When patients start wearing dentures, they are sometimes surprised to find that speaking isn’t quite as easy with a dental appliance in their mouth. Whether wearing removable or having permanent dentures, talking can seem awkward. You may find yourself lacking in confidence when speaking with others. The good news is that with practice and proactive action, you get used to your dentures and in no time your speech will seem perfectly natural.
The following are some tips to manage the denture wearing transition and be back on track to speaking naturally and with confidence:
Hearing: If you’ve noticed that your voice sounds louder or different this is normal. Remember that dentures alter the anatomy of you oral cavity, increasing and altering the sound. The difference is more noticeable to you than to anyone hearing your voice from the outside. One way to help this is that before speaking, bite down gently and swallow to keep your dentures in the correct position.
Clicking: You might notice clicking sounds when you speak; try to speak more slowly. This purposeful action will avoid additional movement that lifts or shifts your lower denture. If you keep the lower denture stable, it requires help from the muscles in your lips, tongue, and cheek. These muscles may attempt to kick your denture out of place at first but, in time, they will adjust to the new configuration.
Slipping. If you have a problem with frequent slipping, try using a denture adhesive that your dentist recommends. Bite and swallow before speaking to get your dentures in position. To avoid any slips, try a denture adhesive cream like Fixodent®.
Practice: When you’re alone, practice speaking. Read out loud, and repeat words that you have trouble pronouncing. If you get used to saying common words, it will give you an idea of how fast you can speak with ease. Daily speech practice will help you learn the speed at which you can talk comfortably with dentures and help you speak with poise.
Dentures Par Excellence offers dentures and denture care. For more information or to contact our office, please call (309) 693-7200.
Sources:
https://www.dentureliving.com/en-us/fixodent-articles/dentures/speak-clearly-confidently-with-dentures