The goal of the Placerville Dental Group is to create smiles that light up lives. That’s why we are a full-service dentist, offering procedures that meet all of our patients’ smile needs. The great benefits that come from dental procedures like dentures, braces, crowns, and dental implants can, however, lead to minor inconveniences. One of these is a temporary adjustment period regarding speech. Why do these procedures cause short-term changes in your voice, and how do you successfully make the transition back to your normal speech patterns?
Why Oral Changes Affect Speech
The teeth and the tongue function as a team to create speech. The tongue shapes air into sounds by pressing against or near the teeth, while the teeth provide structure for the mouth and affect air flow. So, it is understandable that shifts in tooth position or the addition of a dental appliance can affect speech initially while your brain adjusts to the new oral environment. For example:
- Dentures cover the roof of the mouth, sometimes causing slight lisping or slurring early on.
- Braces change tongue space, leading to temporary speech quirks with the letters “s” and “z.”
- Crowns and dental implants subtly adjust bite and spacing, occasionally making certain vocalizations sound different.
Changes in the mouth require the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks to relearn familiar patterns in association with your brain. Fortunately, speech patterns are not “hardwired” in the brain and natural neuroplasticity means that your mind notes the changes and starts working on adjustments immediately. Thankfully, most of our patients adapt quickly after oral procedures, with only a little patience and practice required before their voice is back to normal.
In fact, it’s the loss of teeth that affects speech the most. Many people find it difficult after tooth loss, if not impossible, to regain their former vocal qualities. Therefore, always look at dental restoration procedures to retain or replace teeth as the pathway to keeping your voice young and strong.
Best Techniques for a Smooth Transition
Building confidence in your voice after dental work starts with simple, consistent practice. Here are some recommendations to ease the transition:
Read Aloud Every Day
Slow reading works best in the early days, allowing muscles to find new rhythms. Clear pronunciation grows stronger with repetition.
Practice Problem Words
Words with tricky sounds like sixty-six or zebra sharpen enunciation skills. Repeat difficult words in front of a mirror to perfect their sound.
Record Your Voice
Hearing yourself helps track progress. Notice which sounds improve, and which might need more work. Focus on the improvements to build confidence!
Focus on Breathing
Take slow, deep breaths before speaking to maintain a natural rhythm. Steady breaths power strong speech.
Work with Your Dentist
Follow-up visits at Placerville Dental Group allow for quick checks on appliances and adjustments if needed.
Patients that follow the recommendations above find that they adapt quickly after procedures for the installation of dentures, braces, crowns, and dental implants.
How Long Does It Take?
Most patients adapt to dental changes within a few days to a few weeks. Crowns and implants create the smallest changes, often unnoticed. Braces usually cause minor speech shifts that settle within a few days. Dentures often require a little more time for complete comfort while speaking and eating. Each person’s journey looks different, but one thing remains the same: persistence and positivity brings success.
At Placerville Dental Group, every new smile comes with full support. Whether receiving braces, dentures, crowns, or dental implants, trust that your voice and your smile are in good hands. Ready to start a new dental journey? Schedule a visit with our team today!
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