Whether your child plays a musical instrument in their school band or takes lessons at home, you naturally want to develop their talent as a parent. After all, it can go a long way in building their confidence, instilling the importance of practice, and creating a community for them to thrive in. But what if they need orthodontic treatment? Does that mean the end of their days playing a wind instrument? Keep reading to learn if your child can play musical instruments with braces!
Braces & Musical Instruments: How One Affects the Other
Of course, guitars, drums, and the like won’t be an issue with braces. But what about wind instruments? Good news: the start of orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean the end of your child’s music career. While there will naturally be a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, it won’t take long for them to barely notice the metal brackets and wires.
3 Tips for Adjusting to Playing an Instrument with Braces
If your child plays the flute, the clarinet, trombone, or another wind instrument, then here are a few tips to help them adjust to playing with braces:
- Use dental wax – The sharp edges of the brackets and wires can quickly irritate the inside of your child’s mouth, especially if their instrument is placing additional pressure on the area. Fortunately, dental wax can help protect their gums, lips, and tongue, making it significantly more comfortable to play.
- Practice, practice, practice – As previously mentioned, an adjustment period is completely natural. The good news is that your child can speed up that process by putting in an extra hour or two of practice in the meantime! Before they know it, they’ll be back to their normal proficiency.
- Be patient – Patience is key, especially during the first few days. Do your best to be encouraging and positive, helping your child in any moments of frustration.
Don’t Forget About Alternatives, Like Invisalign
Nowadays, traditional braces aren’t the only teeth-straightening solution available. In fact, there are a wide range of options for children and adults alike! One of the most popular is Invisalign, which uses a series of custom-made trays to gently guide teeth into their properly aligned positions. A big perk, the aligners are also entirely removable. While meeting the 20-hour-a-day wear time is important, this treatment option might be a better fit for this reason. Ultimately, that will be a decision you, your child, and their orthodontist will make. So, if you haven’t yet, don’t hesitate to ask about your options.
About the Author
Leading our team is a talented, experienced, and compassionate orthodontist, Dr. Leila Nezakatgoo. Her journey to Super Braces of Lawrence began at the University of Houston and the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Throughout her 15+ year career, she’s remained committed to continuing education with the American Academy of Orthodontists, SPEAR Education, and other professional organizations. If you have a question about children’s orthodontics or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (978) 794-0000.