You’ve always wanted your child to branch out and try something new, and it’s finally happening. Whether it’s a new sport or learning a musical instrument, you couldn’t be happier for your kid. However, you have some concerns. Your son or daughter is getting braces soon, and you’re worried that it will affect their new hobby. How do traditional braces affect your child’s ability to play sports or musical instruments? Continue reading to find out.
Playing Sports with Braces
No matter what sport your son or daughter plays, braces should not interfere. When traditional braces are placed by a trained dentist, they should not hinder a child’s ability to breathe or cause excessive discomfort that distracts them from their ability to excel on the field.
In fact, many professional athletes had braces when they were younger to get their smiles ready to be on magazine covers. One of the most famous athletes in the world, soccer player Cristiano Rinaldo, had braces. He was obviously able to play pretty well during his orthodontic treatment!
One thing that your child’s dentist recommends is wearing a mouthguard during athletic activity, even just during solo practice sessions. A special mouthguard designed to fit around braces will protect the lips, tongue, teeth, gums, and braces from injury due to impact. Additionally, they have been shown to drastically reduce the risk of concussion.
Playing a Musical Instrument with Braces
If your child plays a woodwind or brass instrument, you might be worried about whether they’ll have to give up on their musical dreams in favor or pursuing orthodontic treatment. Will your child have to make the switch to playing the drums, or joining the choir? Not at all!
When it comes to woodwind instruments like the flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon, most patients report that getting braces does not change the way they play or cause any discomfort. With brass instruments like the trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba, however, it’s a whole different matter. Some patients may experience a mild irritation on the inside of the lips when playing, but most of the time, they get used to it after a brief adjustment period.
Final Word
Traditional braces are designed to fit into patients’ lives as seamlessly as possible. So, if your child plays a sport or music instrument, it should not affect them very much at all. Your dentist doesn’t want your child to have to give anything up in exchange for a beautifully straight smile.
About the Author
Dr. Dalia Georgy pursued her doctorate in dentistry at the University of Oklahoma, and has undergone extensive continuing education training in traditional braces. She has been serving the community of Glenpool, OK for the past seven years and counting, and looks forward to many, many more. If you think your child might need braces, or if you have more concerns about braces and instruments or sports, click here to contact Dr. Georgy’s office.