How to Play the Euphonium with Orthodontic Braces

Many young euphonium players wear orthodontic braces. This almost always leads to sores and sometimes torn and bleeding lips. This can make it very painful for a euphonium player to play her instrument, often leading to an aversion to play it at all. There are ways to pursue excellence on the euphonium and still minimize the pain and damage caused by doing so while wearing braces.

Things You'll Need

• Euphonium
• Mouthpiece
• Orthodontic wax
• Ice cold water

Instructions

1. Buy some orthodontic wax. Your orthodontist can give you plenty of this soft, pliable stuff to place over your braces anytime you go to play the euphonium. Simply roll some wax into a strip and press it into your braces. The trick is to create a cushion between your braces and your lips, so don't press too hard.

2. Wear orthodontic wax even when not playing euphonium. This way your usual mouth movements (from eating and talking) will keep your lips as fresh as possible the next time you sit down to play.

3. Adjust how hard you place the mouthpiece against your lips. This is a good idea whether or not you wear orthodontic braces. Producing a clear sound requires resting the mouthpiece on your lips, not crushing them in an attempt to push out the high notes. If you wish to produce high notes, instead of pressing the mouthpiece harder to your lips, try using more wind power. Take deeper, fuller, more relaxed breaths. Fill out the horn with air. One rule of thumb is that the difference between high notes and low notes is the shape of the lips, not the tenseness. Always relax as much as possible.

4. Swish your mouth out with ice cold water to reduce pain, swelling and torn lips. Do this often throughout the day. Not only will this help you to feel better, but it will make you heal faster.

5. Take breaks. If you begin to bleed and are by nature an obsessive student of the euphonium, force yourself to take time away from the euphonium until your lips feel a little stronger. Over time, however, your lips will callous up and become more resistant to damage. They will be more resilient that way as well.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can play euphonium with orthodontic braces, imagine what you will be able to do without them. Eventually they will come off, so be patient. This period of oral pain and frustration will only make you a stronger euphonium player in the long run.

• Open sores in the mouth can lead to infection. If you usually find your lips to be torn up, make sure your dentist takes a look at them each time you go in for a checkup.