It’s common knowledge that braces straighten teeth, but many people are unaware of the many problems that can be relieved through orthodontic treatment. Issues such as speech difficulties, jaw pain, and more can be a direct result of teeth misalignment. At New Braunfels Braces, we see many patients who suffer from a variety of dental concerns like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and jaw problems with TMJ disorder. Luckily, our experienced team knows exactly how to fix these problems using a personalized orthodontic treatment.
How Misaligned Teeth Cause Issues Beyond Cosmetics
When the teeth and/or the jaw are misaligned, problems extend beyond just that of appearance. Left untreated, problems can arise that impact day-to-day life, impacting speech, sleep, digestion, and overall comfort. The jaw and mouth work together to perform many important functions, so when something is off-kilter, it can create a wide range of issues.
The Impact of Teeth Misalignment and Speech
Every part of our mouth and jaw area interacts in some way. Our speech is highly dependent on the tongue, lips, teeth and jaw working well together to form the correct sounds. Misaligned teeth, and jaws can create gaps, overlaps, or obstructions that make it more difficult to say certain words or sounds. These common speech impediments may be caused by dental issues:
- Lisps: Lisps are typically caused by gaps between the front teeth that change the way the tongue lands when speaking.
- Pronunciation: Bite problems can make certain sounds more difficult to produce. If you or someone you know has struggled with sounds that include “th,” s”, or “f,” it’s likely that an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other bite issue is at play.
- Unintended Sounds: Pesky air gaps within the teeth can cause sounds to slip out that aren’t intended. For example, you might notice a whistling sound when trying to speak.
The Impact of Jaw Misalignment and Health
Misalignment of bite and jaw can create long-lasting problems that extend past the mouth to impact overall health. Uneven pressure and position of the jaw can create extreme discomfort, often causing TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder. Symptoms might include:
- Jaw pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Popping or clicking of the jaw during mouth movement
- Headaches
- Ear Pain
- Difficulty Speaking
- Difficulty Chewing
For those dealing with speech or jaw problems, it’s important to find the root cause. A specialist like the orthodontists at New Braunfels Braces can use their expertise to pinpoint the issues and create a custom treatment plan to provide relief and long-term success.
Using Braces To Correct Problems with Speech and Jaw Pain
Braces are the most effective treatment for most bite and alignment dysfunctions. Braces work by applying gentle pressure on teeth to shift them to their ideal location. This may look like metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign, depending on the severity of the problem. Getting braces with New Braunfels Braces will address the underlying causes in order to make you more comfortable and confident:
- Overbites & Underbites: Braces will shift teeth to align the upper and lower teeth correctly. This will reduce jaw strain and speech problems.
- Crossbites: Braces will restore balance to an asymmetrical bite, improving jaw movement and making it easier to speak properly.
- Gaps & Crowding: Moving teeth to fill in gaps or spread out crowding will provide a smoother surface for the tongue to hit when trying to talk. This will make speech more clear and pronounced.
- TMJ: By correcting bite issues through braces, it will also ease jaw tension. This will reduce TMJ symptoms tremendously, making eating, sleeping, and speaking all a more pleasant experience.
Improve Your Oral Health with New Braunfels Braces
There’s no reason to continue to deal with the discomfort that comes with poor speech, jaw discomfort, or a smile you’re not confident with. New Braunfels Braces can determine if braces are the right move for you and be right by your side for every step of treatment.
Schedule a free consultation by filling out our new patient form or contact us by giving us a call at (830) 268-0067, or set up an appointment online today to take the first step toward a more comfortable, functional, and attractive smile! Explore our flexible dental financial and insurance options to make sure your care fits your budget. If you have further questions regarding our services, here are some FAQs.