Letters You May Need to Practice Saying Once You Get Dentures
Posted on 9/15/2025 by Durham Prosthodontics Office |
 Getting dentures is a big decision, and it's normal to have questions and concerns. One of the things you may be wondering about is how your speech will be affected. After all, dentures are new objects in your mouth, and it takes some time for your tongue and mouth muscles to adjust to them.
The good news is that most people with dentures are able to speak clearly and understandably with a little practice. In fact, many people find that their speech actually improves with dentures, as they are now able to fill in gaps in their smile and pronounce words more easily.
However, there are a few letters that can be tricky to say with dentures, especially at first. These letters include:
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S: This letter can be difficult because it requires you to bring your tongue close to the roof of your mouth. With dentures, your tongue may not be able to reach as high as it used to, making it harder to produce the "s" sound. |
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Z: This letter is similar to "s" in that it also requires you to bring your tongue close to the roof of your mouth. However, the "z" sound is voiced, meaning that your vocal cords vibrate when you say it. This can make it even more difficult to produce with dentures. |
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T: This letter can be tricky because it requires you to place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth. With dentures, your upper front teeth may be positioned slightly differently than they were before, making it harder to place your tongue in the correct position. |
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D: This letter is similar to "t" in that it also requires you to place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth. However, the "d" sound is voiced, meaning that your vocal cords vibrate when you say it. This can make it even more difficult to produce with dentures. |
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L: This letter can be difficult because it requires you to curl your tongue back and touch the back of your upper front teeth. With dentures, your upper front teeth may be positioned slightly differently than they were before, making it harder to curl your tongue in the correct position. |
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R: This letter can be tricky because it requires you to vibrate the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. With dentures, your tongue may not be able to reach as high as it used to, making it harder to produce the "r" sound. |
Don't worry if you have trouble saying these letters at first. With a little practice, you'll be able to say them clearly and easily. Here are a few tips to help you improve your speech with dentures:
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Read aloud: Reading aloud is a great way to practice saying words that contain the letters that you have trouble with. Start with simple words and sentences, and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones. |
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Repeat difficult words: If you come across a word that you have trouble saying, repeat it several times until you can say it clearly. |
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Record yourself: Record yourself speaking and then listen back to the recording. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve your pronunciation. |
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Talk to a speech therapist: If you're having a lot of trouble with your speech, talk to a speech therapist. They can help you develop exercises to improve your pronunciation and articulation. |
Getting used to speaking with dentures takes time and practice, but most people are able to adjust with a little effort. By following the tips above, you can improve your speech and regain your confidence in social situations.
Oral Care with Dentures
It's also important to remember that good oral care is essential for maintaining the health of your mouth and gums, and for keeping your dentures in good condition. Be sure to brush your dentures regularly, and to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Conclusion
Getting dentures is a big decision, but it can also be a positive one. Dentures can restore your smile, improve your speech, and allow you to eat the foods you love. With a little practice and care, you can adjust to your new dentures and enjoy all the benefits they offer.
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