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

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.