Klarinet Archive - Posting 000148.txt from 1995/09

From: Jeff Brody <JbJazzman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Missing Tooth
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 1995 13:08:22 -0400

Besides practicing my saxophones and bass clarinet for the last 20 something
years,
I've been practicing Dentistry for the past 17 years. I've treated and
consulted on
dental/ embouchure problems in quite a number of cases. Your young friend
first has
to see how he manages with the tooth missing. Any permanent replacements
cannot
be properly placed until he is much older. By permanent I would include
implants,
bridges and the like. They would not just complicate orthodontics, they
would in all
likelihood make it impossible. However, it is very much possible for an
orthodontist,
or, for that matter, a general dentist to construct a removable applicance
that anchors
to his back teeth with clasps and provides the missing tooth. Periodic
updates will
be necessary as he grows. It will take some adjustment and practice on his
part to
get used to. I have several patients, and several other musician
acquaintances that
play brass, single and double reeds who wear full dentures! If his parents
have further
questions please feel free to forward them.
.....Jeff
Brody (Buffalo, NY)