The Influence of Anterior Esthetic Fixed Appliance of Prematurel y Lost Primary Incisors on Sound Production In a Group of Egyptian Children. (A case Control study)

Abstract

Background: premature loss of primary incisors could affect speech, esthetics, and archintegrity. The need for replacement of prematurely lost primary incisors with esthetic and functionalfixed or removable appliances were a subject for investigation in many literatures. The aim of suchappliances is to restore esthetics, preserve arch integrity and to prevent speech impairment.Aim of the study: to evaluate the Influence of anterior esthetic fixed appliance of prematurelylost primary incisors on sound production and speech intelligibility.Methodology: A case control study was conducted on 15 children (3-5 years old) with prematureloos of primary incisors (experimental group) and 15 children of similar age completely dentulous.Speech evaluation was examined in four stages: Before extraction of the decayed primary incisors.Before the modified fixed partial denture fitting. Immediately after denture fitting. One month afterdenture fitting.Results: sound production and speech intelligibility were not affected by premature loss ofprimary teeth. Minor affection after immediate placement of the fixed prosthetic appliance wasrestored in a period of one month as a result of adaptation.Conclusions: 1- Early loss of primary incisors due to caries would have minor effect on speechproduction 2- Replacement of prematurely lost primary incisors with fixed prosthetic appliancesdid not affect speech production 3- Replacement of prematurely lost primary incisors with fixedprosthetic appliances for the purpose of restoring appearance if required by the parents should beencouraged however, assuring that speech development will not be affected by early loss of theseteeth should also be explained to them if they are concerned.