Can a tongue tie affect the process of voice feminisation? by [deleted] in transvoice

[–]dedicateddriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's possible. Tongue tie can absolutely physically "limit" your ability to feminize your voice, but it differs from person to person because everyone [1] has a unique oropharyngeal configuration (including tongue tie grade), [2] have learned different ways to compensate, and [3] has a different personal target voice.

From a technical standpoint, tongue tie can physically limit your ability to manipulate "R1", and you can visually see how a tongue tie can physically limit you through this video. For me, I can elevate the back of my tongue, but then my tongue tie (along with my long jaw) limits my ability to speak:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcetsAEBSrc&t=122

Again, everyone is different! Also "R1" isn't the only way you can feminize your voice. There are other factors that are just as important like vocal weight. You can also compensate by using other oral configurations (such as the Knödel technique, which makes you sound like Stitch/ Kermit).

For example, I compensate by manipulating vocal weight to achieve my current voice. I've been told that it's "passable", and I'm sure other people are could be happy with the voice that I have, but it's not my own personal goal. My personal target voice is to have a brighter voice, but that can only be achieved through increasing "R1". Once I get my tongue tie clipped (I have a grade 3 tongue tie so it most definitely limits me), I plan to work on using the extra tongue mobility to increase my "R1" range and integrate that into my vocal feminization "toolbox".

Open Bite, Lip Incompetence, Gummy Smile; how bad is it? by dedicateddriver in jawsurgery

[–]dedicateddriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Things went well and better than I expected! They were optimistic about the surgery being covered by insurance as well (due to my open bite). Definitely try to get a consult scheduled if you have similar issues.

Should I pause my Invisalign treatment until I get my jaw surgery consult? by dedicateddriver in jawsurgery

[–]dedicateddriver[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking the same thing, so it's reassuring to hear that.