Objectives The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence, types and severity of malocclusions in children with speech sound disorder (SSD) persisting after 6 years of age, and to compare these findings to a control group of children with typical speech development (TSD). Methods In total, 105 children were included: 61 with SSD and motor speech involvement (mean age 8:5 ± 2:8 years; range 6:0–16:7 years, 14 girls and 47 boys) and 44 children with TSD (mean age 8:8 ± 1:6; range 6:0–12:2 years, 19 girls and 25 boys). Extra-oral and intra-oral examinations were performed by an orthodontist. The severity of malocclusion was scored using the IOTN-DHC Index. Results There were differences between the SSD and TSD groups with regard to the prevalence, type, and severity of malocclusions; 61% of the children in the SSD group had a malocclusion, as compared to 29% in the TSD group. In addition, the malocclusions in the SSD group were rated as more severe. Functional posterior crossbite and habitual lateral and/or anterior shift appeared more frequently in the SSD group. Class III malocclusion, anterior open bite and scissors bite were found only in the SSD group. Conclusion Children with SSD and motor speech involvement are more likely to have a higher prevalence of and more severe malocclusions than children with TSD.

Background: Children with speech sound disorders (SSD) form a heterogeneous group that differs in terms of underlying cause and severity of speech difficulties.Orofacial dysfunction and malocclusions have been reported in children with SSD.However, the association is not fully explored.Objectives: Our aims were to describe differences in orofacial function and malocclusion between a group of children and adolescents with compared to without SSD and to explore associations between those parameters among the group with SSD.Methods: A total of 105 participants were included, 61 children with SSD (6.0-16.7 years, mean age 8.5 ± 2.8, 14 girls and 47 boys) and 44 children with typical speech development (TSD) (6.0-12.2 years, mean age 8.8 ± 1.6, 19 girls and 25 boys).Assessments of orofacial function included an orofacial screening test and assessment of bite force, jaw stability, chewing efficiency, and intraoral sensorymotor function. Possible malocclusions were also assessed.Result: Children with SSD had both poorer orofacial function and a greater prevalence of malocclusion than children with TSD. Furthermore, children with SSD and poorer orofacial function had a greater risk of malocclusion. Conclusion:Our result suggests that children with SSD are more prone to having poorer orofacial function and malocclusion than children with TSD. This illustrates the importance of assessing coexisting orofacial characteristics in children with SSD, especially since orofacial dysfunction may be linked to an increased risk of malocclusion. This result highlights the need for a multiprofessional approach.