Dentures and Speech: Overcoming Speech Challenges
If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably have struggled with speech while adjusting to your new dentures. But not to worry; this is quite a common problem while adjusting to new dentures, especially with new denture wearers. In this new blog, we’re going to look into the challenges that face some denture wearers and look into some solutions to help you speak confidently with dentures.
Understanding the Speech Challenges with Dentures
Articulation Issues: The Tongue-Twisting Struggle
Articulation is how we form our words. But with dentures, sometimes it feels like our tongues are doing a dance of their own, making it hard to pronounce words clearly. It can be like learning how to talk again but with the added challenge of adjusting to a foreign object in our mouths. Even a piece of hair can feel big in your mouth, so something like dentures takes a while to get used to.
Pronunciation Challenges: Navigating the Speech Maze
Pronouncing certain sounds might be frustrating at first. “S” and “TH” sounds may be particularly difficult. But this usually goes away with consistency and persistence. Talking or singing out loud to yourself in private may help with this predicament before putting it into practice in the outside world.
Little adjustments to your speech will help negate this situation. This being said the speech you have with new dentures vs speech without any at all… Having dentures in is tenfold better, And lots of this comes from confidence.
Confidence and Communication Barriers: Breaking Through the Silence
The emotional effect of struggling with communication can’t be ignored either. It’s not just about the words we say but also about how we say them. feeling hesitant, avoiding conversations, and battling the fear of being misunderstood. But as previously stated having teeth in boosts your confidence way more than not having any. So it can be a bit mentality thing.
Causes of Speech Challenges with Dentures
Poorly Fitting Dentures: The Silent Saboteur
One major culprit for speech challenges is poorly fitting dentures. It’s like trying to run in shoes two sizes too big; you just can’t find your footing. If your dentures aren’t snug, they might slip and slide, making it harder to control your speech. Denture relines are a MUST in making your dentures feel tight, a little like tying your shoes.
Poorly fitting dentures can cause ‘whistle’ when pronouncing “SUH” sounds, due to a gap between your pallet and the surface of the denture. This could be fixed with a reline, but if you’ve had a whistle since you received your dentures, then It is probably best to consult the denturist who crafted them.
Muscle Adaptation and Oral Motor Skills: Training the Speech Muscles
Getting used to your new dentures -especially as a new denture wearer – can be a bit of a challenge, imagine hitting the gym for the first time, i could take a little while to see results, with but persistence and determination you will see results in no time. As previously mentioned – practice makes perfect.
Psychological Factors: Breaking the Speech Anxiety
The mental effects of dentures on our speech and the fear of sounding different can become a barrier. It’s good to acknowledge and overcome these mental hurdles to truly have confidence in your voice and your quality of life with dentures.
Choosing the Right Dentures for Improved Speech
Professional Consultation: Your Speech Ally
Before diving into the denture world, consult with a professional. Your dentist or local denture clinic can guide you in choosing the right type of dentures based on your specific needs.
Different Types of Dentures: Finding Your Fit
- Complete Dentures: Complete sets for those who’ve lost all their natural teeth.
- Partial Dentures: For those with some natural teeth remaining.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: The Cadillac of dentures for stability and speech.
Customization and Adjustments: Tailoring Your Speech Solution
Dentures aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Regularly visit your denturist for adjustments until you have a comfortable fit is essential. Your dentures are customized to you, this ensures they complement your unique oral structure, to make sure you have an easy transition into your new life with dentures.
Speech Exercises and Techniques
Strengthening Oral Muscles: Flexing Your Speech Muscles
Simple exercises, like tongue twisters and exaggerated mouth movements, can enhance articulation strength of your speech. It’s like giving your speech muscles a little pep talk.
“Silly Sally swiftly shooed seven silly sheep“
Check out some other tongue twisters you can practice saying here
Pronunciation Exercises: Nailing Those Tricky Sounds
Target the specific sounds causing trouble. Practice saying words that include challenging sounds, and gradually build your confidence. It’s like rehearsing your lines for a broadway play – the more you practice, the smoother it gets and you’ll be ready for your showcase in no time.
Techniques for Clarity and Confidence: Speak Like You Mean It
Slow down, enunciate, and breathe. It’s not a race! Embrace pauses, allowing yourself to speak with intention. Confidence in your speech will follow naturally.
Adapting to New Dentures
Patience and Persistence: The Denture Journey
Adjusting to dentures takes time. Don’t be too hard on yourself; it’s okay to have a hard time with words initially. With persistence, you’ll notice a massive improvement almost immediately in your speech.
Gradual Acclimatization: Easing into Confident Speech
Start with short conversations and gradually increase your speaking time. It’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes; give yourself the chance to adapt.
Tips for Overcoming Self-Consciousness: Embrace Your Unique Voice
Remember, your voice is uniquely yours, dentures and all. It’s not about sounding perfect; it’s about expressing yourself authentically.
Ask The Professionals:
Regular Check-ups: Maintaining Speech Wellness
Routine check-ups are more than just for your pearly whites. Your denture clinic can identify any issues affecting your speech and make necessary adjustments. Don’t be afraid to book an appointment for an adjustment any time you feel any discomfort, adjustments are free and we will take our time with you easing you into your new life.
Share Your Experiences
Let’s hear from those who’ve conquered their speech challenges. In the comment section below give some of your advice for people who may be reading this.
Final Thoughts…
Speaking with your new dentures isn’t a problem for everyone, The purpose of this blog was to cover all bases if issues with speech ever do arise. Some people may have more of a challenge adjusting than others, but with the right mindset, adjustments, and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be speaking confidently with your dentures.