Professional dental care for musicians
Many musicians, but also dentists and orthodontists, do not realise that misaligned teeth or new dentures can impair the playing of wind instruments. Of course, fixed orthodontic appliances ("brackets") can also be a disruptive factor for wind instrumentalists. This connection is based on the fact that the teeth are in contact with the mouthpiece either directly or indirectly via the lips. The so-called "embouchure" depends on the type of wind instrument (see illustration).
Scientific studies have shown that the forces exerted on the incisors by the embouchure can change the position of the teeth over the years. Conversely, however, even small misalignments of the incisors can lead to localised overloading in the lip area when playing, which can even lead to damage to the nerves controlling the lip muscles if the problem persists for a long time. This results in so-called embouchure disorders with corresponding restrictions in playing. The consequences can be considerable, especially for professional musicians, as in extreme cases this can even result in occupational disability.
We have been dealing with the topic of "wind instrument playing and dentistry" both clinically and scientifically for over 20 years. In the case of dental problems of wind instrumentalists - especially in connection with malpositioned teeth - we are also the national contact for the Freiburg Institute for Musicians' Medicine (FIM), for example. You can consult us in a special consultation hour if you have such problems.