Which dental condition is most likely to negatively impact articulation?

Class III malocclusion is characterized by the lower jaw (mandible) being positioned further forward than the upper jaw (maxilla). This dental condition can significantly impact articulation due to the misalignment of the teeth and the subsequent positioning of the tongue and oral structures during speech production.

Individuals with Class III malocclusion may have difficulty producing sounds that require precise tongue placement against the upper teeth or alveolar ridge because the lower jaw protrudes, altering the dynamics of oral cavity movement. As a result, sounds such as /s/, /z/, /t/, and /d/ may be affected, as these sounds rely heavily on proper positioning.

Other conditions, such as Class II malocclusion or missing teeth, can also lead to articulation challenges, but Class III malocclusion tends to have a more pronounced effect due to the stark anterior-posterior relationship of the jaws, which can create a barrier to achieving correct tongue positioning needed for clear speech.