect to experience some lisping and misarticulation when wearing dental braces, regardless of the type of braces you use. Besides braces, patients who receive orthodontic treatment will also experience a temporary loss of speech. But all these are temporary and may return to normal over time.

Public speaking can be quite a challenge with braces. In this article, a leading dentist from the best dental clinic in Medavakkam, Chennai, offers a few tips & tricks to overcome these challenges. However, before that, here is a detailed overview of the types of braces available and the treatment process. Find out more here.

Braces: Types, Treatment and challenges

One out of every five people wears braces during their adult years of life. It is now possible to correct crooked, crowded teeth with braces, as well as a misaligned jaw. Usually, braces are made to order and tailored to the specific requirements of each individual.

Conventional braces are made up of several different parts, including metal bands and rubber bands. When choosing braces, keep in mind your skin tone, hair and eye colour.

Classic braces consist of metallic brackets and an archwire that is connected by elastic bands. Spacers are used to make room for braces, and they are used for a week or two at a time. Buccal tubes are metal parts attached to the braces that help you chew more effectively. Braces are sometimes used with coil springs and headgear to provide additional support. Mini-braces are smaller than traditional braces and can be used to reduce the length of time you spend in treatment.

Braces work by applying constant pressure to your teeth over an extended period. Braces move your teeth by regulating the position of the membrane that is surrounded by your jawbone. While the braces do not hurt during the appointment, you may experience some discomfort along the course. Braces have to be adjusted every six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your teeth move.

What is the importance of dental hygiene when you wear braces?

When wearing braces, it’s important to brush and floss properly to avoid plaque buildup, cavities, gingivitis and long-term tooth discolouration. Braces make your teeth more prone to decay because they trap foods that cause decay. It must be cleaned after meals and flossed twice per day. Wearing braces can make it difficult to clean around archwires and brackets.

However, flossing with braces can be quite effective. Here is how the patients of the best dental clinic in Medavakkam are advised to clean their teeth:

• Gently press the floss between the teeth and slide it up and down the sides of both teeth.
• A floss threader is a tool that makes flossing more efficient.
• A floss threader can help you save time on your dental hygiene routine.
• Gently press the floss between the two teeth, and then slide it up and down the sides of both teeth.
• If your gums are sensitive, you can use dental tape to floss.

Braces: An Overview of Treatments and Aftercare

You can have braces installed on your teeth at any age, but it is best to begin treatment earlier. When getting braces, adults should consult with their OB-GYN about how braces might affect their pregnancy and how to avoid complications. Braces work by applying pressure to your jawline, which improves your appearance and overall health.

Braces are placed on your teeth after your dentist has cleaned and dried your teeth thoroughly. Braces are small metal or ceramic devices that hold the wires in place on your teeth. The brackets are placed on your teeth, and the bands are attached to your back molars. Lingual braces are used to straighten the back teeth of the mouth on the tongue side.

After getting braces, you may experience discomfort for several days. To relieve the discomfort, take an OTC pain reliever or use an oral anaesthetic. Braces can cause sore spots inside your mouth, so use wax to cover them. As a home remedy, you can rinse the sore spots with saltwater or apply a topical anaesthetic. You will need to visit the orthodontist every 8 to 10 weeks.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of traditional braces to gradually shift your teeth into a more favourable position. Invisalign is a customized orthodontic system that your dentist develops.

Invisalign is an aligner system that is changed on a biweekly basis. They are worn most of the day but can be removed to consume food, brush your teeth, floss your teeth, and special occasions. Invisalign is the most popular brand of clear aligner braces, but other options are available, including lingual braces hidden behind the teeth.

Invisalign treatment costs vary depending on your location, your insurance plan and your oral health needs. Invisalign costs $3,000 to $7,000 per person, and insurance companies may cover up to $3,000 of the cost.

Aligners and braces may align your teeth, but they can make it difficult for you to speak while wearing them. The best dental clinic in Medavakkam shares some tips for addressing these issues.

Tips For Tackling Your Big Speech After Getting Braces

• Practice speaking in front of a mirror as often as possible to improve your speech
• Talk to a friend or family member about your fear
• If you wear braces, your audience will understand if you make mistakes.
• With braces on, you can use humour to break the ice with your audience and make them feel more comfortable with you.
• Your speech sounds significantly worse to you than it does to others, especially when you are tired.
• Watch motivating videos to gain confidence and learn ways to help your speech return to normal.

For the best health of your mouth and teeth, braces are essential. While braces may harm your speech in big ways, the tips mentioned above can help you overcome these challenges. Use the tips above to improve your speech!