I should be getting braces some time soon, and whilst I know that in the long run they will probably make playing easier (I have really wonky teeth), I'm really worried I won't be able to play as much with them, especially on the trumpet. Has anyone here had braces and managed to keep playing the same?

I had braces and played the trombone. At first it was really uncomfortable because you have this piece of metal in your mouth that presses again your lips when you come into contact with the mouthpiece. At first you won't be able play for very long because your teeth will hurt anyway because the braces will be pullling on them and any extra pressure hurts. But after a few weeks you will get use to it. Hope it all goes well

http://www.wrightsmusic.com.au/index.php?cPath=42_114

the above website sells brace guards, especially for brass players. Maybe they would work??

Good Luck

Thanks. I was supposed to have them this January, but lack of organisation on my part means it will be more like March - hopefully after the Brass Band Area Contests as I have several nasty solos in the test piece!

Good Luck at the contest.....i hope everything works out alright!!!!

Well they do stop my trousers for falling down......

I had braces and played trombone. They take a while to get used to, but you should be fine. It sometimes affects very high notes though, I found.

I also had them. I'm a horn player and got braces about a year after I started playing. It hurt a little at first and then became second nature. It was also a little odd to adjust after having them off, but well worth it!

Yes, you have to learn to produce the high notes without adding pressure to the mouth.

oh well..i always wanted to wear braces..
anyway..good luck for your solos!

Braces are a PAIN!

I have a brace on my lower teeth, which cuts off just beyond half-way, meaning that a piece of wire sticks out into my cheek. 'Tis painful.

I find that the brace messes up my tone, and my ability to pitch. It has set me back a year on the trombone, which is disappointing, to say the least.

Anyway, the best of luck to you!

I agree that it sets you back a bit, as you have to learn from the begining when it comes to the sound production

Which section are you playing in? I'm playing The Seasons.. quite looking foward to it in a strange kind of way!

Back on topic, I was meant to be getting braces a couple of years ago, when I was playing Bb cornet - I went to all the initial appointments, right up to the last one before having them fitted. Then I moved to soprano cornet and decided I'd never be able to manage all the high stuff with braces, so I cancelled my appointment and never got them. I probably should have really... my teeth are awful. Now I am actually glad I didn't though because I'm still enjoying playing sop, which I very much doubt I would be if I'd had braces fitted. Then again I might have moved onto horn or baritone or something and not have all the lip killing high stuff!
Anyway good luck with yours, hope they are after the areas!

I've just bottled out of getting braces, I thought it was too risky what with the areas and various other things coming up... Plus my teacher threatened to " take care " of the othodontist if he did it, so I decided to put it off...

braces are definately worth the pain though.
Everyone goes on about how bad they are and no one ever emphasises the good things (me included check ma signature).

1. The pain is only short lived and usually lasts only 4-5 days after an appointment

2. I'd rather have a brace than wonky teeth

3. A couple of weeks after you get them off, your playing standard goes through the roof

So really they are definately worth the effort.