Dentofacial morphology in children playing musical wind instruments: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Playing wind instruments requires increased ventilation and increased orofacial muscle activity. The aim of the present investigation was to study the longitudinal effects on the dentofacial morphology of increased ventilation and orofacial muscle activity associated with playing wind instruments. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts obtained from wind instrument players at the ages of 6, 9, 12, and 15 years were studied and compared to control groups. In addition information was obtained as to how many hours per day they practised their instruments. Significant differences between the musicians and controls were found. The musicians had a decreased anterior facial height and wider dental arches. The findings are interpreted as being due to increased orofacial muscle activity and increased intra-oral pressure resulting from wind instrument playing.

Specific Orofacial Problems Experienced by Musicians

“…3,7,8 Studies conducted on children younger than 15 years who play wind instruments report an increased overjet for reed players and a retroinclination of mandibular incisors in brass players as mentioned earlier. 5,11 Children Table 1…”

“…2 Serious wind instrument playing is best delayed until after this period or the selection of an instrument is made to maximize favourable orthodontic movement. 5,11 An alternative is for the child to play different instruments during this period. 10 Using wind instruments that are suited to a patient's dental occlusion can assist orthodontic treatment, particularly for children 11 to 13 years of age.…”

Severe root resorption of the upper central incisors as a consequence of playing the flute

“…For instance, maxillary incisors can be affected. Orthodontic problems such as proinclination or retroinclination of these teeth have been reported . Fracture of incisal restorations, incisal wear and/or pulp necrosis may also occur .…”

“…Orthodontic problems such as proinclination or retroinclination of these teeth have been reported . Fracture of incisal restorations, incisal wear and/or pulp necrosis may also occur . Moderate‐to‐severe root resorptions have been reported recently in three young wind instrument players …”

Idiopathic radiographic apical root resorption in wind instrument players

“…19 Radiographic assessments were lateral cephalometric radiographs, and again looking at cephalometric changes rather than root morphology. 19,20 A recent study looking at orthodontic study casts concluded that, though playing wind instrument did not significantly influence the position of anterior teeth or was an aetiological factor in malocclusion development, playing a brass instrument with a large cup-shaped mouthpiece may predispose to buccal crossbite development. 21 The embouchure of a wind instrument involves the exerting of forces on the soft and hard tissues.…”