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Your teacher will understand. Follow your orthodontist's advice. He knows your situation best and is making recommendations based on a direct evaluation of the situation. Nobody on this site will be able to give you any better advice than that of the medical professional familiar with your situation.

Yes, he probably doesn't know much about tuba playing or the affect of brass playing on recovery, but it's not worth the risk to your long term health to take the chance.

be careful! I popped a stich after wisdom tooth oral surgery because I came back to the horn too soon. had a well-paying gig with a lot of low notes, ended up bleeding all over everything and going home early in panic. they still payed me though...

Just wait...I had to pass up playing trombone in the Region 7 Jazz Band b/c of having my wisdom teeth cut out. My band director understood and even excused me from rehearsing for a a week. I still managed making All-State (on tuba) a month later.

I also agree to wait because you may make further compilcations(create a dry socket, very painfull having had a small one) and making you wait longer to play again. Its tough but wait it out

It sounds smart to follow your doctors instructions on this one... but you can take the time to really listen to some music, spend some time on a neglected hobby you’ve not had time to dive into... or if you must practice- work hard on some rhythmic training, or ear training.. or learn the piano or something. While you are taking a break from the tuba itself, you can still spend the time learning a bunch of new things and getting ready to sound great when you get to school.

WAIT!!!

Ahem...

Wait until you are good and healed. Don't rush it. Waiting is absolute hellish torment, yes. Been there, done that. Waiting to get better first is the way to go. The waiting sucks much less than the alternative--been there, done that, too. Don't do that. Wait.[/b]

Do an obscene amount of breathing exercises while you wait and you'll be shocked at how well it pays off when you first pick up your horn. Oh ya wait and stuff like everyone else said.

As both a physician and a tuba player, I'd say do exactly what your oral surgeon/orthodontist recommends. I can't tell you the number of complications I've had to deal with because patients didn't follow their instructions.

Other posters had great musical ideas for you. Read through and analyze some music you've been wanting to play, listen to recordings, or take the time to give your instrument a once-over with a good cleaning and maintenance.

Good luck!

I waited one week after my wisdom surgery. I don't use much pressure on the mouthpiece, and I do think that would make a difference.

In the meantime, practice piano.