People have used dentures to replace lost teeth for centuries, and they have improved significantly since President George Washington wore false teeth made out of ivory. Modern dentures are incredibly lifelike and comfortable, and they only require an easy hygiene and care regimen to stay beautiful, functional, and odor-free for many years. However, some patients may need some time to get used to speaking while wearing their appliances. Here’s a brief guide to speaking clearly and comfortably with dentures.
It Can Take a Few Weeks to Adjust to Speaking with Dentures
A key part of getting used to speaking with dentures is having a little patience. Wearing dentures significantly alters the way vibrating air moves through your mouth during speech, so it’s perfectly normal and expectable for some people to have difficulty communicating after they first start wearing them. Your speech difficulties should gradually fade over a few weeks as your tongue and lips get more practice forming words around your new teeth. Eventually, you may speak more clearly than you could without them.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you wish to accelerate the process of getting used to speaking with dentures, there are a few easy ways to get more practice in shorter amounts of time. For example, you can read out loud while pausing to repeat any words that give you difficulty until you get the hang of them. This can be a great way to enjoy a favorite book, get caught up with the news, study an important subject, or even get some tedious paperwork out of the way.
Talk to Your Dentist
You may notice that your dentures don’t fit as well as they used to after wearing them for a while. Dentures will eventually begin to lose their fit due to wear and tear as well as the changing shape of the mouth. When this happens, the appliance may slide about on the gums more frequently, which can result in speech difficulties. Denture adhesives such as strips, creams, and powders can help you temporarily manage these issues, but it will eventually be necessary to have the appliance adjusted or replaced by your dentist.
A well-fitting pair of dentures should hold its place in the mouth naturally through natural suction, and your appliance can last for seven to twelve years if it receives excellent care. However, securing your dentures with dental implants will give them the sturdy foundation they need for easy speech, powerful chewing, and a long lifespan.
About the Practice
Gannett Drive Dental provides the South Portland community with the finest oral healthcare available. Led by Drs. John A. Kivus and Jennifer Gagnon, the staff ensures that each patient receives outstanding service and genuine courtesy in a calm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as dentures. If your dentures aren’t fitting well, contact the practice online or dial (207) 253-5600.