If you’ve recently started wearing dentures, you may notice that speaking feels a little different at first. Dentures restore your smile and chewing ability, but adjusting to talking with them can take time and practice. With patience and the right techniques, you’ll quickly regain clear and confident speech. Here are some helpful tips to make the adjustment smoother.
Practice Reading Out Loud
One of the best ways to get comfortable talking with dentures is to practice reading aloud. Start with short paragraphs, then gradually move to longer sections. Reading out loud helps your tongue and lips get used to forming sounds with the dentures in place. It’s also a low-pressure way to hear how you sound and make corrections as needed.
Focus on Difficult Sounds
Some words or sounds may feel harder to pronounce when you’re adjusting to dentures. Common trouble spots include “s,” “f,” and “th” sounds. Practice these sounds repeatedly to train your mouth to move correctly with your dentures. Tongue twisters are another fun and effective way to improve articulation.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
In the beginning, you may feel like your dentures are slipping or clicking when you speak quickly. Slowing down your speech and enunciating words carefully can help reduce these issues. Over time, as you become more confident, your natural speaking pace will return.
Bite and Swallow Before Speaking
If you feel your dentures moving when you talk, a helpful trick is to bite down gently and swallow before starting a conversation. This action helps settle the dentures into place, giving you more stability while speaking.
Use a Small Amount of Denture Adhesive
If you’re worried about your dentures slipping during speech, denture adhesive can provide extra security. While not always necessary, adhesive can give you peace of mind and help keep your focus on the conversation instead of your dentures.
Be Patient with Yourself
It’s normal to feel self-conscious or frustrated during the adjustment period. Remember, learning to talk with dentures is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time. Most people notice significant improvement within a few weeks of daily practice.
Practice with a Friend or in Front of a Mirror
Talking to a trusted friend or practicing in front of a mirror can help you feel more confident. Feedback from a listener or seeing your own expressions can make it easier to notice and correct small issues in your speech.
Stay Positive and Keep Smiling
Your dentures are meant to restore not only your function but also your confidence. Smiling while you talk naturally helps with articulation and reduces tension in your face. The more comfortable and positive you feel, the smoother your speech will sound.
Talking with dentures may feel challenging at first, but it’s a temporary phase. With practice, patience, and a few practical strategies, you’ll soon be speaking clearly and confidently. Before you know it, conversations will feel natural again, and your dentures will simply feel like a part of you.
About the Author
Dr. John H. Upton, Jr. has been practicing in the Glendale community for 35 years and counting! He is a graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry and has remained committed to ongoing education, taking training at institutions such as the prestigious Pankey Institute, F.A.C.E., and the Las Vegas Institute. He holds his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of the Arizona Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. Dr. Upton and our team would be happy to serve you if you’re in search of a practice to provide you with dentures. Schedule an appointment online or call (623) 878-6333.