Do mandibular complete dentures made using a neutral zone technique improve speech?-A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate speech sound production (SSP) in older edentulous patients provided with two different types of mandibular complete dentures (MCDs; conventional vs neutral zone).

BACKGROUND: Regarding the fact that complete dentures (CDs) affect SSP, it is unknown whether the set-up of the artificial teeth resulting from the neutral zone technique leads to a negative impact on SSP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 21 participants, a conventional MCD and a MCD using a modified neutral zone technique (neutral zone dentures) were fabricated. The SSP was described using a phonetically balanced text, which was recorded digitally and evaluated.

RESULTS: No significant difference in SSP was observed.

CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the application of the neutral zone technique in the mandible has no considerable impact on SSP.