If you are new to the world of dentures, you might be excited about having your full smile back. You’ll likely feel more confident eating and showing off your grin, but your speech might change at first. This can make you feel embarrassed or awkward; however, it’s expected, and many people experience it. Here’s how this prosthetic can alter the way you talk and tips to get back your clarity.
How Does My Speech Change with Dentures?
Just like with any other oral appliance, your mouth will need time to get adjusted to your dentures. You might have a slight lisp during this transition period, and many often pronounce “th,” “f,” “s,” and “v” sounds a bit off. You might also notice whistling or a clicking noise, which can be caused by biting down too hard.
Why Do I Talk Differently with Dentures?
The good news is that the changes above are only temporary. Since they are new to your mouth, your tongue may bump into them and cause the alterations you’re a bit awkward about. However, as you get used to having them in, you’ll be able to enjoy how comfortable they are meant to be. It can take a couple of weeks until then, but there are ways you can speed up the process.
What Can I Do to Get Adjusted to Talking with Dentures?
While you might feel embarrassed not pronouncing things as clearly, you should help yourself throughout the transition process. Doing these easy tips can help get back to talking clearly once again:
- Record yourself reading and listen back to it. You’ll be able to pinpoint what words you aren’t saying right and take the time to sound them out and get used to how that feels.
- Count from 60 to 90 to help prepare yourself for practicing more difficult words later on.
- Speak with someone you know. By having a conversation, you can get real-time feedback about what you aren’t saying right. This can give you a sense of how you sound to other people and what you can do to clear it up.
In the end, you should give yourself some grace. It’s your first time with dentures, so be patient. It takes time for you to become fully adjusted to them. It’s a short transition until you’re all set. Once you are, you can feel confident knowing they are comfortable and help you feel your best.
About the Practice
At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh and Dr. Kim Cao. We are dedicated to helping those in the local community with their missing teeth. By offering reliable solutions like dentures, you can trust that they look entirely natural and feel comfortable to wear. If you want to know how you can care for this prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 820-7294.