Speech and lingual behavior before and after mandibular osteotomy

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Class III malocclusions often require surgical intervention like mandibular osteotomy.
• Understanding post-surgical oral behavior changes is crucial for patient recovery and functional outcomes.
• Previous research has not fully detailed the impact on speech articulation, lingual function, and swallowing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of mandibular osteotomy on oral behaviors in patients with Class III malocclusions.
• To identify specific changes in speech articulation, lingual diadochokinetic tasks, and swallowing patterns post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving five patients undergoing mandibular osteotomy.
• Audio-videotaped recording of speech, lingual diadochokinetic tasks, and swallowing performance.
• Comparative analysis of oral behaviors before and after the surgical procedure.

Main Results:

• Observable changes in oral behavior were documented post-mandibular osteotomy.
• A reduction in sibilant articulation errors was noted.
• An increase in maladaptive lingual behaviors during lingual diadochokinetic tasks was observed.
• Significant alterations in swallowing behaviors were identified.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular osteotomy leads to measurable changes in oral motor functions.
• Post-surgical speech and swallowing rehabilitation may need to address specific challenges like increased maladaptive lingual behaviors.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings.