Music is an excellent way to express yourself! Whether you are in a band or like to play as a personal hobby, you may be curious about how orthodontic treatment could affect your ability to play a wind instrument. The good news is that you can play with braces! However, there will be an adjustment period. Here are some helpful tips to help you keep the music flowing as you are adapting to your orthodontic treatment:
Consider Opting for Lingual Braces Behind the Teeth
These braces make playing a wind instrument a breeze because there is nothing on the outside of the teeth to interfere with playing. The transition is smooth and natural. Dr. Hall has treated many teens with Lingual braces because they were concerned about playing their musical instruments without interference. Many Band directors have recommended Lingual braces for this reason.
Put in Some Extra Practice
When you first get your braces, your instrument will feel different in your mouth. The brackets and wires could also cause some irritation on your lips. Be prepared to devote a bit of extra time to practicing. This can help you adapt to how your instrument feels, and your lips may develop protective calluses.
Place Orthodontic Wax on Your Brackets and Wires
Playing a wind instrument requires you to press the mouthpiece against your lips, which, of course, places pressure on your braces. Covering your brackets and wires with orthodontic wax can reduce irritation and lower your risk of painful sores.
Go Back to Basics
You will not have to start from scratch while learning to play an instrument with braces, but it may be beneficial to revisit basic techniques when you are practicing. This can make you more aware of how you are managing your instrument and help you avoid mistakes that might affect your playing or cause irritation for your oral structures. For example, you might start with soft low tones, working your way to higher notes. This methodical practice may help you to establish new muscle memories, since your old ones will be disrupted by your braces.
Reposition Your Tongue
For most patients, braces do not affect tongue positioning. However, you may have to reposition your tongue if you have an expander across the top of your mouth or if you have lingual braces. Some people find success by placing their tongue against the bottom edge of their top teeth.
Acknowledge That You Might Need to Use More Breath
Many musicians find that they need to use more breath while playing an instrument with braces. This can be especially true with woodwinds, which may require that you clamp down a bit harder on the mouthpiece than you previously did.
Playing an instrument with braces can be just as enjoyable as playing without them! Be patient as you go through the adjustment period, and soon you should find that the music flows easily.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is an accomplished orthodontist with more than 25 years of experience in his field. He offers a range of treatments and is always pleased to answer patients’ questions about how braces might affect their routine activities. To learn more about Dr. Hall and how our team may be able to serve you, contact our Houston office at 713-589-7996.