For those who have lost some or all of their natural teeth, dentures are a common remedy.
While dentures can help you regain your smile and chew better, they can also have an impact on how you speak and what you eat. In this post, we'll look more closely at how dentures may affect your ability to speak and eat as well as what you may do to lessen these impacts.
Denture impact on Speech
- Articulation: Dentures can affect the way you articulate certain sounds, particularly those that involve the tongue and lips. This can make it difficult for others to understand you and can cause embarrassment.
- Lisping: Some people who wear dentures may develop a lisp, which is a speech impediment characterized by the mispronunciation of certain sounds.
- Slurring: Dentures can also cause slurring, which is when words are spoken in a slow or indistinct manner.
Denture impact on Eating
- Chewing: Dentures can make it difficult to chew certain foods, particularly those that are hard or chewy. This can make it hard to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Swallowing: Dentures can also affect swallowing, which can make it difficult to eat and drink comfortably.
- Taste: Dentures can also affect the taste of food, making it less enjoyable to eat.
Solutions
- Adjustment: The first thing you should do if you're having trouble speaking or eating with your dentures is make an appointment with your dentist or a denture specialist. Your dentures might be able to be adjusted to improve fit and performance.
- Speech therapy can teach you how to speak confidently and clearly while wearing dentures. You can learn exercises and methods from a speech therapist to sharpen your speech and lessen lisping or slurring.
- Getting used to them: The more you use your dentures, the more at ease you will feel. Over time, speaking and eating with dentures will feel more natural.
- Denture relining: Relining a denture involves reshaping the inner surface to make it more comfortable to wear. This may lessen discomfort and enhance the way the denture works.
- Implant-supported dentures: These longer-lasting replacements attach to the jawbone to enhance stability and performance. This may make speaking and eating with dentures easier.
Speech and eating can be significantly impacted by dentures. However, by making the appropriate modifications and finding the right solutions, you can lessen these effects and live a more relaxed and assured life with your dentures. Speak with your dentist or a denture specialist about ways to enhance the fit and function of your dentures if you're having problems.
Make an appointment with Seattle Dentures Center right away if you're having trouble speaking or eating and want to resume enjoying life. To identify the ideal solution for your needs, our team of professionals will collaborate with you.
