Changes in the Mouth Can Affect Speech

Uskudar University Faculty of Dentistry Prosthodontics Specialist Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Berk Bellaz made assessments regarding denture applications' impact on speech function, fit to oral anatomy, and food accumulation beneath prostheses.

Specialists note that during speech, the tongue, lips, teeth and numerous structures within the mouth work together, and point out that structural changes in teeth can directly affect speech function. Prosthodontics Specialist Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Berk Bellaz, noting that patients experience a certain adaptation period with palatal dentures used following tooth extraction, emphasizes that properly planned denture applications provide significant advantages in terms of speech and comfort.

Structural changes in teeth can alter speech
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Berk Bellaz, noting that speech is achieved through the coordinated functioning of numerous structures within the mouth, stated: "The tongue, lips and teeth play an active role during speech. Any deformity or deficiency in these structures can affect speech. For this reason, tooth loss can also cause changes in speech function."

Bellaz, noting that speech differences can be observed in individuals using palatal dentures following tooth extraction, said: "However, in most patients, speech returns to normal after an adaptation period of several months. When a new denture is made for a person adapted to edentulism, speech can again be temporarily affected due to adaptation to the new structure within the mouth."

Tooth position holds great importance in denture planning
Prof. Dr. Bellaz, emphasizing that teeth have a specific position they should occupy within the mouth, stated that dentures must be planned taking this natural position into account.

"Whether removable dentures, fixed bridges or implant-supported prostheses, if teeth are positioned further inward or outward than they should be, the speech mechanism can be negatively affected. The tongue has specific points it must contact. When teeth are positioned too far back, the tongue can catch on the teeth; when positioned too far forward, air leaks can occur. Therefore, the height and position of teeth must be determined with extreme precision during denture fabrication."

Bellaz, noting that properly planned and executed dentures do not create any problems in terms of speech, stated that appropriate design is critical for both function and patient comfort.

Food accumulation beneath dentures cannot be completely prevented
Prof. Dr. Bellaz, noting that food seepage beneath removable dentures and fixed bridges can occasionally be observed, stated that the primary goal here is to protect oral tissues.

Bellaz, recalling that bone resorption can occur in the jaw over time in individuals using palatal dentures, said: "Following tooth extraction, a decrease in jaw height can be observed due to bone loss. Although we try to compensate for this loss with dentures, no matter how well the denture fits, in some cases small amounts of food accumulation can form at the edges."

Proper fit means less food accumulation
Prof. Dr. Bellaz, stating that improving the denture's fit with oral tissues and muscles is the most important factor in reducing food accumulation, noted that denture adhesives can also be used as a supportive measure when necessary.

"In fixed bridges too, food accumulation can be observed in certain areas, particularly due to gum recession. However, these are generally not heavy accumulations, but small residues. For this reason, regular tooth brushing, use of interdental brushes and attention to oral hygiene are of great importance."

Bellaz, recalling that tooth extraction results in the loss not only of the tooth itself but also the surrounding bone tissue, stated that this situation can lead to the formation of certain spaces over time.

"In denture planning, we make various adjustments aimed at reducing these spaces. However, every treatment has certain limitations. Although perfect results are not always possible, our goal is to provide patients with the best outcome in terms of function, aesthetics and hygiene." he said.