How to Play a Brass Instrument While Wearing Braces

When children begin to play brass instruments, fourth or fifth grade is the standard year for introducing this musical skill. Many children with orthodontic needs require braces by fifth, sixth, or seventh grade, so the two issues--playing a brass instrument and braces--collide.The embouchure (mouth position) required to play a brass instrument can cause serious pain when playing a brass instrument while wearing braces. The lips dig into the metal brackets and wires from the braces, causing small tears and significant sores. For many young brass players, this experience causes the child to give up and stop playing the instrument.However, your child does not have to forgo playing a brass instrument if he or she wears braces. There are techniques that can be used to balance the braces and the embouchure.

Things You'll Need

• Orthodontic wax
• Blistex ointment
• Ice packs

Instructions

How to Play a Brass Instument While Wearing Braces

1. Drink plenty of water before playing. Dehydration can make it very painful and difficult to play a brass instrument properly while wearing braces.

2. Cover the metal brackets and wires of the braces with orthodontic wax. Apply the wax liberally, and cover all sharp corners and wires.

3. Practice scales for 5 minutes and let the mouth become adjusted to the new feeling. The lips will need to find a new position when playing with orthodontic wax covering the braces.

4. Practice no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

5. Apply Blistex ointment on the lips between practice sessions and drink a small glass of water. Wait 5 minutes for the Blistex ointment to soak in before resuming play. You do not want to play with fresh Blistex on the lips, as it can make your lips slide across the mouthpiece.

6. Hold ice packs over the lips after practice sessions, to reduce swelling.

Tips & Warnings

• Always take a day off from playing each week. The lips need to heal.

• If a significant mouth sore forms, seek medical attention.