Speech Production and Malocclusion: A Review

Abstract

The article focuses on speech production in relation to malocclusion. It investigates how malocclusion could affect sound production and articulating clearly. The article also discusses how orthodontists could fix malocclusion and improve the sound production. Speech production is a complicated process involving several speech organs, including the mouth cavity. Malocclusion can have an adverse effect on pronunciation, especially on specific speech sounds. It can also cause compensatory articulation problems, which can affect pronunciation further. Certain speech sounds, such as /s/, /z/, /t/, /d/, /l/, /r/, / θ /, and /t/, can be affected by malocclusion. Different types and levels of malocclusions may have different effects on pronunciation. It is necessary to speak with an orthodontist to determine the most appropriate therapy for malocclusion. Proper diagnosis and treatment can assist in reducing the impact on pronunciation. Additionally, speech and language therapy may help in the development of speech. The article concludes with an overview of the available treatments for speech production, the potential impacts of malocclusion can be minimized.

Understanding of Speech Production in Cleft Lip/Palate

“…After the permanent teeth appear and the palate is closed, dental procedures can be performed. The aim of dental orthodontic treatment is to balance occlusion so that the tongue and lips can produce sounds properly (Mason, 2020;Handoko & Yohana, 2023).…”

“…In addition, cleft disorders can also interfere with functional processes, such as speech, swallowing, eating, and breathing. These conditions can significantly impact patients' quality of life and require specialized medical treatment and therapies (Berrezueta Reyes Eva Estefanía et al, 2023;Handoko & Yohana, 2023). Patients may experience speech impairment due to air escaping from the mouth when speaking, but coming out of the nasal cavity resulting in mispronunciation, nasalisation of sounds, and excessive nasal resonance (hypernasality).…”