It doesn’t matter if you are a skilled musician or a student that has embarked on a new musical journey, orthodontic treatment is still an option for you. Modern orthodontics make it possible to choose from an array of options that all ultimately help give you a confident smile. However, meeting with a trusted orthodontist, like Dr. Reddick, will help you choose which method is best for you depending on your lifestyle, hobbies, and preferences. 

While many people will be able to continue playing musical instruments without a problem, there could be a period of adjustment for others. This is extremely common and typically only lasts a short period of time. Improving your oral health shouldn’t mean compromising your musical interests.

Woodwind Instruments with Braces

Woodwind instruments include the saxophone, flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. With these instruments, there will be adjustments to make if you are wearing ceramic clear or metal braces. The good news is that within a few weeks, most people who practice with braces naturally learn how to play just as well as they did before the braces were placed. 

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are also popular among musically-inclined patients. These trays are designed to be worn for more than 22 hours a day, however, those who play a musical instrument can take them off while they are practicing or playing music with ease, and without the need to adjust or re-learn the instrument. 

Brass Instruments with Braces

Musicians who practice or perform with one of the brass instruments (tuba, trumpet, trombone, and French Horn) may have to work a little harder when attempting to hit the higher notes after being fitted with braces. The issue is the amount of pressure placed on the mouthpiece and the player’s lips – which can cause some soreness in the beginning. A good music teacher should be able to teach you how to adapt your lips for better positioning. Another option is to use a lip guard or brace wax while playing to protect your inner cheeks and your lips.

For most brass instrument musicians, relief can possibly be found with a larger mouthpiece to relieve pressure and to help you reach all of the notes.  A larger or different mouthpiece may be recommended to help dental patients play their musical instrument better.

Best Braces for Musical Instruments

While the best treatment option for you ultimately depends on your unique orthodontic needs, many patients who play musical instruments and are good candidates for Invisalign tend to favor this orthodontic treatment option over the others. Invisalign is a good alternative to conventional metal or ceramic braces and will minimize negative experiences while playing a musical instrument with braces. Invisalign involves a series of clear trays that the patient will wear close to full time.  As your teeth are shifted into the proper position, you will change trays every one to two weeks until the desired result is achieved.

The best thing about Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners, which make them perfect for musical practices and performances. Invisalign aligners are comfortable; in fact, they are also safe to leave in while playing an instrument.  

Early Orthodontic Treatment and Musical Instruments

If your child is undergoing early treatment, they are also still able to pick up on new musical instruments in school and music class. Younger children also typically have an easier time adjusting to braces while playing musical instruments than adults do. 

If you’re ready to turn the volume up on your smile, Contact Melbourne Orthodontics today! Our office offers traditional braces, clear ceramic braces, appliances, Invisalign, surgical orthodontics, early treatment, adult orthodontics, retainers, and night guards to fit the needs of anyone (musicians or not) in Melbourne, FL and the surrounding area. Get started today!