Analyzing speech changes in jaw surgery patients
Official title: Orthognathic Speech Pathology: Phonetic Contrasts of Patients With Dentofacial Discrepancies With Pre- and Post-Treatment Analyses
Run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT04117360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how jaw surgery affects the way people speak by recording their speech and tongue movements before and after the surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 11, 2019 |
| Main results expected | March 2028 |
| Study ends | March 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04117360 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 15-40 with skeletal open bites, underbites, or overjets greater than 5mm who are seeking orthognathic surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with hearing loss, significant regional accents, or a history of craniofacial disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates how jaw and tooth positions affect speech in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery for dentofacial abnormalities. Researchers will record patients' speech and tongue movements before and after surgery to assess changes in phoneme distortion and tongue posture. The study aims to quantify the prevalence of speech distortions and evaluate the impact of surgical correction on speech quality. By using advanced analysis techniques, the study seeks to provide insights into the relationship between jaw alignment and speech pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved speech outcomes for patients with dentofacial discrepancies following surgical treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on this approach, studies have shown that surgical correction can improve speech in patients with dentofacial abnormalities, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Jaw surgery patient at UNC with a skeletal open bite, underbite or overjet greater than 5mm. * Age 15-40 years Exclusion Criteria: * Hearing loss * Learned English as a second language * Significant regional accent, as characterized by a speech pathologist * Developmental delay, performing several grade levels below age bracket * history of craniofacial disorder * genetic syndrome associated with known craniofacial presentation * history of craniofacial trauma * history of prior craniofacial surgery (excluding extractions and dental procedures) * Jaw surgery without fixed orthodontic appliances
Where it's running
-
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura A Jacox, PhD, DMD, MS — Professor
- Study coordinator: Laura A Jacox, PhD, DMD, MS
- Email: ljacox@ad.unc.edu
- Phone: 847- 702-0988
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.