Speech Pathology – Palatal Speech PathologyHouston, TX

What is Palatal Speech Pathology?

Palatal speech pathology happens when something goes wrong with the parts of the mouth that allow us to swallow and speak. When someone swallows or speaks, the soft palate moves up, the side walls move in, and the back wall moves forward, forming a valve. This valve prevents food or liquid from going into the nose while swallowing and prevents excessive air from escaping when speaking. When a patient does not get complete closure of this valve, the patient is said to have palatopharyngeal inadequacy.

This can happen when muscles are missing for any reason, like removal during cleft palate surgery at birth. Also, the valve may not close due to disease or trauma to the nerves. The patient may have one or two of these things happening to cause the valve not to come together right. The patient’s breathing, swallowing, and the way they sound when they speak can all be affected by this.

The Treatment Process

The treatment process for speech pathology can vary per patient. As a prosthodontist, our team strives to help develop the necessary prosthesis the patient can use to enhance the function of their mouth and jaw. During an appointment, we will use state-of-the-art scanning technology to take accurate and detailed images of the patient’s head. With these images, we can develop a 3D model of the patient’s head before mapping out what prosthesis will best meet their needs.

Along with saving the patient time, this scanning process does not normally involve the use of putty to make a mold of the patient’s teeth or jaw. This helps to make the experience more comfortable for the patient. After reviewing the images of the patient’s scans, we can then discuss the results with the patient and suggest which of the options is best for the patient. Once the device is complete, the patient will return for a fitting. We will go over the proper care techniques, ensure the device fits, and answer any other questions the patient has.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palatal Speech Pathology

What causes this condition?

While many causes of this condition involve cleft palate, some causes can vary per patient. Other causes can include trauma or disease to the face at various stages of a person’s development. About 20% of children who have a repaired cleft pallet will develop the condition.

Is this work covered by dental insurance?

While a prosthesis can fall under the category of medical necessity, each case is different. Since each case is unique, coverage may vary. We recommend reaching out to your insurance provider for more information on coverage.

What type of prosthetic will the prosthodontist choose for me?

We will need to conduct a full examination in order to determine the most effective prosthetic for your needs. We will go over all available options during the appointment and cover the steps in the treatment process to help you make a decision. We will address any questions or concerns before customizing the treatment plan for the patient..

Are these prostheses comfortable?

By using state-of-the-art technology, our team can provide you with a prosthesis designed specifically for your mouth, teeth, or jaw. While there will be an adjustment period, there will be minimal pain or issue. Once the prosthesis is ready, we will schedule an appointment to ensure it fits properly before the patient returns home. If the patient has any issues with the prosthesis, they should call us right away.

How long do these prostheses last?

A lot of that depends on if the patient follows proper care and cleaning instructions. By doing so, it is possible to extend the life of the prostheses. Much like removable retainers, they tend to last years. It depends on the device as well.

How common is palatopharyngeal inadequacy?

It is considered a rare condition. Sometimes the condition develops after surgery but resolves on its own. Reports of the permanent variety range between 1 in 1200 to 1 in 10,000. Our team can go over more information on this topic and the benefits of a prosthesis treatment, during an appointment.