Braces and playing the trumpet

[HugsForEeyore]

Wow, I am furious reading this thread - what conceit and arrogance of that band director to think playing an instrument is more important than braces. Braces are absolutely necessary nowadays - all kids need straight teeth and a great smile to market yourself in today's world. Every kid needs braces and straight teeth to look good, to have better dental health, and to eventually be able to walk into job interviews with that winning smile and get the job. Braces are an investment in your child's future employability.

Yeah, can you tell I was the kid who needed braces and never got them? It absolutely affected how people perceived me, and directly affected my employability - I never made a good first impression, and couldn't land a good job. After braces (that I went into debt to pay for as an adult), I aced every interview. Yeah - no doubt in my mind that straight teeth matter!!!

If it were me, I would dump the instrument in a second if the choice was a lifetime of nice-looking teeth and all the benefits that come with it, or playing an instrument that most likely will never be touched after senior year of high school. But fortunately, kids have been playing instruments with braces for decades, and they adapt and survive!

 

[judykay53]

Thanks for all the responses. I know he has wax and I don't know if he tried that in the beginning. I need to clarify the mouth guard thing. He cuts those down to where he only uses a partial to cover his front braces. The Assistant Director was the one that made the comment. Since my grandson was put in concert band, as opposed to symphonic, he is the director. The Director is a trumpet player himself. I don't know if he has made suggestions. He plays in the band because he enjoys it. He'd rather do that than play sports. He had played soccer since the first grade but quit the school team this year because band comes first. I hope he continues in college.

Now, it is good too know that it shouldn't affect our 8th grade baritone player as much. We've delayed his braces until after the concert assessment. He is a region first band, first chair and is in the symphonic band and they have only two baritone players. I don't know if he has told them that he is getting braces too.

Thanks again. I knew you guys could help.