A lisp is a common speech articulation error affecting sibilant sounds, primarily ‘s’ and ‘z’, causing them to sound like ‘th’. This frontal or interdental lisp occurs when the tongue pushes forward and protrudes between the front teeth during speech. When starting orthodontic treatment, the sudden appearance of a lisp is a frequent and temporary side effect of wearing braces. This article provides actionable steps for self-correction through targeted practice and guidance on recognizing when professional help is appropriate.
Why Braces Cause Lisps
Speech mechanics rely on precise coordination between the tongue, teeth, and palate to control airflow. Producing a clear ‘s’ sound requires the tongue to create a narrow channel that directs a stream of air over the sharp edge of the teeth. Braces introduce foreign structures—brackets and wires—which immediately reduce the available space inside the oral cavity.
This physical obstruction forces the tongue to shift its customary resting and speaking position. The tongue naturally attempts to find new space to articulate sounds, often positioning itself too far forward. This forward placement pushes the tongue against the back of the upper brackets or between the front teeth, creating the characteristic sound of an interdental lisp. The lisp that develops with braces is considered a temporary adjustment issue, not a long-standing speech disorder.
Immediate Adjustments and Practice Techniques
Overcoming the braces-induced lisp requires retraining the tongue’s muscle memory to navigate the newly restricted space. Consciously slow down your rate of speech and practice over-enunciating words. Speaking deliberately gives the tongue the extra time needed to find a clear path around the hardware, establishing a correct pattern.
Correct tongue positioning involves placing the tip of the tongue just behind the lower front teeth, instead of near the upper teeth or alveolar ridge. This anchors the tongue low and back, preventing it from protruding into the airflow. The sides of the tongue should be slightly curled up to make contact with the inside of the back teeth, allowing air to channel centrally over the top of the tongue.
Another valuable drill for retraining tongue posture is the “Nnnnn-Suck” technique. Begin by making the “Nnnnn” sound, which naturally places the tongue tip high on the palate just behind the upper front teeth. Maintaining this position, gently suction the tongue upward to the roof of the mouth, creating a slight vacuum or “pop” sound when released. This exercise strengthens the muscles responsible for keeping the tongue off the hardware and in a proper resting position above the bite plane.
For articulation practice, try to transform the ‘t’ sound into an ‘s’ sound using the “T-S” method. Rapidly repeat the ‘t’ sound multiple times, and then hold out the last sound into a sustained ‘s’. The quick repetition of ‘t’ helps to properly anchor the sides of the tongue. The sustained sound trains the central flow of air necessary for a crisp ‘s’.
Practicing in front of a mirror helps you check that the tongue tip remains behind the teeth and does not peek through. Reading aloud from a book or magazine for short, frequent sessions throughout the day integrates the new tongue position into fluent speech. The lisp is temporary, with most people noticing significant improvement within the first one to three weeks as the tongue adapts to the new oral environment.
When to Consult a Specialist
While self-practice is effective, specific circumstances require professional guidance. If the lisp is accompanied by pain or the feeling of a loose bracket or wire, the orthodontist should be contacted immediately. A structural issue with the appliance itself can sometimes be the direct cause of the speech difficulty, requiring a simple adjustment or repair from the orthodontic team.
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) should be consulted if the lisp persists for more than a few months after the braces were placed. A temporary lisp is normal, but one that continues beyond the initial adjustment period of four to twelve weeks suggests the tongue has settled into an incorrect habit. An SLP can conduct a formal assessment to identify the articulation error and provide targeted articulation therapy.
If a lisp was present before orthodontic treatment began, the braces have likely exacerbated an existing tongue placement issue, meaning the lisp is not solely due to the hardware. The SLP will collaborate with the orthodontist to create a treatment plan that addresses the underlying muscular habit, ensuring the correct speech pattern is established alongside teeth alignment.