Playing Flute with Braces
So, you just got braces. Congrats! I know it’s an easy decision to make, but not the easiest to live with, but whether you just started playing with braces for the first time or you’ve been playing for a while and you just got braces, I have a few tips to help you navigate playing the flute with braces and feeling confident, sounding gorgeous, and navigating through some literal (and figurative) pain points. Read on to learn how my students deal with their braces!
First of all…
Playing the flute with braces actually isn’t the worst thing in the world. It teaches you not to stretch or purse your lips, but to remain supple and natural. That said, it does still take some adjustment to make sure that your lips can fit around your braces, allowing you to pout just slightly and play with the wet part of your lips. This can be super difficult at first and will take some experimentation and time. Be very kind to yourself in the process.
Dental Wax & Ibuprofen
Dental wax is going to be your best friend, especially in the beginning. Honestly, if you haven’t discovered it outside of flute playing yet, you’re going to want to. Some of those sharp edges can be difficult to get around, so using wax to smooth them out can keep your mouth from getting cut six ways to Sunday. So, get yourself some dental wax from the local drug store and use a tiny bit on those particularly sharp parts before you start practicing or playing your flute, ESPECIALLY if it’s the first time you’re playing after getting them on.
That said, your jaw is going to be sore, so, while I’m not a doctor, my own experience with aligners tells me that ibuprofen was my best friend, especially during flute playing. Sometimes your teeth will hurt, but reducing the swelling around your gums will help you play more without getting super tired or sore.
Octaves and Harmonics
Figuring out the airstream angle is the most difficult part of learning to play with braces. Since your lips aren’t quite as flexible, it can be difficult to find the right airstream. You’ll have to learn to be more supple in the lips and even more relaxed than you were before. Remember, too, that your lips will likely dry out more quickly, so keep water handy.
So, let’s start with some octave jumps. You might find your tone is airy at first, but go with it. You’ll adjust with time as you get used to your new embouchure. Start with a low F and jump up then back down, training your embouchure to move up and down, forward and back, then move your way up by half-step. Bring your lips forward as you move your way up, and remember to play with the wet part of your lips.
As things progress, try doing some harmonics work, starting with that low C and moving your way up. With work like this, you’ll be in great shape in no time.
Try a Coffee Straw
Struggling with the aperture is a perfectly normal feeling, so be kind to yourself. But, while you’re at it, grab a coffee straw or two and practice holding the straw with your lips (not your teeth), blow through it, and then practice moving it up and down and blowing through it. This will help you rebuild the flexibility in your lips.
You can also try working with the Pneumo Pro to improve your flexibility. This can help you visually see what’s happening in the airstream and get a better feel for what needs to happen. It will take time, but lots of mindful practice will help.
The Good News…
The good news is that once you get those braces off, playing flute will be a lot easier. Your muscles around your embouchure (your obicularis oris) will be stronger and more flexible as they have to work a bit harder with braces. So, work hard now and reap the benefits later. You can still be a fantastic flutist with braces or invisible aligners. I promise, with some mindful practice and careful work, you’ll be in great shape before you know it!
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to use both dental wax and ibuprofen to control the discomfort you might feel while playing flute with braces.
Relax the corners of the mouth and keep water handy to avoid the lips drying out.
Work on octaves and harmonics to build strength and flexibility.
Try using tools like the Pneumo Pro and a coffee straw to help visualize the airstream and build flexibility.
If you perfect your playing and embouchure flexibility now, it will be even better once you take the braces off.
