As a singer, your oral health is of the utmost importance. Your vocal cords aren't the only tools in your repertoire. Teeth too can affect how you sing—for example, narrow arches with overcrowded teeth make it difficult to sing comfortably. Jutting teeth rub against your cheeks, and an overbite can cause your upper and lower teeth to collide as you sing.
However, despite all the good that can come from wearing braces, it is natural that you might be apprehensive about their effect on your appearance. Your appearance is just as important as your singing. Furthermore, you might also be worried about how wearing braces will affect your singing.
There will always be an adjustment period, and each type of brace has its pros and cons when it comes to speaking and singing.
Each type of brace is unique in its characteristics so before you make a decision, it helps to know the ins and outs of each one.
Traditional Braces
These are your cheapest option. They are also the most noticeable, so if you would rather not have your braces on display as you sing, then one of the following options may be more suitable.
Typically, treatment with traditional braces lasts from 6 to 12 months. Your dentist may also decide to attach rubber bands to your upper and lower braces to correct your bite. In this case, singing will be very difficult.
Traditional braces also tend to cause your mouth to produce more saliva, and this can be a good thing for singers.
Lingual Braces
These braces sit on the backs of your teeth and so are invisible to your audience. However, because of their position, lingual braces can come into contact with your tongue and cause irritation whilst impairing your speech, especially when worn on your lower teeth.
They are also more difficult to clean and not appropriate for severe cases of overcrowding.
Ceramic Braces
If discretion and comfort are your goal, ceramic braces are a good option for you. Much like traditional metal braces, they sit on the front of your teeth; however, the brackets are clear and therefore almost invisible to an audience.
Ceramic braces are not quite as effective as traditional braces, however. They are also more expensive and prone to staining if not cared for diligently.
Invisalign Aligners
This option is possibly the most ideal for singers, as not only are these aligners invisible, but they can also be removed for performances provided you keep them on for 22 hours a day.
Despite the obvious benefits of discreetness and removability, they are the most expensive option as well as the longest term, with a typical case taking approximately 12 months.
Lingual Combined with Ceramic Braces
It is possible to combine treatments to meet your specific requirements. For instance, if your upper teeth require only minimal adjustment, lingual braces would be a good option as they are invisible and useful for minor cases.
On your lower teeth, lingual braces are not advisable as your tongue will frequently come into contact with them as you sing. Therefore, ceramic braces would be ideal as they are invisible and less of an obstruction than lingual braces.
Whatever you decide on, you can rest assured that your treatment will have a beneficial effect on your singing. Talk to a dentist or orthodontist for more information.
