3 Strategies to Manage Speech Changes After Dental Implants
DentistExperts.net
3 Strategies to Manage Speech Changes After Dental Implants
Discover effective strategies to manage speech changes following dental implants, featuring insights from speech therapists and dental professionals. This article explores practical approaches, such as pre-op recording and daily reading exercises, to help navigate the nuances of speech adjustment. Expert advice and deliberate practice methods are unpacked to aid in improving pronunciation for a seamless post-implant experience.
- Pre-Op Recording Aids Post-Implant Adjustments
- Daily Reading Aloud Retrains Speech Muscles
- Slow, Deliberate Practice Improves Pronunciation
Pre-Op Recording Aids Post-Implant Adjustments
Great Question. The best time to start is at the pre-op appointment. Have the patient pronounce the s's, words like Mississippi, Missouri, count 60-70, note any lisp etc., make a recording as needed. Once the implant prosthesis is in, repeat and compare to the original.
I did have this issue a few times and what's worked most for us is checking the occlusion, verifying the space between the front teeth/palate and tongue. We added some wax to the anterior part of the prosthesis and changed the shape of the palatal aspect till the lisp disappeared. Once we knew what changes were needed, we applied those via digital designing and redesigned and reprinted the prosthesis. That worked for us to eliminate the lisp and change in speech. Hope that helps!
Daily Reading Aloud Retrains Speech Muscles
Adjusting to dental implants can take time, but with the right approach, speech changes are temporary. At Lumiere Dental Spa, I guide my patients through this transition with tailored strategies. One of the most effective techniques I recommend is reading aloud daily whether it's a favorite book or simply practicing in front of a mirror. This helps retrain the tongue and muscles to adapt to the implants naturally.
One of my patients, initially worried about slight pronunciation changes, followed this practice and noticed a difference within a week. By staying consistent and using simple speech exercises, they regained confidence quickly.
Adjusting to implants is a short journey, and with expert guidance and a little patience, speech returns to normal effortlessly. At Lumiere Dental Spa, we ensure every step of your dental transformation is comfortable, seamless, and confidence-boosting.
Slow, Deliberate Practice Improves Pronunciation
After getting dental implants, one common adjustment many people face includes changes in speech or pronunciation, especially when forming certain sounds. To manage this, I practiced speaking slowly and deliberately, focusing particularly on the sounds that felt awkward. This involved reading aloud and repeating troublesome words or phrases, which helped in retraining the muscles around the new dental structure to produce sounds correctly.
This strategy proved quite effective over time. Gradual practice allowed for the mouth to adapt to the implants, thus making speech clearer and more natural. The key was consistency and patience; daily practice not only improved pronunciation but also boosted confidence in speaking in social situations. In essence, taking the time to slowly and repeatedly practice speaking can significantly ease the transition to speaking well with dental implants.
