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Due to the need of adjusting the bite, I've started wearing teeth braces at the age of 63
Fortunately it is not as bad as feared to play the tuba with these foreign metal objects on - except for the fact that the inside of my lower lip gets sort of stucked on the sharp edges and thereby inhibits the flexibility.

I've been considering how to make a thin silikone cover for the lower brace. But maybe the mucous membrane will just harden over time and make it easier for the lower lip to flex?
My dentist provided me with wax for forming small balls to put on each tooth, but that's just so complicated and time consuming

Any good advice or shared experience is much appreciated!

Too late but Invisalign?

I did Invisalign. I still had to remove them to play, but the little anchor points were less invasive than standard braces. It's been worth it for my tuba playing since they came off, but was a big adjustment during. Had to learn to use a lot less pressure against the mouthpiece.

Pauvog1 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 17, 2024 5:57 pm I did Invisalign. I still had to remove them to play, but the little anchor points were less invasive than standard braces. It's been worth it for my tuba playing since they came off, but was a big adjustment during. Had to learn to use a lot less pressure against the mouthpiece.

This might provide some guidance for standard braces. I've had several students use this style of wax (I was a middle school band director for a good while).

https://www.themusichutchstudio.com/ort ... nstrument/

During my band directing days in the 1990s, we had a local orthodontist who provided something that did the trick, but I don't remember exactly what it was that covered the "barbs". His daughter was a fine horn player, so he had an interest in helping those kids, including my own two children. I would suggest you ask your orthodontist.

Two different dentists have told me that I have age-related bunching of my front lower teeth to the point where the hygenist has trouble getting between them for cleaning, and both have suggested invisalign. I did not know there were anchors involved -- thought it was like a series of clear retainers. Hmmm. However, since the rim does not impact my lower teeth on tuba, likely would be ok, but if I play horn again, sounds like it could be a problem.
How much does invisalign cost? All the web sites will say is "ask your dentist."
I had "real" braces when I was a kid and not even slightly interested in that metal stuff again.

Mary Ann wrote:Two different dentists have told me that I have age-related bunching of my front lower teeth to the point where the hygenist has trouble getting between them for cleaning, and both have suggested invisalign. I did not know there were anchors involved -- thought it was like a series of clear retainers. Hmmm. However, since the rim does not impact my lower teeth on tuba, likely would be ok, but if I play horn again, sounds like it could be a problem.
How much does invisalign cost? All the web sites will say is "ask your dentist."
I had "real" braces when I was a kid and not even slightly interested in that metal stuff again.

Were looking at braces for my middle son. The invisiline quote is about $6k. The regular braces about $5k. These prices are specific to his alignment needs. And of course, our insurance is refusing to assist saying his teeth are not that bad.... um, his bottom teeth touch the roof of his mouth which the orthodontist says is pretty severe. But you know, insurance people know more than drs.

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I'd be inclined to say just pull one of the crowded ones to make room. I am THAT stubborn.