Braces can bring on a variety of challenges, especially if you’re undergoing treatment while you’re in high school! However, these hurdles are also great learning opportunities and ways for you to prove your adaptability. If you’re in band and play a wind instrument, you’ll likely find it more difficult to play with your new orthodontic appliance in your mouth. Read on to learn some helpful tips so you can reclaim your first chair position!
Keep Dental Wax on You at All Times
Your new best friend is going to be dental wax. Typically, dental wax is made from all-natural ingredients like beeswax or paraffin, so it’s completely safe to use regularly. Some brands even offer different flavors! You can press the dental wax against your brackets to mold it to them, helping keep the brackets from directly grazing the inside of your lips and cheeks. This will make it much more comfortable to play your instrument.
Practice Can Help You Adjust
Even though you’ve likely invested countless hours of practice into your art already, playing with your new braces can be a different struggle. Practice extra at home and in any free periods to get used to the way it feels playing your instrument with your brackets and wires in your mouth. This will help you tweak your playing style so it’s more comfortable for you throughout your treatment.
Take Plenty of Breaks During Rehearsals
Between practicing for more hours and the discomfort of your instrument pressing against your braces, taking breaks is more crucial than ever. Practicing too hard can lead to pain and frustration, so be sure to take a day or two off to help soothe any soreness you feel.
Avoid Pressing Your Instrument to Your Face
Whether you’re a brass or woodwind player, pressing your mouthpiece into your face will only make your discomfort even greater. Instead, try gently resting it onto your mouth. You’ll find that your lips and tone will be better for doing it!
Be Patient. It Will Get Better!
Sometimes, change can be hard to adjust to. Although you may feel frustrated that you just found your stride in band and now have to deal with the hurdles of undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to stay positive. Countless musicians have learned to play with braces, and many have taught themselves helpful tricks that they carry with them today from switching up their techniques!
About the Author
Although Dr. Rafiq Hirji has ample experience helping guide his patients through adjusting to their new orthodontic appliance. He has extensive training in addressing bite misalignment, crowding, and crooked teeth with traditional metal braces as well as Invisalign aligners and is happy to offer them both in his practice. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.