Talking with Dentures: A Basic Guide

Dentures are a wonderful provision! They can improve your appearance, enhance your ability to eat a wide variety of foods, and more. They can even make your speech clearer! Before that happens, though, you will need to go through an adjustment period. How might dentures affect your speech at first, and how can you adapt? This blog post provides some helpful information.

How Dentures May Affect Your Speech at First

When you first start wearing dentures, you may notice some changes in the way you speak. These changes are common and typically temporary. Because dentures are a foreign object in your mouth, they may alter how your tongue interacts with your palate, teeth, and lips. This can result in a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, particularly those that require precise tongue placement, such as “s,” “th,” and “f” sounds.

You may also experience an increase in saliva production. The presence of dentures may signal to your body that there is a new object in your mouth, prompting your salivary glands to work overtime. Excess saliva can make speaking feel awkward or uncomfortable at first.

Tips for Adapting to Speaking with Dentures

Adapting to speaking with dentures requires patience and practice. Here are some tips to help you regain confidence in your speech:

• Practice speaking regularly: Spend time reading books, newspapers, or anything else out loud in a private setting. This will allow your mouth to become accustomed to the new sensations while you work on refining your pronunciation of challenging words or sounds.
• Focus on enunciating clearly: Deliberate and clear enunciation can help you overcome any initial speech difficulties. Slowing down your speech and carefully forming each word can make a significant difference.
• Speak in front of a mirror: Watching your mouth movements in a mirror while you speak can help you identify areas that need adjustment.
• Talk to friends or family: Speaking with trusted individuals can help you feel less self-conscious about any initial speech challenges. Their feedback and encouragement can be invaluable as you adapt.
• Use adhesive if needed: If your dentures feel unstable, consider using denture adhesive to provide additional security. A stable fit can reduce distractions and help you focus on speaking naturally.
• Consult your dentist: If speech issues persist for more than 2 – 4 weeks, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can assess the fit of your dentures and provide advice on how to get the most out of them.

Initially, dentures might have a negative effect on your speech. Ultimately, though, they should improve your ability to communicate with confidence and clarity!

Meet the Practice

At Dental Health & Wellness Boston, we are committed to providing top-quality care in a comfortable setting. We have already helped countless patients to discover the many benefits of dentures. If you have questions about how to get used to a new prosthetic, we would love to speak with you. Contact our office at 617-742-1220.