The use of phonetics is one of several guides that can be used by the restorative dentist during the assessment and restoration of structurally compromised teeth. To accomplish this, an understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in producing sounds during speech can facilitate the application of these techniques during patient management. This review discusses the basic principles of speech sounds production. This is followed by a discussion of the clinical applications of the different phonetic tests in the assessment and management of dentate and partially dentate patients with structurally compromised dentitions.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: Phonetic tests are among the many guides used in the assessment and management of dentate patients with structurally compromised dentitions. The clinician should be familiar with the basic principles and applications of these tests to be able to assess and manage patients in daily practice.
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The execution of active restorative care for dentate patients with a compromised dentition as a result of acquired or congenital disease processes should be based on appropriate comprehensive treatment plans geared towards addressing patients' needs. This requires the thorough gathering of information through detailed history-taking and clinical examination supplemented with essential investigations where required. Further procedures, such as a diagnostic wax-up and direct or indirect mock-up, may also be required to finalize the treatment plan and obtain patients' consent before embarking on irreversible restorative procedures. During restorative procedures, fabrication of provisional restorations should be optimized to act as a blueprint for the final restorations (Figure 1). Phonetic tests are among the many guides the clinician can use during these procedures to ensure that the restorations are in harmony with functional and aesthetic determinants. Photographic records of patients performing phonetic tests are helpful during treatment planning. The following is a review of the basic mechanisms involved in sound production and their applications for the management of dentate and partially dentate patients with compromised dentitions.
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