Mouthpiece for braces

Zack_Mac · Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 9:04 am Post subject: Mouthpiece for braces

Recently I was scrolling around online and I got a targeted ad for a mouthpiece designed for braces. It had some kind of cushioned rim that was blue. I didn't catch the name. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

nieuwguyski · Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 3:08 pm Post subject:

Might you be Robert Slotte?

Amazed that someone might not be able Google such a thing with your assurance you've heard of it, I entered your description, pretty much verbatim, into said search engine.

Robert Slotte's website came up, with multiple links to purchase a Kelly brand plastic 7C (which is certainly available in blue). A fair amount of scrolling down revealed some legalese in a sidebar that Robert Slotte receives commissions from purchases from links on Robert Slotte's website. And whatayaknow? Robert Slotte recommends the Kelly plastic 7C because plastic it has more "give" to its surface.

Because sure, the Kelly rim is so soft that little indentations will form in it in every spot your lip is getting lacerated by your braces... NOT.

I have no beef with Kelly mouthpieces and think they are a valid option for some players. But the claim that they have enough "give" to make them a markedly better choice for players with braces is ridiculous.

If you want to buy a Kelly mouthpiece, by all means do so.

And I'll leave it at that.
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JWG · Veteran Member Joined: 27 Jul 2011 Posts: 230

Instead of a mouthpiece designed for braces, I would look for braces designed for playing trumpet.

I suffered greatly in the 1970's and early 80's with the nasty sharp braces available then.

When my children had to get braces, I did some research and found that for a few bucks more per bracket, your orthodontist could use brackets with machined corners and with a lower profile for greater comfort.

Well worth the investment! Those brackets with a little wax worked great.

However, you can also get a plastic rail that covers the brackets. My kids found that they only needed to cover the teeth under the mouthpiece.

So, instead of a mouthpiece for braces, try using low profile and machined corner braces that work under a mouthpiece.

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Zack_Mac · Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 8:15 pm Post subject:

I’m not Robert Slotte and I did a search on his website and that is not what I was looking for. I wasn’t looking for a blue mouthpiece and I’m aware of Kelly mouthpieces. I think this was something that goes over the rim of the mouthpiece that is made of a soft material.

And thanks for the tip on alternative braces, but this isn’t for me. It’s for a student that already has braces and is feeling very discouraged from continuing.

LittleRusty · Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 8:44 pm Post subject:

I did a Google search and gave up when I found a website with advice on playing trumpets with braces that described the mouth piece as a sharp piece of metal that cuts your lips.

Either the author got the effect of braces and mouthpieces mixed up or they are just wrong. Either way I wouldn’t trust any advice from that site.

Mike Prestage · Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 11:54 pm Post subject:

I think I've seen the same thing being promoted on Facebook recently - a product called Buzz Buddy.

Mike
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Andy Cooper · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2023 1:41 am Post subject:

Many years ago Herco or DEG made a foam rubber cover that slipped over the rim of a trumpet mouthpiece. I have not seen it advertised for several years. I didn't think it worked very well.

Looks like you want the Buzz Buddy like Mike suggested - made from silicone.

https://www.thomannmusic.com/buzzbuddy_buzzbuddy_trumpet.htm

Zack_Mac · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2023 7:10 am Post subject:

The Buzz Buddy is what I saw. Thanks team!

chrisf3000 · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2023 7:31 am Post subject:

Greg Black also has a mouthpiece designed exactly for players with braces, called the Braces Piece. It works in a similar way, but instead of a simple cushion, it distributes the pressure over area.

https://gregblackmouthpieces.com/collections/trumpet-cornet-flugelhorn-mouthpieces/products/bp-braces-mouthpieces?variant=31715888922755

I have had students brought to tears, thanking me for showing them this. Thought I would share with you as well. Meanwhile, glad you found the Buzz Buddy you had been looking for.

wilder · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2023 8:49 am Post subject:

Brad361 · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2023 6:20 am Post subject:

I don’t have any knowledge of or experience with a mouthpiece designed for braces, but I have had some students that like these. About half of the students who try them find them helpful, so it’s not a panacea, but they seem to work for some kids, and they’re relatively inexpensive. Which helps when dealing with parents who aren’t really happy about spending more money, in addition to instrument and lesson costs.

https://www.morganbumper.com/

Brad
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When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval