Complete Dentures And Speech
What are Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures are removable dental appliances that replace all of your natural teeth. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. Complete dentures are made of either acrylic resin or porcelain and are held in place by suction or with the help of a dental adhesive.
How Do Complete Dentures Affect Speech?
Speech is a complex process that involves several components, including the lips, tongue, teeth, and jaw. When you have missing teeth, it can affect the way these components work together, leading to changes in your speech. Complete dentures can also affect speech, especially in the first few days or weeks after they are fitted.
The most common speech problems associated with complete dentures include lisping, whistling, and slurring. These issues occur because your mouth is adjusting to the new appliance, and your tongue and lips are learning to work with it. You may also find that you have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, such as "s" and "f," which require a lot of tongue and lip coordination.
Try to remember that speech problems with complete dentures are usually temporary. As your mouth adjusts to the new appliance, your speech will improve. You can speed up this process by practicing speaking aloud and enunciating your words clearly.
Tips for Minimizing the Impact of Complete Dentures on Speech
If you're concerned about how complete dentures will affect your speech, there are a few things you can do to minimize the impact:
- Practice Speaking Aloud - Speaking aloud can help you get used to the feeling of complete dentures in your mouth. It will also help you identify any sounds or words that you have trouble pronouncing.
- Read Out Loud - Reading out loud is an excellent way to practice speaking clearly with complete dentures. Choose a book or article that you enjoy and read it aloud every day. As you get more comfortable, try to increase your speed and volume.
- Use a Mirror - Practicing in front of a mirror can help you see how your mouth is moving when you speak. This can help you identify any issues with your pronunciation and adjust your speaking accordingly.
- Eat Soft Foods - Eating soft foods can help you get used to chewing and speaking with complete dentures. Start with soft foods like mashed potatoes or soup and gradually move on to more challenging foods as you become more comfortable.
- Use a Dental Adhesive - A dental adhesive can help keep your complete dentures in place, reducing the risk of them slipping and affecting your speech. Talk to your denturist about which dental adhesive is best for you.
Did you know that partial dentures can be converted into
complete dentures when you need them? To find out more, read
Can A Denturist Convert My Partial Dentures Into Complete Dentures If I Need Them?.
Speak Confidently With Complete Dentures From Future Smiles
Complete dentures are an excellent solution for those who are missing all of their natural teeth. However, they can have an impact on your speech, especially in the first few days or weeks after they are fitted. The good news is that any speech problems with complete dentures are usually temporary and can be minimized with practice and patience. If you're concerned about how complete dentures will affect your speech, talk to your denturist. They can give you advice on how to adjust to your new appliance and recommend exercises to improve your speech.
If you want to explore your options for dentures, speak to a Calgary denturist at Future Smiles Denture Clinic. We will discuss your goals for tooth replacement and determine which type of dentures are ideal for your lifestyle and budget so you can get the best dentures for your needs. To speak with the team at Future Smiles Denture Clinic in Calgary, you can visit the SW Calgary Denture clinic on Macleod or the NE Calgary location in Coral Springs. To book a free consultation with our Calgary Denturist, call 1-403-475-0016 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Do partial dentures look more natural than complete dentures?
A: Both dentures look natural. Your Calgary denturist will create custom-made replacement teeth that match the colour of your existing teeth so that the partial dentures are indistinguishable from your natural teeth and leave you with a great-looking smile.
Q: Will I need to get teeth pulled for dentures?
A: This varies depending on whether you are getting a full, or partial set, the shape of your mouth, the health of your gums, and the state of existing teeth remaining. Your Calgary denturist will be able to confirm whether or not you need teeth pulled after a thorough examination of your mouth.
Q: How much does a consultation cost?
A: Future Smiles Denture Clinic offers free consultations with our Calgary Denturist!
