Relearning the Basics: Eating and Speaking with a Lower Plate
A lower appliance is a tool, and like any tool—whether it’s a hammer or a tennis racquet—it requires technique to use effectively. New wearers often expect to carry on with their old habits, only to find that the appliance tips or dislodges. Success lies in adapting your habits to the mechanics of the prosthetic.
The Bilateral Chewing Technique
The most critical skill to master is “bilateral chewing.” With natural teeth, you likely chewed on one side or the other. If you do this with a lower plate, the side without food will lift up. You must learn to divide food into two small portions and place them on both sides of the mouth, chewing simultaneously. This balances the appliance and keeps it seated. If you are struggling with this, a Dentist in Woodbridge can check your bite to ensure the molars are meeting evenly, which is a prerequisite for this technique.
Speech and Tongue Position
Speech difficulties are common initially. The tongue is used to touch the back of your natural teeth to form sounds. Now, it hits plastic. This can cause a lisp or a clicking sound. The solution is practice. Read aloud for 20 minutes a day. Focus on keeping the lower appliance stable. If the appliance lifts when you speak, the edges may be overextended. We can trim them to allow free tongue movement.
The Influence of the Upper Arch
Your ability to eat and speak is also determined by the upper teeth. If they are misaligned, they will interfere with the smooth motion of the jaw.Dental Surgery and Extraction In Woodbridge can correct the position of natural upper teeth to prevent them from knocking the lower plate loose during speech or chewing. A harmonious arch form allows the lips and tongue to function without obstruction.
Cosmetic Harmony
Function is important, but so is appearance. If the teeth are set too far back, the lips look unsupported. If they are too far forward, the appliance becomes unstable. We often use Dental Veneers in Woodbridge on the upper arch to ensure that the aesthetics match the new lower teeth. A balanced smile gives you the confidence to speak freely without hiding your mouth.
Advanced Options for Tough Foods
Let’s be realistic: some foods, like corn on the cob or sticky taffy, are nearly impossible with a traditional lower plate. The suction just isn’t there. If dietary freedom is your priority, Sedation Dentistry Woodbridge is the answer. Implants provide the anchorage needed to tear and grind tough foods without the appliance moving an inch.
Peridot Dental Care Support
We are here to help you regain your quality of life. Address: 6175 Highway 7 West, Unit 7, Woodbridge, Ontario Email: info@peridotdentalcare.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a straw? Using a straw requires suction, which can sometimes dislodge a loose lower plate. Test it carefully.
- Why do I gag? Gagging is usually caused by the upper plate or the tongue being crowded. Breathe through your nose and focus on the tip of your tongue.
- Will I ever eat salad again? Yes. Lettuce is tricky because it is thin and flat, but with practice and sharp prosthetic teeth, you can grind it effectively.
- How do I clean adhesive off my gums? Use a warm washcloth or a soft brush to gently wipe the gums. Do not scrub hard.
- Why does my jaw click? This indicates a bite issue. The vertical height of the teeth may be incorrect.
Conclusion
Relearning to eat and speak takes time and patience, but it is achievable. By adopting new techniques and ensuring a proper fit, you can enjoy your meals and conversations again. Peridot Dental Care is your partner in this rehabilitation.
