October 22, 2025
Speaking Clearly with Dentures: Overcoming Challenges
Getting new dentures can be a life-changing experience, restoring your ability to eat, smile, and speak with confidence. However, many new denture wearers find that speaking clearly during the first few weeks takes a bit of adjustment. Don’t worry — this is completely normal. With the right strategies, practice, and professional guidance, you can quickly regain natural and confident speech.
At Dentist Acton, we’ve helped countless patients across Acton, Ealing, and West London transition smoothly into life with dentures. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, why speech changes happen, and how to overcome these challenges with ease.
Why Dentures Can Affect Speech
When you first get your dentures, your mouth needs time to adjust to the new shape and feel. Your tongue, lips, and cheeks must relearn how to move around the prosthetic. This can momentarily affect pronunciation, especially for words containing “s,” “f,” “v,” “th,” and “sh.”
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this period of adaptation is completely normal. It’s similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes — it may feel slightly awkward at first, but with time and consistent use, everything feels natural again.
Common Speech Challenges with New Dentures
New denture wearers might experience:
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Muffled or unclear speech – caused by unfamiliar tongue placement.
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Lisping or whistling sounds – due to slight air leaks around dentures.
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Difficulty pronouncing certain words – as your mouth adjusts to the new size and position.
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Clicking sounds – when the dentures move slightly during speech.
These challenges are temporary. The more you wear your dentures and practice speaking, the quicker your mouth muscles adapt.
How to Improve Speech with Dentures
1. Practice Reading Out Loud
A simple and effective way to retrain your mouth is to read aloud daily. Choose your favourite book, article, or even a newspaper, and spend 10–15 minutes speaking clearly and slowly. Focus on pronouncing each word correctly, and exaggerate sounds that feel tricky.
If you can, practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to hear how your speech improves over time.
2. Start with Simple Words
Begin by practising words that are easier to pronounce, and gradually move to more complex phrases. Try repeating words with “s”, “f”, or “th” sounds to build precision.
This method helps your tongue and lips adapt to new positions inside your mouth.
3. Bite and Swallow Before Speaking
Before starting a conversation, bite down gently and swallow to set your dentures firmly in place. This minimises movement while you talk and helps eliminate clicking or slipping.
4. Speak Slowly and Clearly
Avoid rushing your speech, especially during the adjustment period. Speaking slowly and deliberately not only helps you form sounds more clearly but also gives your tongue time to adapt to the new environment.
5. Use Denture Adhesive for Extra Stability
If your dentures feel slightly loose, a high-quality denture adhesive can offer added confidence while speaking. However, if your dentures move excessively or cause discomfort, it’s best to consult your dentist — they may need a professional adjustment or reline.
You can read more about denture relining and adjustments on our Dentures page.
6. Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth can make it harder to speak clearly with dentures. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist, or discuss saliva substitutes with your dentist if dryness persists. According to NHS guidance, hydration plays a key role in maintaining denture comfort and oral health.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Adapting to dentures doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a gradual process. Consistency is key. The more you wear your dentures, the more natural your speech will become. Most patients notice significant improvement within two to four weeks.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been wearing your dentures for several weeks and still find it difficult to speak clearly, your dentures may not fit properly. Poorly fitting dentures can cause irritation, slipping, and persistent lisping.
At Dentist Acton, we offer denture adjustments, relines, and replacements to ensure your prosthetics fit comfortably and function naturally. Our experienced dental team will evaluate your dentures, check your bite, and make precise modifications for a perfect fit.
Boosting Confidence While Speaking with Dentures
Your confidence plays a major role in how comfortable you feel speaking in public. Here are a few ways to boost it:
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Practice conversations with friends or family members in a relaxed environment.
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Smile and maintain eye contact – this helps divert attention away from any speech concerns.
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Use positive self-talk – remind yourself that adjusting to dentures is a short-term phase.
Confidence will come naturally as you continue to improve your speech and get used to your new smile.
Local Support and Denture Care in Acton
Our clinic in Acton, West London, provides comprehensive denture care services, including new fittings, adjustments, relines, and replacements. We proudly serve patients from Acton, Ealing, Shepherd’s Bush, and nearby areas.
At Dentist Acton, we combine advanced dental technology with personalised care to help every patient achieve comfort, functionality, and confidence in their smile. Whether you’re new to dentures or looking for expert maintenance, our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Speaking clearly with new dentures might feel challenging at first, but with patience, practice, and professional support, you’ll soon communicate with ease again. Remember — every patient’s journey is unique, and it’s perfectly normal to need a little time to adjust.
If you’re struggling with speaking or discomfort caused by ill-fitting dentures, contact Dentist Acton today. Our experienced team will ensure your dentures fit perfectly, helping you regain your natural speech and confidence in no time.
