AN AWFUL SOUND AND ULCERS *sob*

I really wish i didnt have my braces this year, but they are stuck there and theres nothing i can do.

I just seem to get an awful sound with my braces, unless i practise all the time. Problem is, i cant practise all the time. If i do, i sound better, BUT i get ulcers all on the inside of where the flute rests and my jaw aches from trying to get a sound that is clear.

Apparently i have them for another 6 months (even though my teeth look perfect now) so that's half of Yr 12 and my assessment for the first semester of VCE Music.

I really need to get a good score in Music this year because I want to get into University doing a double degree in Music and Primary Teaching.

PLEASE!! If you have any tips to help me get a good sound and save me from ulcers, tell me...Cos i need a cure!!!!!

Oh and 'braces wax' gets soggy after 10 bars and falls off.

Thanks - Jess xoxo

I have had many students who have braces, and most of them play fine, it just takes a lot of patience to get used to.

You have to get used to braces and in time you'll get less irritation. In the meantime if you find the irritation affects your sleeping comfort you can use a product called Kanka. Kanka is a gel that will numb your inner lip and gums somewhat. You'll talk funny so it's best to use when you're going to rest or not going to be around people for a while.

Thanks all.

I forgot to add that i have had my braces for 2 years now...and i still get the darn ulcers. It's not the way i hold the flute as i only get them sometimes.

I guess I shall just have to get ovet it oh well

Thanks again - jess

Heya, i got braces a couple of days ago and have had similar problems playing piccolo and flute. Colgate makes strips of wax that is placed over the braces...

I would recommend tearing 2 small parts off and putting it over the 2 points that rub(i only had 2 olcers) it may feel weird at first but it works.

thx for the info about the braces! i have to get them real soon and the dang things are gonna cost $5000 dollars! in florida we have a special thing for kids getting braces, and the cost is lower. luckily i'm getting mine on the tops first. i have severe over crowding on the bottoms so my tops completely covers my bottoms so they're afraid that i may bite of my bottom brackets if they do those first. also every one of my teeth are crooked or rotated. Hey also it is a very good thing you or all you other flautists are not playing brass, can you imagion if you did? lol.

Thanks,
schoolbandgeek1

Wow, I'd imagine your orthadontic treatment is painful! My problem is i dont have enough teeth and they have all shifted. I still have a lot of trouble playing flute, but can play piccolo quite well! Usually brass players dont even pick up their instrument whilst having braces as its so much harder, lucky we all play woodwind

I've known (and know) many brass players that play with braces on. Just as with flute, it can be uncomfortable, but you become more accustomed to them over time and they cease to be an issue.