Maxillary arch dimensions associated with acoustic parameters in prepubertal children

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Speech Science
• Pediatric Health and Development
• Acoustic Analysis and Biomechanics

Background:

• Understanding the relationship between craniofacial morphology and vocalization is crucial for pediatric development.
• Maxillary arch dimensions may influence the vocal tract, impacting voice characteristics.
• Limited research exists on the specific associations in prepubertal children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between maxillary arch dimensions and voice parameters in prepubertal subjects.
• To identify specific arch dimensions and voice characteristics that are significantly associated.
• To determine the predictive power of vocal parameters on maxillary arch dimensions.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 35 prepubertal patients undergoing orthodontic evaluation was studied.
• Maxillary arch dimensions (length, perimeter, depth, width) and voice parameters (fundamental frequency, formants) were measured.
• Statistical analyses, including Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression, were employed.

Main Results:

• Significant negative correlations were found between arch width/depth and fundamental frequency (f0).
• Arch depth and length showed significant correlations with the third (F3) and fourth (F4) formants, respectively.
• Fundamental frequency and F3 formant frequencies were significant predictors of arch width and depth.

Conclusions:

• A notable association exists between maxillary arch dimensions, particularly depth and length, and voice parameters.
• The third formant (F3) and fundamental frequency (f0) are key vocal predictors of maxillary arch dimensions.
• These findings highlight an interrelationship between dental arch morphology and vocal production in children.