Playing trombone with braces: the complete guide for students
Intro
Many developing trombone players will get braces which can initially be challenging. However, through this guide you will be able to navigate this change in a more resourced, body-informed process. By adapting to play with braces, you may even improve your stamina and range which will benefit you down the line.
Disclaimer
I am not a medical professional and this post will provide a series of options and select exercises for playing trombone. In addition to using my resources below, I recommend also having a conversation with your orthodontist to find what is the best approach for you.
Can you play trombone with braces?
Absolutely! Throughout my teaching career I have personally coached many trombonists (as well as other brass instrumentalists) to adapt to playing with braces and after removal.
What does it feel like to play trombone with braces?
Initially, there may be some sensitivity on the inside of the lips. This typically comes from the metal bracket on the teeth pressing into the inside flesh of the lips. You may also feel that the mouthpiece is further away from you, because there are now braces occupying several millimeters of space.
If you are accustomed to playing with any amount of pressure (eg. excessively pressing the instrument into your lips), you may feel additional sensitivity, particularly on notes near the top of your range. Trombonists do need to apply somepressure to create a seal with the mouthpiece and the embouchure, so you may feel a new sensation with the metal brackets affixed to your teeth.
Why your range may temporarily disappear
Many developing trombonists will apply pressure to achieve playing in higher partials by pressing the mouthpiece into the lips. This act creates a smaller aperture for the air to travel, creating faster, more focused air and often resulting with a higher pitch.
While this habit may provide temporary success in a higher range, it can be physically taxing and lead to swelling, fatigue, and sometimes pain. With braces, this pain or fatigue can be more immediately felt, as the metal brackets can feel sharper pressed against the lips compared to the smooth surface of the teeth. Thus, if you have historically relied on pressing, you may experience challenges playing in your upper range when pressing is no longer a viable option.
Why your tone may change
As stated before, in order to produce sound on trombone we must create a seal between the mouthpiece and the lips. With new hardware on your teeth, this seal may feel different. Any effect to the seal of the lips, air speed, air direction/flow may temporarily alter the quality of your tone.
How to practice during the first few weeks with braces
Below are 3 effective strategies to help you better acclimate to playing trombone with braces:
Listen to your body: If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or fatigue, stop and rest. Before trying to understand why you may feel these things, notice how it feels and honor your body’s need to take a pause.
Focus on fundamentals: Before you test the limits of your playing with range and speed, return to the basics of your instrument. Play long tones in a comfortable register. Practice slurs at a slow speed in a smaller range. Work on glissando exercises to help focus on tone and air support. These are all building blocks of trombone playing, and focusing on these will also better introduce you to any new physical sensation in a more embodied way.
Build stamina gradually: Again, if you have relied on playing with excessive pressure, take breaks during your practice session. Be consistent with your practice, and gradually add in longer practice durations as you adapt.
What to do after getting braces tightened
If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity while playing trombone, remember to pause or stop playing. After tightening braces, people tend to report a general soreness for a couple days. This soreness is typically not correlated to the feeling of the braces touching the lips while playing trombone, so be mindful of your practice and consult with an orthodontist.
Should you use orthodontic wax?
Orthodontic wax can be of benefit to those who feel sensitivity while playing with braces. This wax helps smooth out the surface of the teeth and allows for the mouthpiece to feel less “pokey” on the lips. Wax can be sticky, so ensure after use it is fully cleaned off the teeth and used only once.
Can I play trombone with invisalign?
Yes, invisalign can provide an alternative to braces and is safe to use while playing trombone, but as always, consult with your orthodontist.
While there may be less lip sensitivity that braces can cause, you may still experience a temporary loss of your typical range and tone. Wearing invisalign slightly changes the formation of the embouchure, so there will be an acclimation period. Please refer to the above exercises on how to practice with braces as a general guideline.
What happens when the braces come off?
First, it is time to celebrate! Braces can be a years-long experience for many folks.
Initially, your embouchure may feel “slippery” with the smooth surface of the teeth touching the lips while playing. This slipperiness may cause instability in tone and airflow. Secondly, you may feel like there is more space between your teeth and your lips because this region was previously occupied by metal brackets.
How to play trombone after your braces are removed
Just like when you first had braces installed, it is best to start slowly and return to your fundamentals. Ask yourself: how does it feel to play without braces? What is easy to play? What is more difficult to play?
Some students report an increased range after removal of braces. While wearing braces, pressing may not be an option, so many learn how to play high notes with proper form and airflow.
Braces, after initial adjustment and adaptation, can end up being helpful to your development with the right perspective and training.