The Influence of Wind Musical Instruments on the Orofacial System

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess whether there are differences in the muscular and occlusal levels between wind players and the general population, in addition to assessing the different repercussions depending on the embouchure type. Material and Methods: Two cohorts were chosen: one of them comprised intermediate students related to the practice of a wind instrument (n = 39), and the other one, harmonized with the former, comprised secondary students that served as a control group (n = 19). Overjet, overbite, presence of lip abrasion and/or erosion, Angle’s molar class, Little’s irregularity index, dental abrasion, presence of labial herpes, presence of tooth sensitivity, and presence of articular noises muscle pain were evaluated. Results: Significant statistical differences between the groups were found regarding overjet, overcrowding of teeth, lower lip erosion, and dental abrasion, which was higher in musicians. Lastly, within the group of musicians, it was proven that tooth sensitivity was higher in the group of brass musicians. Conclusions: Wind instrument practice may be a risk factor for developing some orofacial involvement, and there are no differences among the various existing mouthpieces.

Keywords

• malocclusion
• wind instruments
• music practice
• orofacial system