Background: premature loss of primary incisors could affect speech, esthetics, and arch
integrity. The need for replacement of prematurely lost primary incisors with esthetic and functional
fixed or removable appliances were a subject for investigation in many literatures. The aim of such
appliances is to restore esthetics, preserve arch integrity and to prevent speech impairment.
Aim of the study: to evaluate the Influence of anterior esthetic fixed appliance of prematurely
lost primary incisors on sound production and speech intelligibility.
Methodology: A case control study was conducted on 15 children (3-5 years old) with premature
loos of primary incisors (experimental group) and 15 children of similar age completely dentulous.
Speech evaluation was examined in four stages: Before extraction of the decayed primary incisors.
Before the modified fixed partial denture fitting. Immediately after denture fitting. One month after
denture fitting.
Results: sound production and speech intelligibility were not affected by premature loss of
primary teeth. Minor affection after immediate placement of the fixed prosthetic appliance was
restored in a period of one month as a result of adaptation.
Conclusions: 1- Early loss of primary incisors due to caries would have minor effect on speech
production 2- Replacement of prematurely lost primary incisors with fixed prosthetic appliances
did not affect speech production 3- Replacement of prematurely lost primary incisors with fixed
prosthetic appliances for the purpose of restoring appearance if required by the parents should be
encouraged however, assuring that speech development will not be affected by early loss of these
teeth should also be explained to them if they are concerned.