How to Play Trumpet With a Dental Bridge
While many forms of reconstructive dental work can have drastic effects on a brass player's ability to continue playing, simple bridgework is one of the least likely procedures to interfere with trumpet playing. Nonetheless, there are certain precautions and measures that can help you get through the operation, recovery and adjustment times without letting your music take a hit.
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Instructions
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Perform embouchure exercises during the prep and recovery stages of surgery. Help keep your playing muscles in shape during their few day's hiatus by stretching your mouth muscles and doing strength exercises like firming your mouth corners (as you would when playing) or puckering and holding these positions in place for a few minutes.
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Pay close attention to your mouth while the anesthetic is wearing off. Some of the worst damage you can do to your trumpet-playing muscles after dental surgery can result from accidentally biting yourself in the cheek or lips while you're still numb. Eat soft foods and be careful every time you close your teeth while you wait for the anesthetic to wear off.
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Check the position of your mouthpiece with the new crown. Once you've healed and regained feeling, test the new dental work by buzzing with just your mouthpiece. Check to see if anything feels out of place or if any portions of the new work are rubbing against your mouth or interfering with the movements of your tongue.
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Use a cover-up if the crown rubs while you're playing. If parts of the bridgework are rubbing against your mouth uncomfortably, use dental braces wax or silicone ear-plug putty to cover the hard area. This will allow you to play for longer periods of time while you wait for your mouth to adjust and form new calluses. If the situation doesn't improve in a week or so, go back to your dentist to talk about repairing any protruding sections of rebuilt hardware.
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