Adjusting to life with dentures comes with a learning curve, and one of the most common challenges new denture-wearers face is speaking clearly. At first, you may notice slight changes in your voice, difficulty pronouncing certain words, or a feeling that your dentures shift when you talk. Thankfully, all of this is normal — and with a little patience and practice, your speech will improve significantly. Here are 5 helpful tips to make speaking with dentures easier and more natural.
1. Practice Speaking Every Day
Just like learning a new skill, improving your speech with dentures takes practice. Reading aloud is one of the most effective exercises because it helps your tongue and facial muscles get used to your new appliance. Start with simple paragraphs or children’s books, then move on to newspapers or novels as your confidence grows.
You can also practice by talking to yourself in the mirror. This not only helps you get used to the feel of your dentures but also allows you to see how your mouth moves with different sounds. Over time, your muscles will adapt, and speaking will begin to feel much more natural.
2. Focus on Challenging Sounds
Certain letters — such as “S,” “F,” and “Th” — can be tricky when you first start wearing dentures. You may notice a slight lisp or whistling sound at first, but this usually improves with practice. Repeating difficult words or phrases several times a day can help your tongue learn the right placement.
If you’re struggling with “S” sounds, try slowing down your speech slightly. This prevents extra air from escaping and minimizes whistling. If the dentures themselves are contributing to the issue, your dentist may be able to make small adjustments to improve your speech clarity.
3. Use Denture Adhesive for Added Stability
If you worry that your dentures might slip while you’re speaking, denture adhesive can make a big difference. Adhesive forms a gentle seal between your gums and dentures, providing extra stability and comfort throughout the day.
While adhesive isn’t always necessary, many new denture wearers find it helpful during the adjustment period. Once your muscles adapt to keeping your dentures in place, you may find you need it less frequently.
4. Stay Hydrated
A dry mouth can make speaking with dentures more difficult and uncomfortable. Saliva acts as a natural lubricant that helps keep your dentures secure and allows your tongue to glide smoothly during speech.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before conversations, presentations, or social gatherings. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, as these can dry out your mouth and make speaking more challenging. If dry mouth persists, talk to your dentist about saliva substitutes or other solutions.
5. Be Patient with Yourself
Perhaps the most important tip is to give yourself time. It’s completely normal for dentures to feel foreign at first, and almost everyone experiences speech changes during the initial adjustment period. Most patients notice major improvements within a few weeks, and the more you practice, the faster things get easier.
Remember, speaking with dentures is a skill — and like all skills, it comes with practice, patience, and persistence. Celebrate small victories and don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for help if something feels off.
Speaking with dentures may feel awkward at first, but with daily practice, focused exercises, good hydration, and a little patience, you’ll soon speak clearly and confidently. Your smile is worth the adjustment, and before long, your dentures will feel like a natural part of your everyday life.
About the Practice
Are you looking for an affordable way to replace missing teeth? At Sweet Family Dentistry, we have the answer with dentures! Our team is pleased to provide full and partial prostheses to help restore your look and functionality. We even have implant dentures should you want a more stable foundation for your new “teeth.” Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment online or call (972) 905-0340.