 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jacoblikesmusic
Date: 2009-11-02 02:08
Do braces affect a clarinetist's playing ablities?
If they do, how long does it take for you to get to the same skill level you were without them?
I'm auditioning for State Honor Band soon and also auditioning in my band, so I'm wondering, will braces greatly affect my playing ability in any way?
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Author: xpedx7342
Date: 2009-11-02 02:47
They should not really change anything. You will get used to them after a couple days. The only thing that really would change would bethat after long practice sessions, perhaps your lips would hurt from pressing aginst them for so long. I had braces, I know what Im talking about.
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Author: marcia
Date: 2009-11-02 03:09
I've had braces twice, played all through both sets. Do you have them yet or is that still to happen?
To prevent your lips from abrasions, try using orthodontic wax on the braces. This should be given to you by the orthodontist. Eventually your lips should get used to the braces so that you can stop using the wax. After each adjustment you will likely have some pain for a day or two. I found Ibuprofin to be very good at relieving the pain. My lower teeth had a forward slant to them, so when they were made upright I noticed a difference in the pressure applied to them, but I very quickly adjusted to this. Another difference I noticed was my embouchure became fatigued a little more quickly than it had before braces.
Generally speaking you should not have too much difficulty playing with braces.
Marcia
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Author: jacoblikesmusic
Date: 2009-11-02 03:20
Thanks. I've been asking around in my school and the people that have gotten braces have all been brass players. And they all say they turned horrible for a while.
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-11-02 11:26
Well, you have added an appliance to your embouchure, and you'll just have to let enough time pass until you don't notice them anymore (that time will come). When I had braces, I used a piece of cigarette paper over my bottom teeth. They will wear out your bottom lip. Wax is okay, but eventually it sinks into the crevices, breaks apart, etc.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2009-11-02 17:46
Your embouchure will need a little adjustment, and the general gum/tooth pain that braces can possibly cause will affect how often/much you can practice _at first_.
After you become used to the braces (even outside of clarinet), you'll be fine. I would advise against using the wax that the orthodontist supplies for your bottom teeth/lip because it's not designed to hold up under the pressure that this area receives; it's designed better for annoying little wires poking out randomly in an area that doesn't receive any extra abrasion. Instead, hunt for the denture pads in your local drug store. Use the ones designed for the "lower plates" because they're more applicable. Cut off enough to cover the affected teeth and fold over and you're set. These also last longer than cigarette paper.
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Author: OldClarinetGuy
Date: 2009-11-02 18:39
I have taught many students with braces. They do just fine. Ask your orthodontist for some wax. Sometimes the day of and after the braces are tightened the students seem to be sore.
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Author: superson
Date: 2009-11-02 19:15
I started learning the clarinet when i got braces, i was fine. no different to having them off.
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