Metal Mouth Message Board

I play flute, too, and although it did hurt at first to play, I grew used to it. I found that I had to change my embochure slightly, but overall, it didn't really affect the quality of my playing.

Sorry so late!

I play the flute and piccolo, and at first when I got my braces, I thought there was no way I'd be able to adjust. But, I found that the more I practiced and my lips got tougher on the inside I was able to endure it.

It takes adjusting your emboucher so that the air stream will still go down (even though your lips have to cover more than your teeth this time), but once you find your sound, you've got it (vibrato and all).

So be encouraged!

Interesting about tooth pressure and playing clarinet! I got my first clarinet just after getting my braces put on. I always wanted to play the instrument, just never got around to learning. I'll have to keep in mind the bit about how clarinet playing can cause an overbite! Maybe wearing one's retainer (after the braces come off, of course!) while playing can help keep the top teeth in line????

Jembrace

Interesting; I played the clarinet for about 5 years (and still do very occasionally) and am now being treated for an overbite.

They never warn you about that in music class!