If you are diving into the world of dentures, then you might be excited about having your full smile back. You’ll be able to show it off more proudly than before, but you’ll have to go through a quick adjustment period. This is normal for anyone who gets this prosthetic, but many don’t realize how their speech might change at first. Here’s why and what you can do to get back your clear pronunciation.
Why Does Speech Change with Dentures?
The way you talk may be altered with dentures initially because your mouth isn’t used to them being there. Your tongue will need to get used to their placement, but it will likely start bumping into them. This often manifests as a slight lisp, with “th,” “f,” “s,” and “v” sounds being especially tough to say. Not only that, but you may notice slight whistling or a clicking noise, which is caused by biting down with this restoration too hard.
What Can I Do to Get Adjusted to Talking with Dentures?
With that said, the good news is that this speech change with dentures is only temporary. Your mouth will get used to wearing them, so you will slowly get back the clear pronunciation you once had. Better yet, there are some exercises you can do to speed up this process. Here are a few tips to remember:
- Record yourself while reading aloud. This will let you hear yourself back and pinpoint what you aren’t saying right. You’ll then be able to sound them out and get used to seeing how it feels.
- Count from 60 to 90. If you want to practice more difficult words, starting with this can be helpful to do.
- Try talking to someone you trust. Simply having a conversation will allow you to get real-time feedback. It’s easy to feel self-conscious about this, so consider being open to the other person and letting them know you need their help.
In the end, don’t forget to take a deep breath and give yourself grace. It’s an adjustment that all denture wearers will likely go through, so be patient. It can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, but it’s a short transition to feeling your best about the full smile you’ll enjoy for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Shane Smith earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He is dedicated to helping the Jonesboro community restore their grins with reliable solutions like dentures. By using high-quality materials, you can trust that your results look lifelike and feel comfortable to have in. If you need some more tips about adjusting to this prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call his office at (870) 932-2644.