Can I wear braces and still play a musical instrument?

If you’ve recently started your orthodontic journey and love playing a musical instrument, you might be wondering: Will my braces get in the way? The good news is, while there might be a short adjustment period, most musicians quickly adapt and keep hitting the right notes without any problems.

At L&L Orthodontics, we believe nothing should get in the way of your passion for music. Whether you're a brass player, a woodwind enthusiast, or a string performer, here’s what you need to know to help keep playing confidently with braces.

Dr Sarah Lawrence, Specialist Orthodontist at L&L Orthodontics shares “We see so many teenagers where music is a big part of their school and personal life and this can be an initial concern as they don’t want to give up what they love during treatment. The good news is that you don’t have to!”

Will Braces Affect My Playing?

The answer? Maybe a little at first, but it won’t last long. The impact of braces depends on the type of instrument you play and like with all new things, you learn to adapt:

• Brass instruments (like the trumpet, trombone, or tuba): You’ll feel the biggest adjustment here, as these instruments involve direct lip pressure against a mouthpiece. But don’t worry your embouchure (a fancy word for mouth position) will adapt with a little practice. Orthodontic wax can also help cushion brackets and ease any irritation. These are available at the L&L Orthodontic store.
• Woodwind instruments (like the clarinet, flute, or saxophone): Woodwind players may notice mild pressure or discomfort in the beginning, but most find the transition fairly smooth.
• String instruments (like the violin or viola): You're in luck! braces won’t interfere with your playing technique. You might feel a little facial tension at first, but this usually fades quickly.
• Piano, Drums & Percussion: We are happy to tell you that of course braces should not affect your instrument playing

5 Top Tips for Playing Musical Instruments with Braces

Here’s how to help stay comfortable and confident while you play:

• Use Orthodontic Wax Protect your lips and cheeks from irritation by applying wax to any brackets causing discomfort, especially helpful for brass players.
• Adjust Your Mouth Position Give yourself time to find a new mouth position that feels comfortable. Practice will help retrain your muscles and improve endurance.
• Take Breaks When Needed Your mouth may feel a little sore after getting braces or following adjustments. Take regular breaks and ease back into longer sessions gradually.
• Stay Hydrated Dryness can increase discomfort, so drink plenty of water, especially during long rehearsals or performances.
• Talk to Your Orthodontist Our Specialist Orthodontists and clinical team are here to help. If you’re experiencing continued discomfort while playing then please reach out. We recommend via the Dental Monitoring app if you are a patient.

In Summary, it is possible!

Braces shouldn’t hold you back from doing what you love. At L&L Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you feel confident both on stage and in your smile. With the right support and a little patience, you’ll be back in tune in no time.

Need personalised advice? Book a consultation today, we’re here to help you stay on track with your treatment and your music!