What structural factor has the most adverse effect on articulation?

Class III malocclusion refers to a dental condition where the lower jaw protrudes further forward than the upper jaw, often resulting in bite misalignment. This structural factor significantly impacts articulation because the positioning of the teeth and jaws is crucial for producing clear and accurate speech sounds. When the alignment is off, it can lead to difficulties in achieving the correct tongue placement, which is necessary for articulating certain sounds, particularly those that require precise placement against the teeth or alveolar ridge.

The misalignment that comes with Class III malocclusion can create challenges in producing sounds like "s," "z," "t," and "d." Additionally, if the teeth cannot meet properly, it may hinder the ability to generate the necessary airflow and tongue movement for proper speech production.

While short labial frenulum, micrognathia, and unilateral facial palsy can also influence speech articulation, they typically do not have as broad an impact on the overall alignment and functional positioning of the mouth as Class III malocclusion does. Thus, Class III malocclusion is particularly detrimental due to its comprehensive effect on both dental structure and oral function, leading to specific challenges in speech articulation.