How to Play a Trombone With Braces

Braces can make the process of playing a wind instrument difficult for a young student. This is particularly troublesome if the instrument in question is in the brass family, since brass playing involves pressing the lips between the mouthpiece and teeth. This can cause both trouble with playing and, in some cases, painful injury. For brass instruments with larger mouthpieces, such as the trombone, solutions can still be found for playing with braces with minimal difficulty.

Instructions

1. Select a product to cover your braces while playing. Some of the most common things to use are dental wax (ask your orthodontist) and special products specifically designed for this purpose, which you can find at a music instrument retail store. Another great product to use is silicone earwax putty. This is available in drugstores and pharmacy sections of grocery stores.

2. Remove any orthodontic accessories that are removable, such as retainers, rubber bands, or headgear. Though some students may think it's okay to play with rubber bands on, these in particular will keep you from developing your tone and embouchure correctly.

3. Apply an even coat of wax/putty to the front of your braces, both top and bottom. Any metal that touches your lips while playing should be covered. If necessary, pat your braces dry with a lint-free paper towel so that the wax or putty can stick a little better. Practice and play normally.

4. Expect a change in your playing once your braces are removed. Using a covering will minimize this transition, but at least you can expect to lose a few notes off your high range and for the feeling of playing to be different. Be patient with yourself and know that your abilities will return in time. In fact, your new, straightened teeth will mean better embouchure and endurance than before you got your braces.