Whether you’re a professional or just getting started, if you play wind instruments you may be worried about how braces might affect the quality of your music and performance during treatment. Between practice, shows, and adjusting to the results, you might find your music journey to be temporarily affected by your new braces. So before choosing your treatment, talk to your orthodontist about the type of wind instrument you play. Meanwhile, here are 6 things to think about when reviewing your treatment options.
- How many hours do you practice playing your instrument?
Do you practice 30 minutes a day or 5 hours a day? If you opt for removable braces consider how often you practice and the length of each session. Prolonged breaks from your braces may affect the treatment outcome.
2. Do you have any auditions or performances coming up?
Your new braces may take a while to adjust to – some individuals take longer than others to get used to wearing fixed braces. Be sure to schedule auditions or shows before receiving treatment, as it may take some months to adapt to playing an instrument with braces.
3. Your teeth will shift.
Removable braces may not affect playing your instrument, however the shifting alignment of your teeth may result in a change in performance quality, particularly high notes.
4. Update your instrument mouthpiece.
Protect your mouth when you play: your braces will rub against your lips and cheek, especially if you are a brass player – causing your lips to become sore. Research if you can get a larger mouthpiece to lessen lip pain when playing. Be sure to pay particular attention to calluses behind the lips, as it can severely affect your range.
5. Avoid dry mouth.
Some wind instruments will cause dry mouth. With braces it is more important than ever to make sure you drink water, stay hydrated, and take breaks between each practice session, if you can. Avoiding sugary beverages and foods will also help prevent dry mouth.
6. Know what to expect.
French horn and trumpet players tend to have the most difficulty playing their instruments after getting braces. Between the disrupted high notes and tone, sound quality will change. It is crucial to evaluate which treatment will be the best fit for you and your music.
Consider these things to know before choosing which orthodontic braces treatment to commit to. Discussing your options with your orthodontist will help you make the best decision. Book your next Beam Ortho appointment here: http://www.beamortho.com/request-an-appointment/