Clear Aligners and Braces for Musicians, Singers and Athletes

Orthodontics for people who use their mouth actively

Orthodontic treatment can for a while affect any activity in which the lips, tongue and teeth work together. Wind instrument players, singers, actors and athletes wonder which treatment method will fit more easily into their daily life. The answer to clear aligners or braces? always depends on the situation in the mouth; your orthodontist first assesses which method suits your teeth's problem, and then you discuss the plan together with your lifestyle in mind.

Wind instrument players

With clear aligners

In instruments such as the flute, clarinet, saxophone and trumpet, the lip position (embouchure) is important. Clear aligners add a thin layer over the teeth; in the first days the feel of the lips and blowing may seem a little different. Most musicians adapt within a few days to a few weeks. Some musicians prefer to take the aligner out while playing; this is possible, but the time out is deducted from the daily wear time. So it helps to share your rehearsal and concert schedule with your orthodontist.

With fixed braces

Brackets can press against the inside of the lip, especially with brass instruments. Lip irritation and tenderness may occur in the first weeks. Orthodontic wax can help reduce irritation by covering the brackets. For information on the first period with fixed braces, see our page on the first weeks after getting braces.

Singers and professional speakers

In the first days, clear aligners can cause a slight lisp on sounds such as "s", "sh" and "z". The tongue usually gets used to the aligner quickly. Reading aloud, singing and speaking practice can speed up this process. Attachments (small bumps bonded to the teeth) can change the feel of the lips and tongue somewhat. For details, see our article do clear aligners affect speech?

• If you want to start treatment or move to a new set of aligners before an important performance, the timing can be discussed with your orthodontist.
• Whether the aligner is taken out during a performance, and for how long, should be assessed together with your orthodontist.
• Long periods of singing and speaking can cause a dry mouth; drinking only water while the aligner is in is usually recommended.

For planning around an important date, our page on planning before an important date may give you an idea.

Athletes

Contact sports and mouthguards

In football, basketball, boxing, martial arts, hockey and similar contact sports, there is a risk of a blow to the mouth. For people with fixed braces, a blow can cause lip and cheek injuries or damage the brackets. A clear aligner does not replace a mouthguard. It is recommended that you discuss with your orthodontist which type of mouthguard to use and how it will fit with your treatment. Because the teeth move during treatment, the fit of the mouthguard may also change.

During training and competition

• If you will drink anything other than water during training, you may need to take the aligner out and rinse your mouth afterwards; sugary and acidic sports drinks can stay in contact with the teeth under the aligner for a long time.
• Always put aligners you take out into their storage case; aligners wrapped in a towel or napkin are easily lost.
• If a tooth is loose, chipped or bleeding after a blow, contact the clinic; for serious injuries call 112. See orthodontic emergencies.

Wear time discipline

Clear aligner treatment progressing as planned depends to a large extent on the aligners being worn for the time your orthodontist recommends. If you need to take the aligner out for rehearsals, concerts, training and matches, these periods add up over the day. A few practical suggestions:

1. Note in your daily schedule the times when you take the aligner out.
2. On long rehearsal or match days, plan to wear the aligner more consistently at other times.
3. Use phone reminders or a daily care card.
4. If wear has slipped and the aligner does not fit, let your orthodontist know.

For more information on daily wear time, see our article how many hours a day should clear aligners be worn.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play a wind instrument with my aligner in?

Many musicians adapt to playing with the aligner in; a difference may be felt in the first days. If you prefer to take the aligner out, plan this time around your daily wear time and discuss it with your orthodontist.

Does a clear aligner replace a mouthguard?

No. A clear aligner is not designed to protect against blows. If you play a contact sport, discuss a suitable mouthguard with your orthodontist.

When will my speech return to normal?

For most people a slight lisp fades within a few days. This varies from person to person; reading-aloud practice can help.

Which is more suitable, fixed braces or clear aligners?

This decision is made first according to the condition of your teeth and then according to your lifestyle. At the examination, your orthodontist assesses how suitable each option is for you.

For questions, you can call 0312 911 60 36 or use the form on the contact page.

This page is for general information only; diagnosis and the treatment plan are determined by an examination and your orthodontist's assessment.