Diplomas with braces?

[Caitlin_Flute]

I'm looking for advice...

I'm 15 and I've been told that I need fixed braces all the way across my top and bottom teeth for 2 years. I am about to take the first flute diploma with London College of Music (DipLCM). I've studied the flute for 7 years and worked extremely hard to get the good and rich sound which I now have; I'm extremely worried it would be ruined if I went ahead and may not come back after my treatment.
I've heard of plenty of people to take exams with braces but these have only been up to around grade 5 where tone doesn't matter as much and with people who don't want music as a career in the future.
During these next two years I am hoping to move away to music college for A levels and also to achieve at least the next diploma. I would like to be a professional musician when I am older after doing a degree in music at a conservatoire.
I practice for 2-3 hours a day with a full day of orchestral rehearsals on flute and piccolo once a week too.

Would getting braces jeopardise my career too much at this level of flute playing? Also, how much would it affect my playing if I went ahead?
Many Thanks

[WhispyTeen]

I've got a friend in high school who only recently had her braces off after about 3-4 years of both top and bottom teeth. She achieved a fantastic sound even with them on. Granted it probably did entail a ton of discomfort during the first year or so, but if that doesn't deter you at all then I'm sure you can keep with the fantastic level of playing that you appear to have
I tip I've heard from my friend is using wax(?) helps a lot especially if you have a tight embouchure. Start easy when you get them and don't hurt yourself permanently!