Talking with Dentures: What to Expect and How to Adjust

If you have replaced your missing teeth with dentures, then you may be looking forward to how they give you a full smile and let you eat your favorite foods once again. However, some people don’t realize that when they first wear them, talking may feel a bit awkward. Speaking with this dental prosthetic does take some time getting used to, but keep reading to learn what you can expect and some tips to help you adjust.

Why Do Dentures Change the Way I Talk?

Modern dentures are made from high-quality materials that look like your natural teeth, but it will take some time to fully get used to them. Your tongue may bump into them, since it is likely to be accustomed to the gaps in your smile. It will take a couple of weeks of initially wearing them until they start to feel natural.

How Should I Expect My Speech to Change?

With these few bumps, it’s not uncommon to develop a slight lisp. Many people often have some trouble sounding out “s,” “f,” “v,” and “th” sounds. You may pronounce them a bit off at first because it takes time for your muscles to adapt to your dentures.

If you hear minor whistling, remember that it’s also only temporary. In some instances, you may feel or hear your dentures click. It can happen as you may be bringing the top and lower prosthetic together too hard.

What Can I Do to Get Used to Talking with Dentures?

As your mouth gets used to having your dentures in, the problems above will start to go away! To help you get there just a bit sooner, here are some tips that you can follow:

• Read aloud to yourself, so you can hear yourself talk and figure out any words that are giving you issues. Finding them will allow you to take the time to sound them out and figure out how to say them clearly.
• Practice speaking with a trusted person and get feedback on what you need to do to improve your clarity.
• Count from 60 to 90 to help you start practicing more difficult words.

Lastly, it’s important to give yourself some grace! Altered speech is normal and expected when you are first wearing dentures. It takes a short adjustment period before you can pronounce words like you used to and fully enjoy your renewed smile.  

About the Practice

At Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, you benefit from a friendly team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We know that missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious, so we are happy to help you replace them with dentures. By using high-quality materials, you enjoy a prosthetic that not only looks great but feels just as natural. If you are looking to fill in gaps in your smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at (308) 382-4440.