Wind Instrument Players

The Midlands Orthodontic Specialists in Birmingham

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Playing a wind or brass instrument
uses a combination of lip and facial
muscles, tongue and teeth, a
technique known as embouchure.

Different instruments need a different mix of these elements to make them function at their best and unfortunately orthodontic treatments can make forming the correct embouchure difficult.

We’ve treated a lot of wind and brass instrument players. The majority are children, although we do treat professional adult musicians too. For younger players who are in the learning process and developing their skills, we typically look to time treatment in relation to instrument grading, with the young patient completing their current grade before commencing treatment.

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Among the adults we’ve treated are professional symphony orchestra players whose careers depend on being able to continue playing, with no surprises. We proceed carefully, trying aspects of treatment to see if they are viable before ontinuing, and designing treatment plans that don’t cause irreversible changes before there is an opportunity to evaluate the effect on playing.

If you or your child is a wind or brass musician and you’re considering orthodontic treatment, it’s important that you seek treatment from a specialist orthodontist who can find an option that minimises the impact of treatment. A general dental practitioner is unlikely to be experienced in this niche or broad enough in their repertoire of treatment options to be sensitive to your needs. A specialist orthodontist who is experienced in treating musicians and understands embouchure is the safest option.

CASE STUDY
A symphony orchestra trumpet player has lower front teeth crossed over and wants them straightened because she feels it will improve her play. We apply some plastic to the patient’s teeth for a week to see if it makes a difference. The patient reports that it feels fine so we make an aligner and she wears it for a day with no issues. The patient proceeds on to treatment with aligners, on the understanding that if it doesn’t work for her we will stop immediately. By the end of the treatment the patient is first trumpet in the orchestra and her confidence has improved dramatically. Her career is safe and her teeth look beautiful. The risk of causing irreversible changes that weren’t suitable for playing has been averted.

What To Expect

An in depth conversation about you, your instrument
and your schedule before discussing your options.
Together we can work out a timeframe that suits you
and deliver what you are aiming to achieve with your
teeth and your music.

 

Learn about our patient journey

Pros of treatment
for wind instrument
players

  • For children, time treatment around grade exams
    to have a minimal impact upon your musical
    development
  • For professional musicians, avoid the risk of changes
    that harm your career
  • Have potential obstacles to playing, such as air escape,
    fixed sensitively
  • Experience the boost in confidence that straighter teeth
    will give you
 

Pauline's Story

‘I know I can ask him
anything… I always feel very
comfortable coming and I enjoy
my visits.’

 

Elaine's Story

‘I wasn’t going to see anybody other
than Rob…I’d seen enough
orthodontists…the minute I walked in
I liked him.’

 

Sarah's Story

‘He listened to what it was
exactly I wanted. What was best
for me as well.’

 

Eloise's Story

‘It’s definitely helped my confidence.
I don’t mind smiling normally
instead of having to smile awkwardly
with my mouth closed.’

 

Hugo's Story

‘The maximum amount of time was
2 hours and then I could just come here
straight away, so within the day of breaking
my brace I could get it fixed.’

Meet our specialist

Dr Rob Slater

GDC No. 65931

BDS FDSRCS MOrthRCS MSc, Specialist in Orthodontics

  • Pioneering founder and former chairman of the British Lingual Orthodontic Society
  • Worked as an examiner, trainer, noted publisher and international lecturer
  • Began his career as a dental technician, creating orthodontic appliances