The Effect of Dental and Occlusal Anomalies on Articulation in Individuals With Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate

Abstract

Purpose Dental and occlusal anomalies are common in individuals with cleft lip and palate, placing them at risk for speech sound distortions. Speech-language pathologists and dental practitioners frequently interact when presented with clinical problems secondary to dental and occlusal anomalies. This is especially true when treating a child with a cleft lip and palate. The speech sound error types must be identified and their etiologies evaluated to develop appropriate management plans. The purpose of this review article is to describe the types of dental and occlusal anomalies that are common in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate and discuss the impact these anomalies have on articulation. Method A review of the literature was completed with a focus on prevalence, definitions, and descriptions of dental and occlusal anomalies in individuals with cleft lip and palate. The impact of dental/occlusal anomalies on speech production is described. Results and Conclusions There is sufficient evidence that dental and occlusal anomalies have an impact on articulation, but the relationship of dental or occlusal status is not always a direct one. The phonemes most affected by aberrant oral conditions are sibilants, though other phonemes may be impacted as well. These speech errors are considered to be obligatory oral distortions in that they are made in response to an oral structural defect. These speech errors are not typically amenable to speech therapy, but rather require orthodontic and/or surgical correction. Such treatment can be effective in improving these errors, often spontaneously, however, speech therapy may be necessary (and most effective) following correction of the dental and/or occlusal anomalies if errors persist.