Since dentures aren’t “real” teeth, talking with them can get a bit tricky. The restorations require that you “re-learn” various speech skills, which ensure that you can pronounce words correctly. Please don’t worry, though; talking with dentures well isn’t impossible. Various tips and tricks can speed up your adjustment, helping you speak as you usually would. As for the details, here’s a primer from your Gainesville dentist on how to talk with dentures clearly.
Dentures Can Cause Speech Issues
While dentures are highly effective, they tend to feel unfamiliar at first. This sense of “oddness” can cause several short-term speech issues, including:
- Denture Clicking – A denture’s teeth lack nerves, so patients often forget how far these bits are from each other. This reality may prompt you to bite (or bring them together) too forcefully.
- Slurred Speech – Before your mouth adjusts, your dentures may trigger some excessive salivation. This tendency can result in slurred speech in some cases.
- A Lisp – Your lips and tongue may move strangely when you first wear dentures. As a result, your prosthetics may cause a lisp.
- Hard-to-Pronounce Sounds – Notably, some denture patients struggle to pronounce the “s,” “f,” “th,” and “v” sounds.
Rest assured that such speech issues are temporary. Once you’ve gotten used to your dentures, they should fade on their own.
How to Talk with Dentures Well
Most patients can talk well with dentures within 15-30 days of getting them. That said, it’s possible to speed up your adjustment with tricks like:
Go Slow & Gently Bite
To avoid “denture clicking,” remember to gently bite down and swallow before you speak. This method sets your prosthetics in the right position for talking, making “clicks” less likely. Just don’t forget to take a deep breath when you bite; it’ll keep you calm.
Read Aloud from a Book
For the sake of better pronunciation, you could read aloud from a book or newspaper. This approach offers real-time feedback on how to adjust your voice with dentures. At the same time, it should provide a confidence boost when you speak with others.
Practice with Tongue Twisters
If some words are tough for you, practice with some well-known tongue twisters. Going from simple to complex ones will help you progress with your dentures. For example, you could start with “She sells seashells by the seashore” and make changes as needed.
Smoothly talking with dentures doesn’t have to be a hassle. Instead, use the tips above and consult your dentist for extra guidance!
About the Practice
Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center is based in Gainesville, FL. Led by Drs. Art, Kim, Luis, and Grant, our practice is always ready to provide top-tier dental care. You can trust us for preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments, all tailored to your grin’s exact needs. We’ll also restore your smile with prosthetics like dentures and dental implants! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (352)-332-6725.
