Playing a band instrument with braces: what to expect

A child can keep playing a wind instrument with braces. Expect a few sore days after the braces go on and after each adjustment, and then a spell of getting used to the feel. Brass players notice it most. The British Orthodontic Society says that with practice, most wind players adjust.

This page is general information from orthodontic bodies. Your child’s orthodontist is the person to ask about your child’s mouth.

The short answer

• Braces seldom end a child’s playing. The British Orthodontic Society says most wind players can adjust to braces with practice.
• Beginners notice less. The society says a new player can expect little change. A skilled player may notice more.
• Brass is affected more than reeds. The mouthpiece of a brass instrument presses the lips against the braces.
• Teeth are sore for three to five days after braces are fitted and after each adjustment.
• Most players get used to fixed braces within a few months. More practice makes it quicker.

Which instruments are affected

Instrument	What the British Orthodontic Society says
Clarinet and saxophone	A player may adjust fast
Trumpet	High notes can be hard, most of all soon after the braces go on. The inside of the lips can get sore.
Trombone and tuba	The mouthpiece is larger and causes fewer problems. High notes on the trombone can still be hard at first.
Flute	With a removable brace, the orthodontist may advise taking it out to play
Strings, piano, and percussion	These are not played with the mouth, so nothing changes

What helps in the first weeks

Wax or a lip protector. Soft wax or a plastic cover over the brackets protects the lips. Ask the orthodontist which product suits your child. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests keeping wax on hand, most of all after an adjustment.

Short sessions. The British Orthodontic Society suggests practice of no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time, with breaks.

Water. Wind players can get a dry mouth. Drink water in the breaks. The society says to skip fruit drinks, fizzy drinks, and sugary drinks, which can harm teeth.

Low and long notes. In its advice to orthodontists, the society says low notes and long notes often need less pressure. Start each practice there.

A bigger mouthpiece for brass. A larger mouthpiece spreads the load on the lips. Ask the music teacher whether one would help.

Keep playing. The more a child plays, the sooner the mouth adjusts.

Plan the timing

• Tell the orthodontist which instrument your child plays and how long they practice each day. Do this before treatment starts.
• Check the music calendar. The society advises against fitting braces just before an exam, an audition, or a concert. Ask the music teacher for the dates.
• Ask about a trial. If playing matters a great deal to your child, the orthodontist may be able to fit part of the brace first, to see how your child copes.
• Book adjustments with care. The American Association of Orthodontists says adjustments come every 4 to 12 weeks. Keep them away from big performances.

Removable braces

A removable brace can often come out for playing. Ask the orthodontist first, and say how long your child practices. Long spells without the brace may affect the treatment. Keep the brace in its box while it is out.

If teeth are taken out

The British Orthodontic Society says it may be a good idea to stop playing for about two weeks after teeth are removed, until the mouth heals. Ask the dentist.

When the braces come off

Playing feels strange again for a short time. The society says the new tooth positions should not affect a player’s ability. Your child will wear retainers as the orthodontist directs.

Choosing an instrument when braces are coming

Braces alone need not rule out an instrument a child loves. Most players adjust.

If your child is torn between two instruments, it is fair to know that brass players are affected more than reed players, and that strings and percussion are not affected at all. Read how to choose a band instrument and flute vs clarinet.

What to tell your child

• “The sore days pass.”
• “Your sound will come back. Low notes first.”
• “Other players in the band have been through this.”
• “Tell me or your teacher if something rubs, and we will fix it.”

Questions to ask the orthodontist

• My child plays the trumpet. What will change?
• Which wax or lip cover do you suggest for playing?
• Can we avoid fitting or adjusting the braces before these dates?
• Could part of the brace go on first as a trial?
• Can a removable brace come out for practice and for concerts?
• How long is the treatment likely to last?

Sources

Checked in November 2026.

• British Orthodontic Society. Advice for musicians.
• British Orthodontic Society. Advice for orthodontists providing treatment for wind instrumentalists.
• British Orthodontic Society. FAQs for schools.
• British Orthodontic Society. Removable appliances.
• British Orthodontic Society. Orthodontic treatment: patient information leaflet.
• American Association of Orthodontists. How do braces work?
• American Association of Orthodontists. Oral hygiene tips during orthodontic treatment.