Playing a brass instrument with braces?

Question

I play french horn/mellaphone in band in high school and i may be getting braces at some point while i play french horn/mellaphone and i was wondering if it would make it harder to play with braces, or if there are any other sound differences. Also, is there anything special you have to do with either the braces or instrument to make it sound better or not hurt or protect the braces or anything like that.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

I played both the french horn and mellophone in high school and while I never personally got braces, two of my friends in the section did. They both got braces "covers" which are plastic half-tubes that you put on them when you play, and they both said the covers were very helpful. Please realize that there will be a period of one to three weeks where you will not be playing up to your previous level-in fact, for the first few days, maybe not at all. You need time to re-learn your embouchure.

Eventually, you will learn to play just as well with them. Just hold off on getting them in when honor band tryouts or anything similar is coming up.

Answer 2

I had braces when I played the trombone (as well as lots of other wind instruments [ie. not stringed] ) and I was fine.

Answer 3

It might take a little while to get used to. An estimated two weeks. I play the trumpet so I might have had a little more pressure on mine. Just a word of advice, never buy the c**p that goes over them to "help you play better". You will not be able to play AT ALL. Anyways, it was time to get mine off but I made sure the Orthodontist kept them on for All-Region tryouts because I was used to them. You will have indentions in your gums after playing but I promise they will adapt and there won't be any discomfort.

Good Luck!