Once you’ve replaced all of your missing teeth with dentures, you’ll be able to speak clearly enough so that others can easily understand you again. However, talking with dentures can feel awkward when you’re not used to wearing them; you may have trouble pronouncing certain words, and it’s not uncommon to develop a lisp. Such speech problems tend to go away over time, but if you’d like to feel more confident about your speech sooner rather than later, you can follow these tips for adjusting to talking with dentures in Kittanning.
1. Repeat and Elongate Words That You’re Having Trouble With
After getting new dentures, you’ll likely find that some words give you more trouble than others. Words with the letters “S” and “F” can be particularly troublesome for many people. When you come across a word or phrase that you have a hard time pronouncing clearly, try repeating it multiple times to help your mouth get used to the necessary movements. Elongating the words can help as well, as it helps emphasize the motions needed to make specific sounds. The goal is to retrain your mouth so that it can enunciate the words while accounting for your new teeth.
2. Read Aloud to Yourself
One of the best ways to get some practice speaking with new dentures is to read aloud to yourself. Not only does this help you master the pronunciation of words, but it will also give you a chance to get used to what your voice sounds like with dentures, which can help you feel more confident when you speak in front of others. If you’d like some assurance that you don’t look any different when talking with dentures, try looking in the mirror while you practice.
3. Talk as Much as Possible
Adjusting to dentures will be much easier if you spend more time talking with your friends and family. They may hear something in your speech pattern that you’re not aware of, and they can help you identify words that you might need to practice more often. And of course, simply speaking with others is another way to help your mouth the practice it needs to get used to talking with dentures.
4. Put an Adhesive on Your Dentures
New dentures may occasionally slip when you’re trying to speak, and that can lead to awkward stops and mumbling in your speech. A bit of denture adhesive can help give your new teeth a little bit of extra stability so that they stay in position while you’re trying to talk.
If you have tried the above tips and are still having trouble adjusting to your dentures, talk with your dentist in Kittanning; they can give you additional advice to help you through the process. As long as you continue to wear your dentures and practice speaking on a regular basis, you’ll be able to talk in front of others with full confidence before you know it.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has practiced in Kittanning ever since his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1980. He’s an enthusiastic lecturer who has often spoken on many aspects of modern dentistry, and he has a particularly strong interest in modern dentistry. The dentures that he offers are made out of the latest materials and are designed to be as comfortable, lifelike, and functional as possible. If you’d like to schedule a denture consultation at Voller Dentistry, reach out to Dr. Voller through his website or by calling (724) 543-4948.