Now that you have dentures, you may be excited about having a full smile once again. You may feel a new wave of confidence you’ll want to revel in, but did you know that your speech might change just a bit? While this can feel awkward at first, it’s something that many people who get this prosthetic go through. Here’s how dentures can alter how you talk and ways to get back to speaking clearly.
How Will My Dentures Change My Speech?
When you are first wearing dentures, it takes time to get fully used to them. You might develop a slight lisp as you transition, but this happens to many people. For instance, you’ll likely notice you have trouble pronouncing “th,” “f,” “s,” and “v” sounds. Not only that, but you may also experience minor whistling and a clicking noise or feeling. The latter can happen if you bite down too hard, but all of these are temporary changes.
Why Do Dentures Change the Way I Speak?
As was mentioned above, you will need to adjust to your dentures when you first get them. While they are made specifically to fit into your mouth, it takes time for them to feel as comfortable as they are designed to be. It can take about a couple of weeks until then, but you may notice your tongue bumping into the prosthetic initially and causing the change you may feel awkward about.
How Can I Get Adjusted to Talking with Dentures?
With all that being said, the good news is that there are ways you can get back to clear speech while you transition to dentures. Here are some easy tips you should try out:
- Record Yourself Reading: When you can hear how you talk, you will be able to notice what words you aren’t saying right. That way, you can take the time to fully sound them out.
- Count from 60 to 90: This can help get you prepared for practicing more difficult words.
- Have a Conversation with a Trusted Person: Simply speaking with someone directly can be beneficial as well! They can give you real-time feedback and give you a sense of how you sound.
Last but not least, you should also be patient with yourself. While this change can be awkward, it’s only temporary. Once you get fully adjusted, you can feel confident knowing your full smile looks great but feels comfortable as well.
About the Practice
At Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry, you benefit from the compassionate leadership of Dr. Joshua Perry and Dr. Kristen De Bonis. We are dedicated to helping the local community restore their missing teeth with reliable options like dentures. By customizing your results, you can trust that they look lifelike and are comfortable to wear. If you want some more tips adjusting to your prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call our office at (904) 280-1200.