Orthognathic Speech Pathology: Phonetic Contrasts of Patients With Dental Discrepancies Pre- and Post-Treatment Analyses

This study is examining how jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) for significant bite problems — such as an open bite, underbite, or large overjet — affects speech and pronunciation. When jaw alignment changes significantly through surgery, it can alter the physical structures involved in making speech sounds. Researchers are analyzing speech patterns before and after surgery to understand exactly what changes and how long it takes for speech to return to normal or improve. You may be eligible if: - You are between 15 and 40 years old - You are a patient at UNC undergoing jaw surgery for a skeletal open bite, underbite, or an overjet greater than 5 mm You may NOT be eligible if: - You have a hearing loss - You learned English as a second language - You have a significant regional accent - You have a developmental delay - You have a history of craniofacial disorder or syndrome - You have had prior craniofacial surgery (excluding tooth extractions and dental procedures) - Your jaw surgery will be performed without fixed orthodontic appliances Talk to your oral and maxillofacial surgeon at UNC if you are planning jaw surgery and want to participate in research tracking how surgery may affect your speech and pronunciation.