Metal Mouth Talking

I got braces put on today. I'm not too excited about having them for senior year and first year of college, but beyond my pettiness, I am glad for straighter teeth in the not-so-far future. (: The encounter with the orthodontist and his assistent revived my bewilderment as to etiquette. How, oh how, are you supposed to respond to a question with various implements in your mouth? It's maddening business, this orthodontics.
Perhaps a required, basic understanding of sign language could eliminate the awkward gagging and grunting responses. Must petition a senator about this...