{"id":196,"date":"2024-01-22T18:40:49","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T18:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cordesorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=196"},"modified":"2024-02-29T18:41:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T18:41:23","slug":"toothy-tunes-3-tips-to-play-your-instrument-with-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cordesorthodontics.com\/blog\/2024\/01\/22\/toothy-tunes-3-tips-to-play-your-instrument-with-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Toothy Tunes: 3 Tips to Play Your Instrument with Braces"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Girl<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Though you know they\u2019re necessary to straighten your smile, having braces<\/a> can impact your life in unexpected ways. You\u2019ll have new dietary restrictions to be aware of and will have to discover how to brush your teeth around the wires and brackets, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who play musical instruments that involve their mouths, however, there are some additional challenges to contend with. Many patients worry that they\u2019ll have to give up their art to perfect their smiles as a result. Fortunately, that\u2019s not the case! Continue reading to learn 3 tips to successfully play your instrument with braces!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Tip #1: Practice More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It takes time to get used to braces, especially if you\u2019re learning to play an instrument with them on. Whether you\u2019re just picking up a new skill, or are an experienced master, adding orthodontics to the mix is going to require some extra work. You\u2019ll need to figure out how to hold your mouth and tongue appropriately which doesn\u2019t happen without putting in some practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, you\u2019ll need more time to build up calluses against the metal. Spending more hours playing your horn or woodwind helps speed up this process. While it may be uncomfortable at first, you\u2019ll soon find that your embouchure has adjusted accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #2: Use Wax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll notice pretty quickly where your mouth is most sensitive to your braces when you play your instrument. You\u2019re likely to have certain spots that press against them and rub painfully against your inner lips or cheeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, you don\u2019t have to just live with the discomfort. Your orthodontist probably provided you with a special wax that you can place over the sharp corners of your brackets to protect the soft tissues inside your mouth. This reduces any raw areas so that you can focus on more important things, like finger placement or airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #3: Change Your Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t need to completely relearn how to play your instrument once you get braces, but you will be required to adapt what you already know. Your embouchure will require modification, for example, simply because you\u2019ll have to hold your muscles in new ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of feeling frustrated by the inevitable differences, why not treat them as an opportunity for growth? By changing your practice routine, you\u2019ll have the chance to notice any previous errors you may have had with your techniques. By calling attention to them, you\u2019ll be better able to reduce mistakes and perfect your craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are worried that your braces will interfere too much with your music-making, then ask your orthodontist about alternatives. Depending on your circumstances, you might do better with a removable option, like Invisalign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, it\u2019s entirely possible to play your musical instrument with braces on so that you never have to feel like you\u2019re missing out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. David W. Cordes has more than 20 years of experience straightening smiles for patients at all stages of dental development. He graduated from The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and specializes in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He stays on top of current innovations and uses advanced technology, like digital imaging, to enhance patient comfort and treatment efficiency. If you\u2019d like to schedule an appointment at our Enfield orthodontic office, you\u2019re welcome to request one on the website<\/a> or by calling (860) 749- 1909.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Though you know they\u2019re necessary to straighten your smile, having braces can impact your life in unexpected ways. You\u2019ll have new dietary restrictions to be aware of and will have to discover how to brush your teeth around the wires and brackets, for example. For those who play musical instruments that involve their mouths, however, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nToothy Tunes: 3 Tips to Playing Your Instrument with Braces | Dr. David W. 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