Correlations between malocclusions and dyslalias

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

This was to evaluate the relationship between malocclusions and dyslalias and to plan a multidisciplinary
approach between orthodontics and speech therapy. Study design: 880 children (448 males and 432 females) ranging in age
from 6 to 10 years were examined at the Department of Orthodontics at Milan University to determine if a relationship between
malocclusions and dyslalia exists and their correlations.

Methods

The children were examined by a speech therapist and
an orthodontist. An examination of the occlusion and phonetics was conducted and compared with an age-matched control
group.

Results

Correlations between malocclusion and dyslalia were found. The presence of Class III occlusion,
diastema, increase in overjet, presence of open and deep bite, asymmetry have high tendency to be associated with speech
disorders such as dyslalias. The presence of crowding and anterior cross bites have moderate tendency to be associated
with such disorders; on the contrary Class II occlusion, upper incisors protrusion, posterior cross bite and TMD have low
tendency to be associated with dyslalias.

Conclusion

The effect of dyslalia on the speech organs is not constant. On the
other hand, the effect of malocclusion on dyslalia seems to be more relevant and more frequent and to increase
proportionally, depending on the severity of the malocclusion.

PLUMX METRICS