closest speaking space

Definition from Glossary

The space between the anterior teeth that, according to Dr. Earl Pound, should not be more or less than 1 to 2 mm of clearance between the incisal edges of the teeth when the patient is unconsciously repeating the letter “S.” Dr. Meyer M. Silverman termed this speaking centric, which was defined as the closest relationship of the occlusal surfaces and incisal edges of the mandibular teeth to the maxillary teeth during function and rapid speech. This was later called closest speaking level by Dr. Silverman and finally the closest speaking space

Pronunciation
klō′se˘st spē′king spās