north bay trumpet
studio
Solutions for Kids (and
Adults) with braces
One common difficulty among
young (and sometimes older) trumpet (and brass) players is the
need for corrective orthodonture that requires wearing braces
I think two unique factors make me
unique in my ability to help trumpet (or any brass) player who
wears braces:
- First, I had braces myself (twice)
during my history as a trumpet player (in 5th grade and
again in 7th and 8th grade).
- Second, I have had a HUGE number of
students (over the past 28 years I have been teaching)
who have had braces and continued to play during that
time.
Can I continue to play trumpet
while I have braces?
- Yes, in my experience nearly all
players have been able to continue to play while they
have braces on their teeth.
- Personally, I continued to play in
band class, concerts, lessons and practice a reasonable
amount during that time with a minimum of difficulty.
What are my options as far as
orthodontics?
- This would be limited to the
particular orthodontist you have.
- But, several different types of braces
are available ("nobbies", "train
tracks", invisiline, etc).
- A consultation and perhaps some
searching may lead you to some alternate solutions that
may not be initially apparent.
What can I do about the
discomfort that comes with having braces and playing trumpet (or
any brass instrument)?
- First, Use less pressure on your
embouchure.
- This is not a simple or immediate
solution, but working closely with your teacher in this
direction is a key factor.
- Second, the use of brace protectors, Morgan
Bumpers, dental wax, or
cigarette papers (folded into 1/4 sheet and moistened
with saliva) each have their benfits and drawbacks.
- Ice packs or a bag of frozen peas and
an asprin can help.
- Alternating hot and cold packs
wouldn't hurt either.
What should I do if I get a cut
on the underside of my lip?
- First, stop playing!
- By continuing, you will only make
things worse.
- There are some anti-biotic creams and
mouthwashes that can facilitate healing of injuries
inside the mouth.
- Personally, I would try simple
solutions: mild salt water rinses, hydrogen peroxide (be
sure to spit both out after swishing).
- Chops TIC
(topical injury cream) is helpful for EXTERNAL swelling
(do NOT use it inside your mouth).
What about mouthpiece changes?
- Generally, this is not necessary.
- However, too narrow a mouthpiece
certainly won't help.
- Some students seems to fine a bit of
relief in using a mouthpiece with a slightly wider rim
diameter than they played on prior to the time when they
had braces.
- Greg Black actually produces a mouthpiece
(with a slightly wider, more cushioned rim) designed for
students who specifically have braces.
- Although it is a bit expensive, when
weighed against the discomfort factor, the cost seems
worth it.
Should I stop playing trumpet?
- Only you can answer this question for
yourself.
- I would encourage anyone in this
situation to give it some time, while continuing to apply
some of the solutions suggested here, before making a
decision.
- Some band directors suggest
temporarily switching to a low brass instrument
(baritone, etc.).
- I suppose this is one possibility.
- But, I always question whether the
band director has the student's best-interest in mind or
whether they are simply trying to fill out the brass
section of their band.
- Be sure the decision is yours.
What about getting my braces
off?
- I would like to encourage anyone who
has recently had their braces off to work closely with a
private teacher.
- The transition back to smooth teeth
actually seems to be more difficult than the other
direction.
- I would suggest making the transition
slowly.
- It is not a good idea to try to pick
up exactly where you left off.
- I would suggest starting with simple,
undemanding material and perhaps practicing with the
mouthpiece.
- In my own case, I tried to make the
transition without assistance.
- I was too impatient to go slowly and
wound up with an embouchure issue that was an impediment
for the following 5-6 years (until I sought some porper
guidance to correct the issue).
- At any rate, this can be avoided by
having someone who is qualified in this area (a brass or
trumpet specialist with some experience in this area)
guide your rehabilitation.