Have you been slurring, sloshing, or clicking as you speak while wearing your new dentures? You’re in good company. Most people have difficulties adjusting to speaking when they first put their new dentures in. The feeling is very different from having natural teeth, to say the least.
Continue reading to learn how to adjust to your new prosthetics quickly and get back to enjoying conversations with friends and family.
Why Do Dentures Cause Me to Talk Differently?
There are several reasons your dentures could be causing minor speech impediments.
- Lack of Control – The main reason you’re having difficulties with your dentures is the fact that you’re not used to them yet. It normally takes 15 to 30 days to get used to having the prosthetic. However, everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t be discouraged if it’s been longer.
- Bulk in Your Mouth – The prosthetic slips over your gums, causing an increase in bulk in your mouth. This may, at first, push your lips into unfamiliar positions. You may even feel a weight difference on your jaw or feel like there’s not enough space for your tongue.
- Excess Saliva – When your body detects a foreign object, it does its best to try to remove that object. In your mouth, this takes the form of saliva attempting to flush out the prosthetic. This extra saliva can cause sloshing sounds during speech.
- Lack of Nerves – Your natural teeth have nerves in them that track the motion of your jaw and feel when your teeth are touching each other. Without these nerves, you’ll need to rely on practice to prevent the dentures from clacking.
All of these elements add up to a big puzzle your brain will have to try to figure out when you first start wearing your dentures.
What Can I Do to Speak Better With Dentures?
The best thing you can do to improve your speech with dentures is practice. Muscle memory is formed by repetition, and to reach that level of subconscious effort, you’ll need to practice a lot.
- Before speaking, take a moment to bite and swallow, allowing your dentures to settle into position.
- Try reading exercises aloud with your dentures to become familiar with common words and to gauge your speaking pace without encountering difficulties.
- As you gain confidence, practice speaking in front of a mirror.
- Speak with your partner and family members so they may offer constructive feedback as you speak. This can help you catch things you may not have realized you’re doing.
- Counting from 60 to 90 can assist you in pronouncing more challenging sounds.
Following these tips will quickly lead you to more proficient speech while wearing your dentures. There’s no magic solution as using dentures is an acquired skill just like learning to ride a bike or how to draw. With practice and perseverance, you’ll quickly master your speech once again.
About the Author
Dr. John Fromuth, a highly skilled dentist, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors in 2013 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later completed a General Practice Residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania. Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Fromuth has completed the core curriculum at the renowned Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. To schedule a denture consultation at Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester, call (603) 644-3368 or visit the website for more information.