Flute tone problem after removing braces?

Question:So after 2 years or so, I finally removed my braces. But now that my braces are gone, my tone quality on the flute is horrible, and I can't play high notes softly anymore. Think it's the muscle on the top of the mouth (orbicularis oris muscle?). Anyway to get me better?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: So after 2 years or so, I finally removed my braces. But now that my braces are gone, my tone quality on the flute is horrible, and I can't play high notes softly anymore. Think it's the muscle on the top of the mouth (orbicularis oris muscle?). Anyway to get me better?

Okay, I have a more specific suggestion than "Just Practice". Here's HOW to practice. Get a regular-sized straw. Place the straw slightly in your mouth, up and down like a clarinet. Next, bring the upper lip and corners of your mouth towards the straw...Keep this shape for about 2-3 minutes (your muscles will probably get tired at this point...don't go past this feeling of tired). Then try to match this shape without the straw and add playing long tones on your flute with your embouchure in this shape. Use a mirror to make sure it looks the same, and to make sure that you're not tensing up your embouchure (i.e. creases in your cheeks). Do this everyday, and you should notice a good change within a week. Good luck!

This happened to one of my fellow floutists when we were in junior high. The only way she was able to get back to playing with better tone quality was relearning certain notes. the same way you learned to play with the braces is the same way you will learn to play without. Just keep practicing, adjusting your lips and tongue each time till you find out what sounds good. the hardest part is remembering each time you play to not go back to your old mouth movements.

I had the same thing happen! I basically had to relearn my whole embouchre and everything. Basically you just have to practice a lot and try hard to get back the skills. Once you get used to not having braces, your embouchre and mouth should get back to working properly.

The only thing you can really do is to practice, sorry! I'm sure you don't want to hear that, but when it comes down to it, you pretty much have to. A trumpet player in my section has the braces problem as well, but I told him the same. Start by building a solid base by long, basic notes, then move your way back up the scale. Make sure the way you are doing it is right by checking with your teacher. I'm sure you have the technique still, just lacking a little muscle. Hope this helps even though it involves the dreaded "p" word, lol.

That happened to me, too, TWICE! (two sets of braces)
Here's what I did for a speedy recovery:
Lots of long tones, so that your mouth can get used to playing again. You basically know how to play, your mouth just has to make some slight adjustments. It may feel funny for a little bit, because you're playing with a new embochure, but after a while, you'll be great!
Sorry, but practice makes perfect!

you get used to it... it happens to everyone...