What Is And What Does The Vocal Apparatus Consist Of?

22 June 2023

The vocal apparatus is an interconnected system of organs responsible for the production of sounds and the construction of speech. The vocal apparatus consists of several departments and organs with different functions. It includes respiratory organs, active and passive components of speech, brain elements. The respiratory organs play an especially important role in the speech process, because sounds cannot be produced without exhalation. As a result of compression of the diaphragm and stretching of the muscles between the ribs, inhalation occurs - inhalation, and during relaxation - exhalation. The result is a specific sound, a sound that is individual for every person. In addition to active organs, in the development of voice and speech, passive organs, which are not characterized by great mobility, play an equally important role. these are:

  • Jaw region (jaw, cheeks, jawbones and teeth)
  • Nasal cavity
  • Larynx
  • Pharynx and alveoli (lungs)

What Is The Connection Between Healthy Teeth And Vocal Apparatus?

As we have already mentioned, the palate, cheeks, jawbones and teeth are constituent parts of the oral cavity, and therefore, the vocal apparatus, which plays an important role in the proper conduct of the articulation process. The healthier a person's oral cavity is, the more correctly his vocal apparatus develops. That is why it is especially important to take care of the health of our teeth, to visit the dentist regularly and, if necessary, to undergo a proper course of treatment. The most important thing for the healthy functioning of the vocal apparatus is, of course, the treatment of adentia. In addition to the fact that during toothlessness, the patient has difficulty in pronouncing sounds correctly, the jaw muscles are also stimulated incorrectly. The patient unconsciously puts the load on the side of the jaw that does not have missing teeth. Therefore, over time, only one part of the facial and jaw muscles is stimulated, on this side the muscle is toned, and on the other side (the side where the patient avoids chewing), on the contrary, the muscle atrophies and decreases in size over time. The combination of all of the above causes facial asymmetry, which, in turn, affects the vocal apparatus and the sound of spoken sounds. Speech problems in adults and especially in adolescents are caused by an asymmetrical row of teeth. That is why it is especially important to pay proper attention to orthodontic treatment. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the aesthetics of the oral cavity, normalize the function and consolidate the already obtained result. Not only to improve the visual effect of the smile and to solve orthodontic problems, but also to establish the normal function of the pronunciation of sounds and words, parents often turn to an orthodontist and choose braces treatment and dental arch straightening for their children.

Gnathology And Vocal Apparatus

Gnathology - this is one of the modern branches of dentistry, which studies the relationship between the organs and tissues of the jaw, teeth system. The science that studies the physiological characteristics of the jaw and teeth system is closely related to all other branches of dentistry, be it orthodontics, orthopedics and many other areas. The rules of gnathology are provided in the process of any kind of dental treatment. The main initial link of any occlusal reconstruction is gnathological treatment. In addition, the need for gnathological treatment may arise even when the patient has a problem not with the teeth and mouth tissues, but with the vocal apparatus. There are many cases when the patient is unable to pronounce sounds correctly because his jaw bones are not developed properly or they have not healed properly after an injury. In patients requiring gnathological treatment, problems with the organs and tissues of the jaw and teeth system, which in turn cause speech problems, may manifest themselves with many different symptoms. These can be: tightness in the face and joint area, restriction of mouth opening, headache (in the morning) and pain in the temple and lower jaw joint area.

Blits Dental - Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic recommends a thorough examination of your oral cavity and vocal apparatus. If you find a problem, immediately contact a professional who will help you not only to get back a healthy and charming smile, but also to restore the function of your maxillofacial system completely and enjoy a full, healthy rhythm of life.