Crooked Smile or Speech?

Question

Hello, I'm still uncertain if I have a crooked smile or crooked speech. One of my front teeth is slightly crooked from a childhood habit of sucking my fingers until I was about 13 years old. Every time I talk my mouth shifts sideways.. its like im pronouncing my S's on my side teeth instead of with my front teeth. Is this caused from my tooth being slightly crooked?

Nadine Egger, DDS · Answer

Hello,An Orthodontist will usually work together with a speech pathologist.  You might have both going on.  You need the teeth in the right place and them do exercises with your tongue to retrain movement and positioning.  Make an appointment with an Orthodontist for an evaluation.  Good Luck !

Gail Schupak, DMD · Answer

It sounds like you have what is called a lateral lisp or maybe even a regular lisp.  If you had a finger sucking habit, this could cause an open bite.  That is when the top teeth and the bottom teeth do not contact when your back teeth are full closed.  The finger sucking habit causes both an open bite which is an orthodontic problem and a tongue thrust which could be the cause of your speech problem.  I would suggest both a consulation with an orthodontist and a speech therapist.

Crooked Smile or Speech?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Crooked Smile or Speech?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.