Nothing is more exciting than getting your new set of teeth. Although you’re excited to show off your beautiful smile, eat a variety of nutritious foods, and speak confidently, it will take time to adjust to wearing dentures. Don’t be disappointed if your words sound a little slurred at first. It will take time to learn how to talk clearly with your new teeth. Every situation differs, but you can expect it to take 15-30 days to adjust to speaking with dentures. Here are a few tips to help ease you through the transition.
Speak Slowly to Stop “Clicking”
It is normal to experience a clicking sound when talking, but the issue is usually temporary. You can avoid clicking by speaking slowly. This will also allow you to focus on pronouncing sounds clearly to avoid having a lisp.
Bite and Swallow Before Speaking
Before you start talking, bite down and swallow. This will help ensure your dentures are snuggly in place to avoid slipping.
Speak in Front of a Mirror
Practice talking in front of a mirror to watch your speech patterns. This will allow you to see where you need to make adjustments to ensure you’re speaking clearly.
Use a Denture Adhesive
It will take a couple of weeks for the muscles in your mouth to adapt to wearing dentures. In the meantime, a denture adhesive can help hold your teeth in place to give you more confidence when speaking and eating. However, it is not something you want to rely on. An adhesive should only be a temporary solution.
Practice Makes Perfect
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. The more you talk, the quicker you will adjust to speaking with dentures. Singing or reading out loud can give you the practice you need to pronounce sounds and words clearly. Tongue twisters are also a great idea to help you adjust quickly.
In no time at all, you may forget you are wearing your dentures. You will speak clearly with added confidence, thanks to your new teeth. You can avoid future speech complications by caring for your dentures properly. In addition to brushing your dentures and soaking them nightly, visit your dentist regularly to have them relined. This will ensure they continue to fit snugly, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or irritation.
About Dr. Stephen Tomaszewski
Dr. Tomaszewski earned his dental degree from the LSU School of Dentistry and has continued his education in various specialties, including general and cosmetic dentistry. He has been voted a Top Dentist every year since 2007 by New Orleans Magazine. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (985) 641-4444.
