speaking with lingual braces
Moderator: bbsadmin
speaking with lingual braces
About one week on and situation is improving but it often sounds like I have something in my mouth when I talk ... similar to how someone sounds speaking with gum or a little food in their mouth. Tongue also hits sharp points on the brackets depending on what I say, which can be distracting; unfortunately it seems using wax sometimes exacerbates the former problem. Is it just a matter of time or is it also a matter of practice and technique? What have you guys tried that worked? Particularly interested in what lingual wearers have to say (no pun intended).
Re: speaking with lingual braces
You should check out the board dedicated to lingual braces..you'll probably find a lot over there 
. But a lot of what I've read says to just practice speaking and/or singing.
. But a lot of what I've read says to just practice speaking and/or singing.Re: speaking with lingual braces
The usual advice to overcome speaking problems due to braces is to talk or read aloud to yourself as much as possible; this will help your brain reprogram to adjust.
Re: speaking with lingual braces
Hi - I'm nearly four weeks into linguals, so just a little ahead of you. Though I knew speech issues were common, I was a bit taken aback by how bad my speech was when I left the bonding appointment. Since then, I found that my speech improved quite a bit over the first few days (but still quite noticeable)...then it seemed to regress badly from about days 5-12...and after that it started to improve dramatically again. I have no idea why. Weeks 3-4 have been so encouraging and, except for certain letter combinations that always seem to get me, I think I've gotten to the point where most brief conversations do not raise any flags that something's going on.
Regarding your comment about wax making things worse: wax placed on the brackets was great for easing discomfort, but I found it exacerbated the "battle for space" that your tongue wages with the brackets, initially. However, a thin strip of wax placed along the top of the upper brackets of the front six to smooth over the transition from the roof of the mouth to the brackets did wonders for my speech. Even though it felt annoying as hell, it was a great fallback option for days/meetings/calls for which I just couldn't risk having a bad speech experience.
Bottom line: I suppose it's a little different for each person. Don't freak out if it actually gets worse next week (wish I'd followed my own advice, because I became very worried). If you tend to be a fast talker, like me, slow down a bit - it helps with slurring. At some point very soon, you'll reach the point that it's not noticeable, and when the occasional combo hits that causes a slight lisp or slur, you will have spent so much time previously worried about it that you. just. won't. care. btw, arriving at the point of "I no longer care" is a such a relief.
Lastly, if you've had those moments when you've questioned the decision to go the lingual route (I'll admit that I did over the first two weeks), hang in there for just a little while. I now have ZERO second thoughts. They've quickly become more comfortable than my previous lower ceramics, and you just can't beat the aesthetic non-issue. I expect speech to be 99% very soon, and for the rest of the treatment time I'll get to enjoy the benefits of having everything hidden behind the curtains. You'll just be two weeks later!
Regarding your comment about wax making things worse: wax placed on the brackets was great for easing discomfort, but I found it exacerbated the "battle for space" that your tongue wages with the brackets, initially. However, a thin strip of wax placed along the top of the upper brackets of the front six to smooth over the transition from the roof of the mouth to the brackets did wonders for my speech. Even though it felt annoying as hell, it was a great fallback option for days/meetings/calls for which I just couldn't risk having a bad speech experience.
Bottom line: I suppose it's a little different for each person. Don't freak out if it actually gets worse next week (wish I'd followed my own advice, because I became very worried). If you tend to be a fast talker, like me, slow down a bit - it helps with slurring. At some point very soon, you'll reach the point that it's not noticeable, and when the occasional combo hits that causes a slight lisp or slur, you will have spent so much time previously worried about it that you. just. won't. care. btw, arriving at the point of "I no longer care" is a such a relief.
Lastly, if you've had those moments when you've questioned the decision to go the lingual route (I'll admit that I did over the first two weeks), hang in there for just a little while. I now have ZERO second thoughts. They've quickly become more comfortable than my previous lower ceramics, and you just can't beat the aesthetic non-issue. I expect speech to be 99% very soon, and for the rest of the treatment time I'll get to enjoy the benefits of having everything hidden behind the curtains. You'll just be two weeks later!
Re: speaking with lingual braces
Completely agree with everything as said above. The only thing I would add is you might find your speech is worse when you are tired and when you have been speaking a lot during the day. My tongue often feels bigger (sounds dumb I know) but I wonder if the friction against the brackets actually makes it swell a little and therefore exacerbates the speech problem?
I found ice cream very soothing (doesn't actually help with the speech but does make your tongue feel a bit more comfortable).
Stick with it; it will get better!
I found ice cream very soothing (doesn't actually help with the speech but does make your tongue feel a bit more comfortable).
Stick with it; it will get better!
Fully braced on the 31st of July 2015 with Suresmile linguals on upper arch, and American Orthodontics 'Radiance' on lower arch.
Sentence: 18 months with early release at 14 months for good behaviour.
Sentence: 18 months with early release at 14 months for good behaviour.
Re: speaking with lingual braces
Hare - One more thought...if you think that your speech sounds like someone chewing gum, then just chew away on your fav flavor of sugar free and let everyone think that's what they're hearing!!
Viconia - I think I'll try your ice cream remedy. I don't know if it will help my tongue, but if I eat enough of it people will start talking about how fat I've become and completely forget about the whole speech thing!
Viconia - I think I'll try your ice cream remedy. I don't know if it will help my tongue, but if I eat enough of it people will start talking about how fat I've become and completely forget about the whole speech thing!
Re: speaking with lingual braces
This may sound crazy or obvious, have you tried the new wax that isnt really wax? Its much softer and pliable than wax. Its also clear.
From perspective of having a few lingual brackets and some appliances, the best thing is to talk in a mirror. Practice enunciating each syllable.
OP, just curious, are your archwires had made or machined digitally?
From perspective of having a few lingual brackets and some appliances, the best thing is to talk in a mirror. Practice enunciating each syllable.
OP, just curious, are your archwires had made or machined digitally?