Dentures are a common tooth replacement for many people. With the advancements in technology, now more than ever they can give you a fully functional, lifelike smile. While they do immediately improve your appearance and chewing ability, it may take a little time to get used to speaking with your new prosthetic. Here are three tips for a quicker and smoother transition!
Tip #1: Repeat Pronunciations & Elongations
Once you’re wearing your new dentures, you’ll want to take the time to get familiar with how they feel and work in your mouth. One of the first things you should do is to practice pronouncing various words, especially those you find particularly challenging. By repeating their sounds and elongating commonly used words or phrases, you will grow more familiar with how they feel. You should also try enunciating more difficult sounds, such as the ‘S’ and ‘F’ letters, so you can feel more confident with them when speaking with others.
Tip #2: Read Aloud in Private
After you get familiar with making sounds with your dentures, try speaking to yourself out loud. This can help you gain a comfortability and confidence in speaking with your prosthetic. Read a book or the newspaper so you can get used to the sound of your voice and learn to speak with ease. You can also sing some tunes in the shower for a more entertaining practice!
Tip #3: Chat with Family & Friends
Of course, you don’t have to do this alone, as your friends and family can be wonderful helpers. This can help you build your comfort level as well as improve your speech with your dentures on. Speaking with someone close to you can be a major help, especially if they can identify words that you’re struggling with. They can help you practice certain words and give you valuable feedback on how you sound, increasing your confidence in speaking with your new pearly whites!
Adjusting to your new dentures may take some time and practice. But with these helpful tips, you will be able to speak normally again in no time. You’ll soon be confident in both your renewed smile and your communication!
About the Author
Dr. Niki Jayswal and her team at Nexus Dental of Lewisville are eager to help you achieve your dream smile! With a drive to provide exceptional dental care, she graduated with honors from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and is an active member of the American Dental Association and several other professional organizations. She can help you with any tooth replacement option, including dentures. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call (972) 436-4242.