As important as braces are for correcting misaligned bites and crooked teeth, they can make playing musical instruments somewhat challenging. You’ll undergo an adjustment period if you are a musician who recently got braces and plays wind or brass instruments, such as the saxophone, flute, or trumpet. The following tips can help. 

What to Do When You Wear Braces and Play a Musical Instrument 

1. Give Yourself Time

Becoming accustomed to playing an instrument with metal brackets and wires in your mouth naturally takes time. Be patient as you adjust to blowing on a flute with the “extra bulk” or pressing your lips against a trombone or trumpet mouthpiece. Space practice sessions out and try to add more time as you go, such as practicing up to 15 minutes at a time the first week and up to 20 minutes the second week. 

If you are a brass player experiencing discomfort on the inside of your mouth created by the pressure from pressing your lips to the mouthpiece, you can see if a larger mouthpiece helps. It evens out mouthpiece-lip pressure to alleviate soreness. 

2. Apply Dental Wax

Playing a brass or woodwind instrument can cause metal brackets and wires to rub against sensitive mouth tissue, causing painful sores. Dental wax applied over wires and brackets creates a protective barrier that reduces if not alleviates soreness issues. The product is water-resistant and flexible and can be kept with your musical instrument supplies to apply as necessary.

If you still experience discomfort issues, you can talk to your dentist about a custom mouthguard or related pad. You might need a thicker barrier to enjoy pain-free playing sessions. 

3. Clean the Instrument More Often 

Getting used to braces typically includes increased saliva production since they are foreign objects in your mouth. Additional saliva results in excessive condensation within brass and woodwind instruments, so clean them at least twice as often as you usually do. Frequent cleaning prevents moisture from building up in the instruments and producing gurgling sounds when you play. 

Routine cleaning is also helpful if you use more breath to produce different sounds, a common tactic among players with orthodontics. Using more breath takes the pressure off your lips and mouth but produces more condensation that requires diligent instrument cleaning. 

For superior orthodontics services, rely on Overby Orthodontics in Rochester, MN. They also have additional locations in Austin and Stewartville, and they offer clear and traditional braces. Visit the website for details on wearing braces, or call (507) 281-3466 to schedule a consultation.