Condylar movement in different skeletal frames during phonation assessed by condylography

Abstract

The dentist must have a broader perspective in treating occlusion and consider the masticatory organ in terms of dynamic function and not in a static manner. Speech function is very complex and thus it is thought to be one of the contributors to the development of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. In this study, we have examined the condylar movement pattern during speaking in different skeletal frame, Class I, Class II-1, Class II-2 and Class III, in order to establish the foundation or baseline information involving phonetic function for the diagnosis of craniomandibular function and dysfunction. In conclusion, subjects with Class II skeletal frame showed a relatively long and forward position of phonetic movement, while the Class III skeletal showed a short and close to RP working position. These results indicated that the craniomandibular system has a capacity for functional compensation to the skeletal discrepancy. It is necessary and important to evaluate the pattern of condylar movement during phonation in establishing a proper diagnosis of the stomatognathic function.