Klarinet Archive - Posting 000079.txt from 1995/08

From: Rick Faria <RAFaria@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Lip Cushion
Date: Sun, 6 Aug 1995 12:44:01 -0400

Kathy,

I have tried a wide variety of lip cushions over the years, and I have
finally hit upon one that is by far better than anything available
commercially. You might like to try it.

Have you ever seen those teeth guards that boxers (or football players, or
karate-types) use? They are these big U shaped clear plastic things that they
bite down on to guard all of their teeth. You custom fit them to your mouth
like this: they are dipped into boiling water for about 30 seconds, and then
you stick it into your mouth and bite down on it. The softened plastic then
forms to the shape of your teeth. When you feel it is the right shape, you
dip it into cool water, and it holds it's shape. Then you have a tooth guard
custom fitted to your own teeth!

Now, needless to say, you do not need a guard for all of your teeth, upper
and lower, so what you do is this. Buy a guard in a sports supply store, and
cut off a small chunk (about the size of a dime). Boil that, and smoosh it
onto your lower teeth with your fingers (you have to work fast!). When it is
the right thickness, dunk it into cold water, then cut off the excess with a
pair of scizzors. Make a bunch this way, and you will find one that fits
exceptionally well.

This is great, because:
It will fit snugly to your teeth (you wont even notice that it is there).
It is soft and very comfortable.
You can have it cover as many, or as few teeth as you like.
They will last forever!
One mouthguard will make many, many small teeth guards.
It's cheap and easy.
And, they are hygenic (you can brush them with your toothbrush, or dunk them
in Listerine)

Some people go to the dentist to have custom made tooth guards similar to
these. They can be very expensive. This is a cheap way to get a tight custom
fit.

I hope this idea works for you; I know that I love it. Please let me know how
it works out.

Bon chance,

Richard Faria
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
School of Music
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY 14850
RAFaria@-----.com