I received full dentures about six months ago. While I expected eating to take some adjustment, I wasn’t prepared for the clicking noise they make when I talk. It’s really noticeable when I’m speaking on the phone or laughing. I’ve become so self-conscious that I have started avoiding conversations and social outings. My dentist says I just need more practice, but it’s been six months, how much longer should this take?
Ellie
Dear Ellie,
It is normal for your speech to sound slightly different when you first receive dentures. New dentures sometimes click because you’re still learning how much space to leave between them while speaking. Unlike natural teeth, dentures do not have nerves that tell your brain exactly where they are. Reading aloud and speaking more slowly can help during the initial adjustment period.
However, your clicking has continued for six months so I’m not buying your dentist’s “you just need more practice.” At this point, I think you should ask him or her to examine both the fit of the dentures and your bite. You should not have to avoid conversations because you are embarrassed by the sound.
Why Dentures Sometimes Click
There are several different issues which can cause clicking dentures:
- The dentures may be loose and shifting during speech.
- The bite may be too tall, bringing the teeth together prematurely when you form certain words.
- The upper and lower teeth may not meet evenly.
- The denture base may be too bulky, which doesn’t leave enough room for your tongue.
- Dry mouth may be reducing the suction that helps hold the dentures in place.
Your Jaw Will Change Even When Your Dentures Don’t
Dentures are made to fit the shape of your mouth at a particular point in time. Unfortunately, your jaw does not remain the same shape after your teeth are removed.
Natural tooth roots stimulate the jawbone and tell your body that the bone is still needed to keep your teeth in place. Once those roots are gone, your body begins resorbing some of the minerals in the jaw. This results in the jawbone gradually shrinking, the gums covering it changes shape as well. A denture that fit securely when it was made will eventually become loose.
The bigger danger is with the lower dentures. While your upper dentures are held in by suction, your lower dentures simply rest on the jawbone. As your jawbone shrinks, you’ll have a harder and harder time keeping them in place. After a number of years, which is different for each patient, you will no longer be able to keep the dentures in your mouth. In dental circles, this is known as facial collapse.
The solution to slipping dentures is to get implant supported dentures. These have dental implants placed into your jawbone, like prosthetic tooth roots. Then your dentures are anchored to them. The implants signal to your body that there are still teeth in your mouth. Because of that, it leaves your jawbone intact.
Will More Denture Adhesive Stop the Clicking?
Denture adhesive may temporarily reduce movement, but needing increasing amounts of adhesive is often a sign that the denture no longer fits properly. Adding more adhesive doesn’t correct an uneven bite, worn teeth, or changes in your jawbone. It is better to determine why the denture is moving than to continually mask the problem.
You Deserve to Speak Without Feeling Self-Conscious
While there are a lot of problems with completely removable dentures, when properly fitted they should allow you to have a conversation without worrying your teeth will click or slip. The solution may be as straightforward as adjusting your bite or relining the denture.
Ask your dentist to evaluate the dentures while you speak as well as while you bite. A denture can appear secure when your mouth is still but begin moving as soon as your tongue and facial muscles go to work.
You invested in replacement teeth so you could return to your life, not withdraw from it. Clicking that continues after the normal adjustment period deserves more than an instruction to keep practicing.
This blog is brought to you by compassionate Decatur, AL dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.