Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
A complete denture patient whistles when pronouncing the 'S' sound. What is the most likely cause?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Denture arch is too narrow (narrow posterior arch form)
✓ A) Too narrow arch form is correct.
Whistling on 'S' sounds (sibilant sounds) is caused by too little space for the tongue during phonation. A narrow maxillary arch form or teeth set too far lingually leaves insufficient room for tongue movement during sibilant sounds, causing turbulent airflow and whistling. If the arch is too wide → clicking or slurred S. Too narrow → whistle. This is a classic complete denture phonetic problem. The 'S' sound test is used to assess vertical dimension: if VDO is too high → teeth click; if too low → slurred sounds.
Whistling on 'S' sounds (sibilant sounds) is caused by too little space for the tongue during phonation. A narrow maxillary arch form or teeth set too far lingually leaves insufficient room for tongue movement during sibilant sounds, causing turbulent airflow and whistling. If the arch is too wide → clicking or slurred S. Too narrow → whistle. This is a classic complete denture phonetic problem. The 'S' sound test is used to assess vertical dimension: if VDO is too high → teeth click; if too low → slurred sounds.
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