Singing with Braces: Challenges, Tips, and Real Results After 1 Year
If you’re a singer considering braces, you might be worried about how they’ll affect your voice, diction, and overall ability to perform. I know this because I was in the exact same position a year ago, searching for answers that I couldn’t find. Now, after a full year of experience, I can confidently say: Yes, you can sing with braces!
But let’s break it down. In this article, I’ll share my personal journey, challenges I faced, practical advice, and two videos that will give you a real-life comparison of how braces impact singing over time.
Can You Sing with Braces? My One-Year Reflection
Watch the full video here:
Singing with Braces: Is It Possible? A Pro Singer’s Honest Reflection After One Year from Open Minded Singing YouTube channel
My Biggest Fear Before Getting Braces
Before I got braces, I was terrified. Not of the pain or the extra brushing, but of how they might change my diction, resonance, and vocal clarity. Would my “S” sounds be affected? Would I struggle to articulate words while singing?
Thankfully, after a year of concerts, recording sessions, and voice coaching, I can tell you: your voice adapts faster than you think!
Key Takeaways from My First Year with Braces
- Diction changes, but you adjust quickly – The first few weeks are the hardest, but your tongue and lips will learn to work around the braces.
- Pain is temporary – Yes, it’s uncomfortable at first, but after a week or two, you barely notice them. The pain may return after adjustments, but it’s usually mild and rarely severe enough to require painkillers. In most cases, it lasts no more than a day or two.
- Choosing the right braces matters – As a performer, you might worry about how braces will affect your appearance on stage, in music videos, and during photoshoots. That’s why I opted for ceramic brackets in the front and metal in the back – a perfect balance of aesthetics and durability. Looking back, I’m really happy with this decision because the ceramic braces are subtle, elegant, and barely noticeable.
- Your orthodontist should know you’re a singer – This is crucial! Let them know from the start so they can customize your treatment plan to minimize any impact on your speech and singing.
- Wax is your friend – Braces can cause irritation inside the mouth, especially when you have to sing and talk a lot. That’s why I always carried dental wax with me — to quickly cover the metal hooks that, in my case, irritated the back of my tongue. Keep in mind that not everyone experiences this issue, and most people only need wax at the beginning. But if you do, it’s a lifesaver!
Braces & Singing: Before vs. Day 1 vs. Months Later
Watch the full video here:
Singing with Braces: Comparing Before, Day 1, and Months Later from Open Minded Singing YouTube channel
I wanted to make a video that truly shows the difference, so I challenged myself with 8 singing and speech exercises before getting braces, on the first day, and after months of wearing them.
8 Challenges & General Conclusions
- Humming – No major issues here!
- Singing Vowels – Also manageable; no significant struggles.
- Lip Rolls – Thankfully, they work just fine! I can’t imagine my warm-ups without them.
- Singing with a Straw – Improved over time, but whistling? Still a disaster!
- Singing a Song – The first day was rough, but within a couple of weeks, my diction improved drastically, along with my overall singing performance. My „s” sounds changed a bit, but I still sounded perfectly fine.
- Pronouncing Difficult Words – Single words, even the hardest ones, were manageable. The real challenge came with fast, long sentences. It’s doable after some time but requires a lot of focus and dedication.
- Reading in English – Surprisingly, I feel like my pronunciation improved over time! I struggled at first, but not long after getting braces, I was recording voiceovers, and they sounded great.
- Reading in Polish – Polish pronunciation is tough even without braces, so you can imagine the initial struggle. The biggest challenge in the first days was the tension in my mouth, as if I were clenching my teeth while speaking. Fortunately, that feeling disappeared quickly, and now I talk and read freely and comfortably.
If you want to hear the real difference and experience how my speech and singing evolved, I highly recommend watching the full video. You’ll see (and hear!) my journey from before braces, to day one, and months later. Plus, there are some funny moments along the way that you won’t want to miss!
The Biggest Lessons from This Experiment
- The first week is the hardest – Give yourself time to adjust! Be patient with your speech and singing.
- Diction requires more focus at first – Some sounds may be harder, but they’re not permanent obstacles.
- Your body adapts incredibly fast – What seemed impossible on Day 1 became second nature within weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a professional or aspiring singer, don’t let braces stop you! The adjustment period is real, but it’s temporary. Over time, you’ll regain full control of your diction and vocal clarity, and your smile (and jawline) will thank you for it!
💬 Have questions about singing with braces?
Feel free to reach out to me through my website or social media. I’m happy to help!
🎶 Want to improve your singing?
Book an online lesson with me and explore singing routines and courses available on this website.
