A model of mandibular movements during speech: Normative pilot study for the Brazilian Portuguese language

The precision of speech articulation is related to the possibility and freedom of the mandibular movements, modifying the spaces in order to allow the different articulatory positions of each sound. Electrognathography allows the objective delineation and registration of the mandibular movements, determining the level of opening, translations and velocity of these movements. Its use is a resource that can establish quantitative diagnostic parameters. The aim of this study was to verify the amplitude, velocity and characterization of the mandibular movements during speech using computerized electrognathography. Participants were 40 adults, male and female, with no temporomandibular disorders; with no missing teeth; with no dental occlusion alterations or dentofacial deformities; with no dental prostheses; and with no communication, neurological or cognitive deficits.The mandibular movements were observed during the sequential naming of pictures containing all the phonemes of the Brazilian Portuguese language. The registrations were obtained using electrognathography (BioENG-BioPak system), assessing the spatial position, course and velocity of the mandibular movements. The mean values of velocity were: 88.65 mm/sec during opening and 89.90mm/sec during closing. The mean values of amplitude were: sagittal opening: 12.77 mm, frontal opening: 11.21 mm, protrusion: 1.22 mm; retrusion 5.67 mm; translations to the right: 1.49 mm and to the left: 1.59 mm. The velocity of opening is directly related to that of closing. The amplitude of opening demonstrates a direct correlation with the velocity of opening and closing. All participants presented lateral translations during the course of the jaw. The assessment of speech in normal individuals is characterized by: discreet mandibular movements with an anteroposterior component and lateral translations. This study allowed for the delineation of a profile of the mandibular movements during speech in asymptomatic individuals.