Although most people may seek orthodontic treatment to enhance their appearance, our specialist at Hudson River Orthodontics wants to remind new and prospective patients that we deliver many other benefits beyond a radiant smile. Most people might not even consider the effects that straight, perfectly aligned teeth and jaws have on the way they speak.
Let’s look at some of the ways orthodontic treatment can make you a clearer, more confident speaker, whether at social occasions or in professional situations.
Dental irregularities have been cited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as barriers to effective communication. Why is that? Let’s explain!
Our teeth and tongue work together to produce specific sounds, points out the American Association of Orthodontists. Crowded or crooked teeth, or teeth with gaps between them, makes it difficult for the tongue to make enough contact with the teeth to produce clear pronunciation. This sets the stage for speech impediments like imprecise articulation, lisps, or difficulty forming some consonants (such as the letters “s,” “th,” and “t”).
With proper orthodontic treatment, our patients experience significantly improved speech clarity and smoothness. By correcting misalignments, our treatment permits the tongue to move more freely and precisely, which allows for clearer articulation.
Struggling to be understood is frustrating and can lead to social anxiety and make a major dent in your self-esteem. The clarity of our speech is an absolute game-changer in everything from casual conversations to professional presentations. It boosts our self-confidence in social situations like a first date, and is critically important during a job interview or when asking for a raise.
Keep this in mind when considering whether to seek orthodontic care. We go well beyond the smile to deliver functional benefits each time you speak. If you’d like more information about the state-of-the-art treatments offered by our orthodontist at Hudson River Orthodontics, please contact us today to schedule an appointment!
