Dentures do affect your speech but normally in positive ways. Our teeth assist with pronunciation. For instance, our tongues sometimes make contact with the backs of our teeth to produce specific sounds. Without our teeth, our pronunciation suffers. Wearing dentures after tooth loss will help renew our ability to pronounce words simply and correctly.
If your dentures fit poorly, they can impair speech. This normally means that it’s time for your dentures to be relined so that they can accommodate changes in your bone structure or it’s time to replace them all together.
Dentures are custom made to ensure that they improve oral function. A denture must accommodate the length and width of the jaw and fit over the gums. Our dentist will take molds (impressions) of the mouth, photographs, and X-rays to develop the specifications necessary to create a beautiful, properly-fitting set of dentures. These specifications are then sent to technicians in dental laboratories who will make these custom prosthetics.
When you first wear dentures, it might negatively affect your speech for a couple weeks. This is because it takes some time to get used to the feel and weight of dentures. After this period has passed, however, any speech issues will subside.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures will last for years with proper care. Like any other type of prosthetic, they do require maintenance. Since patients without teeth tend to suffer with bone atrophy, dentures might need to be readjusted every so often to ensure a comfortable fit. If you notice that your dentures don’t fit comfortably or perform as they should, call our practice to schedule an appointment with our dentist.
Prosthetic teeth are made from durable materials but they can break. Dropping them on a hard surface or letting them dry out can lead to them warping, cracking, and chipping. Repairing or replacing broken and worn dentures is important for maintaining oral function and your quality of life.
Life without teeth is difficult but a set of custom dentures will give you reason to smile again. Call our practice to reserve a tooth replacement consultation with our caring team.
