Fundamental Frequency and Dentofacial Anomalies

Fundamental frequency (F0) is one of many acoustic indices related to body morphology. There is a significant negative correlation between facial length and width and F0. Similarly, there is a moderate negative correlation between maxillary arch width, F0, and habitual pitch. Given the known anatomic variations in vocal tract dimensions associated with dentofacial anomalies, patients with class II and III malocclusion may display differences in F0 and habitual pitch in comparison to subjects with normal occlusion. Though subtle, these differences are important in wind instrumentalists and singers.