New Veneers (front four teeth) are causing me speech problems. Is it because of the thickness? (Photo)

Question

My front four veneers are great, however Its been 3 weeks and Im still having speech problems. Im spitting slightly out of the sides while producing extra saliva and then my mouth is dry after that. Also during a conversation its harder to pronounce words, very tireing and a slight lisp. Ive had them shortened, but my dentist told me to try 2 weeks before he does anything else. Not sure if its the thickness or my tongue not having enough room?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Based on your photo, your veneers appear to be fine.  Without being able to examine you in my office, I cannot say that your veneers are too thick/bulky.  I suspect that they are slightly thicker than your natural teeth, and because of this, you are having the speech issues.  My best recommendation is that you give yourself about 3 months to adjust to the veneers.  If at the end of this time period, you are still feeling that they are too bulky, then have them adjusted again or redone.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

There is always an adjustment period after new porcelain veneers have been placed.  This can include a slight lisp when you speak.  It typically goes away in a couple of weeks.  If not,  it is usually caused from the teeth being slightly longer than the originals or the thickness of them on the tongue side.  They can be slightly shortened more and thinned out on the inside and this should help immediately.  Thanks for the photo.  They look very nice.  Good luck.

Natwarlal Tibrewal, BDS · Answer

Yes it does sound that veneers are too long and too bulky. You could have them adjusted if possible else you will need new ones. Normally we would try temporary veneers for the best aesthetic and function (speech, smile, eating etc.) and then copy them into final.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Esthetically, from your photo, your veneers look the appropriate length.  Note that teeth that are too long will usually give the patient challenges with the V-sound (say "victory" several times) or the F-sound (say "fifty-five" several times).Are you having problems with the S-sound?  What is probably going on is that the edges are too thick.  And that can be adjusted from the back side of your upper four veneers.That being said, many times it just requires some getting used to.  Your muscles of your tongue and lips have what is called "muscle memory" and just may need some training to adjust to the new teeth.  Think of it, does David Letterman have problems speaking?  Long teeth with spacing...right?  Or how about one of the most famous speakers in U.S. history, President Ronald Reagan?  He had an upper denture that had plastic covering his whole palate.  Yet he adapted and no one would have ever noticed it.

New Veneers (front four teeth) are causing me speech problems. Is it because of the thickness? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: New Veneers (front four teeth) are causing me speech problems. Is it because of the thickness?

Answer: New Veneers (front four teeth) are causing me speech problems. Is it because of the thickness?

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New Veneers (front four teeth) are causing me speech problems. Is it because of the thickness? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: New Veneers (front four teeth) are causing me speech problems. Is it because of the thickness?

Answer: New Veneers (front four teeth) are causing me speech problems. Is it because of the thickness?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.