Getting dentures or dental implants can be life-changing, offering the chance to regain your smile and improve oral health. However, one of the most common concerns people have is how these dental appliances will affect their ability to speak clearly.
The fear of slurred speech, difficulty pronouncing words, or sounding different can be overwhelming, but with some time and the right approach, you can adjust to speaking with dentures or implants without too much trouble. In this blog, we'll explore why speech changes might occur, how to overcome them, and tips for making the adjustment as smooth as possible.
Why Does Speech Change with Dentures or Implants?
After getting dentures or dental implants, you may notice changes in how you sound. This happens because your tongue, lips, and teeth all work together to form sounds and pronounce words.
When dentures or implants are introduced into your mouth, they change the landscape, so to speak. Your tongue and lips will need time to adjust to the new shape of your teeth or dentures. Additionally, your brain must adapt to these changes and relearn how to control your mouth movements for speech.
Even though it can be frustrating at first, remember that the adjustment period is temporary, and with practice, you'll regain clarity in your speech.
Common Speech Issues with Dentures or Implants
1. Whistling Sounds
A common issue for people adjusting to dentures, particularly with upper dentures, is a whistling sound when pronouncing words with "S" or "F" sounds. This happens because the dentures might create a gap or alter airflow, leading to the whistling.
2. Slurred Speech
Slurred speech can occur because dentures or implants may feel bulky at first. Your tongue, which plays a significant role in forming words, will need time to adjust to these changes.
3. Difficulty Pronouncing Certain Words
Words that contain letters like "S," "T," "D," and "F" may be challenging to pronounce at first. This is due to the way your tongue must move around the new dentures or implants to make these sounds.
4. Excess Saliva
Your mouth may produce more saliva than usual as it adjusts to the presence of dentures or implants, making speaking feel awkward or muffled.
Tips for Adjusting to Speaking with Dentures or Implants
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
The most effective way to get comfortable speaking with dentures or implants is to practice as much as possible. Start with simple exercises such as reading aloud from a book or newspaper. This will help your brain adjust to the new way your mouth feels and gradually improve your speech clarity.
Try to practice in front of a mirror so you can see how your lips and tongue move when forming words. This visual feedback can help you understand any issues and correct them more easily.
2. Slow Down Your Speech
If you notice that you’re slurring or having difficulty with certain sounds, slow down. Speak more deliberately and pronounce each word carefully. Rushing through sentences will only increase the chance of stumbling over words or making mistakes.
3. Focus on Problematic Sounds
Certain sounds or letters may be harder to pronounce with dentures or implants. If you’re struggling with “S” or “F” sounds, focus on words with these letters. Repeating difficult sounds will help retrain your brain and tongue to work around the dentures or implants.
A useful exercise is to recite tongue twisters that include the troublesome sounds. For example, repeat phrases like “She sells seashells by the seashore” to work on your "S" sound.
4. Eat Soft Foods at First
Eating soft foods during the first few days of wearing dentures or implants will help you get used to the sensation in your mouth without overstraining your jaw or tongue. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually introduce more textured foods into your diet, which will further help your mouth adjust to its new configuration.
5. Keep Dentures or Implants in Place
One reason for speech issues is that dentures, especially if not fitted properly, may slip or move around. Ensure your dentures are well-fitted, and use denture adhesive if necessary to keep them in place while you speak. If you have implants, consult with your dentist if the problem persists, as adjustments might be needed.
6. Stay Hydrated
Excess saliva production is common when you first get dentures or implants, and staying hydrated can help regulate saliva levels. Drink water frequently to avoid a dry mouth, which can also make it easier to speak.
7. Give Yourself Time
It’s important to understand that adjusting to dentures or implants is a gradual process. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Everyone’s adjustment period is different, and it’s completely normal to need several weeks or even a few months before you feel completely comfortable.
How Smile Stop Dentures & Implants Can Help You
At Smile Stop Dentures & Implants, we understand that your speech is a crucial part of your daily life. Our team is committed to providing dentures and dental implants that fit comfortably and function naturally, allowing you to speak clearly. We will work closely with you to ensure that your new dentures or implants are perfectly customized to your needs, minimizing the adjustment period.
Remember, while it can be frustrating at first, patience and practice will lead to a smooth transition. Most people find that their speech returns to normal, or even improves, after they’ve adjusted to their new dentures or implants. Book your appointment today!
Call today for a free consultation!
918-446-0128 (Tulsa)
918-331-2221 (Bartlesville)
TULSA OFFICE
Wes Thompson, DDS
5676 W Skelly Drive, Suite A Tulsa, OK. 74107 (918) 446-0128
BARTLESVILLE OFFICE
John Lard, DDS
1820 SE Washington Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006
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