Abstract: A method and device that facilitates production of r sounds in humans who have difficulty pronouncing them. An appliance is placed adjacent the posterior edge of the hard palate that lowers the effective roof of the palatal vault. The appliance preferably extends between the last erupted posterior maxillary teeth on each side of the dental arch, and lowers the palatal vault of the occlusal plane of the teeth between which the appliance extends. The position of the appliance in a subject's mouth can be manipulated by a handle, or the appliance can be fixed in a subject's mouth using dental clasps.