What to Expect with Dentures: Talking Tips and Tricks

Thanks to your new dentures, you have the smile you’ve always wanted. You’ve probably thought about how different your life will be with your new teeth: all the pictures you’ll pose for and the family and friends you’ll show off your pearly whites to. However, you may not have considered the learning curve that comes along with talking with your new dentures. While it can be a bit of an adjustment period, rest assured you’ll be acclimated in no time if you follow some of these tips and tricks.

What Should I Expect When I Get Dentures?

You’ve likely given quite some thought to how your new dentures will improve your comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life. But talking in dentures can feel awkward or difficult at first.

Why is that? When we speak, we primarily use our lips and tongue. Dentures affect our ability to use our mouths as we normally would. Early on, you may sound different when talking.

Will I Speak Differently With Dentures?

Some denture wearers report hearing clicking noises when they speak. This can be caused by an initial loss of awareness of their teeth. Real teeth have nerves that can sense movement. With dentures, you may find that you are bringing your teeth together harder than you normally would. This is often what creates that annoying sound.  With time, you should adjust and the clicking will improve.

It’s important to note that properly fitting dentures should not click. If you’re still experiencing clicking after you’ve otherwise adjusted to your dentures, reach out to your dentist.

“S”, “f”, and “th” sounds can be difficult to pronounce at first due to the positioning of the tongue in the mouth. Like the clicking, you should eventually adapt.

How Can I Get Used to Speaking With Dentures?

Here are a few tips and tricks you can practice to get used to speaking with your dentures:

• Read Aloud—it doesn’t matter if it’s the newspaper or the back of your cereal box. This is an easy way to adjust to the sound of your voice and the new sensation of the dentures. Better yet, try reading in front of a mirror. This allows you to visualize what your mouth looks like as you speak. Your mouth shouldn’t look different when speaking than it did without dentures.
• Repeat difficult sounds or words. You know the saying “practice makes perfect”. The more you practice, the quicker your speech will improve.
• Talk in front of others. Having a family member or friend listen and provide feedback as you speak can make identifying troublesome sounds or words much easier. Better yet, it can make you feel more confident when they don’t hear a difference.

Remember that patience is key when it comes to adjusting to your new dentures. Soon enough, you’ll be speaking as seamlessly as ever.

About Dr. Davidson

Dr. Davidson leads a team of general and specialist dentists with years of experience in patient care. With a commitment to providing excellent, individualized treatment, Dr. Davidson understands each person is unique and works with them to achieve optimal outcomes. Dr. Davidson was awarded Best Clinical Instructor two years in a row at the Howard University of Dentistry and holds her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a post-graduate specialty in prosthodontics from the University of Maryland College of Dentistry. If you would like to learn more or have any questions about your dentures, visit her website or give her a call at (202)775-0022.