Analysis of /s/ sound acoustic characteristics and mandibular speech movements in aesthetic restoration: a case series evaluation

Abstract

Objectives Although great attention has been paid to improve aesthetic and biological function in restorative dentistry, the pronunciation issues after anterior restoration still trouble patients. The aims were to evaluate the effect of different incisor overlaps on the /s/ acoustic characteristics and mandibular speech movement trajectory of patients for anterior aesthetic restoration. Materials and Methods Eight patients who required bilateral upper incisors restoration were selected without any other oral diseases or malocclusion. Five prostheses with different overlaps (P0: prosthesis with original overlap; P1, P2, P3: prosthesis with overjet of 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, respectively; Pf: final prosthesis with overlap by considering the normal aesthetic and functional restoration principles) were made for each patient. Then /s/ sound acoustic characteristics and mandibular speech movement trajectory were tested. Results The overlap for each patient changed after restoration (Pf) compared with the original value (P0). Patients’ acoustic features of /s/ sound and mandibular speech movement altered with overlaps change. Only noise peak and maximum closing speed both before and after restoration (P0-Pf) were statistically different and lower than that of individual normal occlusion (INO) (P < 0.05). A certain variational trend was found between overlaps and acoustic features of /s/ sound and mandibular speech movement. Conclusions Aesthetic anterior restoration may result in overlap changes, which may disturb normal acoustic characteristics of /s/ sound and mandibular speech movement. Clinical Relevance: Only with the harmonious preconditions as occlusion, aesthetics and pronunciation, can we achieve the goal of integrating aesthetics and function in restorative dentistry. Clinical Relevance: Only with the harmonious preconditions as occlusion, aesthetics and pronunciation, can we achieve the goal of integrating aesthetics and function in restorative dentistry.