Mastering Clear Speech with New Dentures

michaelgrishindent
May 6
4 min read

Updated: Sep 18

Woman with glasses talking, wearing a green sweater over black. Background is dark and blurred, adding a thoughtful, engaged mood.

Whether you're new to dentures or have been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential. Comfort, chewing, and gum health greatly improve when dentures fit well. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we proudly serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake. We offer expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or move while chewing, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can assess the fit. He can recommend a reline, adjustment, or even a new set of dentures.

Understanding the Initial Experience with New Dentures

Wearing new dentures introduces significant changes in how your mouth works. You will notice differences in tongue placement, airflow, and muscle coordination—each crucial for clear speech. This adjustment period can lead to:

Slurred or mumbled words
Difficulty pronouncing “s,” “f,” “th,” and “v” sounds
Clicking noises while talking or chewing
Saliva buildup or slight lisps

A 2020 report from the Journal of Prosthodontic Research found that 72% of new denture wearers experience temporary speech disturbances. Most of these issues resolve within a few weeks with the right techniques and adjustments.

The Anatomy of Speech: Understanding Denture Interaction

Speech relies on a precise coordination of several elements:

Tongue movement
Lip posture
Airflow through the mouth and nasal passages
Contact between the tongue and the hard palate or teeth

Dentures, especially upper plates that cover the roof of your mouth, can alter this balance. They may reduce sensitivity in the palate and slightly change the tongue and lip positions. This can impact how clearly certain consonants are pronounced.

Techniques to Enhance Speech Clarity with New Dentures

1. Speak Slowly and Deliberately

Slowing down your speech allows your muscles and brain to adjust to the new dentures. Focus on clear pronunciation. Pay special attention to words containing “s,” “sh,” “ch,” “f,” and “th” sounds.

Reading aloud is a highly effective exercise:

Start with children's books or poetry, which provide clear and rhythmic phrasing.
Gradually increase your speed as your clarity improves.
Record yourself and listen to identify unclear sounds.

2. Hone Tongue Placement and Strength

Focus on exercises that improve your tongue control and flexibility:

Recite the alphabet slowly out loud.
Touch your tongue's tip to the back of your upper front teeth and hold for 10 seconds.
Repeat challenging words like “fifty-five” or “successfully” to enhance fluidity in difficult consonants.

Speech therapists encourage repeating tongue twisters such as “She sells sea shells” as both a diagnostic tool and an exercise for clarity with dentures.

3. Utilize a Mirror for Practice

Practicing in front of a mirror provides visual feedback for refining mouth and tongue motions. Exaggerate your mouth movements slightly; this can enhance muscle memory and build confidence in your speech.

Addressing Speech Noises: Stop Clicking and Whistling

Identifying Causes:

Denture instability during movement
Excessive saliva following initial oral stimulation
Poor denture seal or rough acrylic edges

Effective Solutions:

Apply a small quantity of denture adhesive to stabilize your dentures.
Schedule a visit to your denturist for necessary adjustments or a soft reline.
Practice speaking with your mouth slightly more open to decrease friction sounds.

Gaining Confidence in Social Situations

Practice conversations daily at home to build familiarity before returning to public settings.
Join local support groups or online forums where information is shared, and confidence can be gained through community interaction.
Avoid drawing attention to your temporary speech changes; most people won't notice unless highlighted.

Fostering a strong mental approach to adapting to new dentures is essential. Accepting the adjustment process and celebrating small victories can greatly enhance your experience.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

If speech problems last beyond 3 to 4 weeks, it's important to seek a professional evaluation. Ongoing speech difficulties may indicate:

Poor fit or balance of dentures
Incorrect tooth positioning
Excessive acrylic bulk on the palate
Underlying irritation of the oral tissues

At Grishin Denture Specialist, we provide tailored adjustments and specialized speech assessments to help patients regain clarity and comfort in communication. Utilizing advanced fabrication techniques ensures dentures are designed for phonetics, not just aesthetics and bite.

Establishing Long-Term Habits for Speech Clarity

Regularly remove and clean your dentures to prevent plaque buildup, as this can alter fit.
Schedule annual adjustments with your denturist, as oral anatomy can change with age.
Engage in conversation actively—this remains one of the best forms of speech training.
Minimize the use of excess adhesive, which can distort your denture's thickness and impact tongue movement.

Speech Improvement Timeline: What to Expect

Week	Adjustment Phase
Week 1	Saliva increase, mild lisp, slurred “s” and “f” sounds
Week 2	Improved clarity, less tongue fatigue
Week 3–4	Normal conversation speed restored, confidence grows
1 Month+	Speech returns to pre-denture levels or better

Patients with implant-retained dentures or lower suction dentures may experience faster speech adaptation due to improved stability.

Conclusion

Orange sign for "Orange Flag Bldg." lists names, framed by trees. Orange awnings on wooden building create a lively, vibrant atmosphere. — Grishin Denture Specialist

Clear speech is one of the greatest outcomes of well-fitting dentures. With the right exercises, support, and adjustments, most new wearers can regain their confidence in communication within just a few weeks. Mastering tongue placement, practicing openly, and trusting your denture provider are essential keys to success.

Whether you're new to dentures or have years of experience, at Grishin Denture Specialist, we ensure you receive the best care. If you’re facing issues like slurred speech or denture clicking, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can provide you with precision-fitted solutions designed to work seamlessly with your mouth.

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