Klarinet Archive - Posting 000324.txt from 1997/04

From: Martin Marks <mmarks@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Lip cushion?
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:57:28 -0400

At 01:47 PM 4/9/97 -0600, you wrote:
>On Wed, 9 Apr 1997, Frank Garcia wrote:
>
>> >I've read in the past short while on Klarinet a suggestion on using some
>> >kind of material to form a cushion for the lower teeth so they won't
>> >hurt the lower lip etc. The material had something to do with "sports"
>> >and was put into hot water and then on teeth to form a "perfect fit." I
>> >looked through the mail still on my machine, serched the archives (it
>> >was before the "last updated on" date), and couldn't find it. I spent
>> >close to forty minutes trying many search strings, but still couldn't
>> >find it. If anyone still has this article, please do e-mail it to me,
>> >as my semi-crooked lower teeth are hurting my lips. My teacher
>> >suggested I use a piece of paper, which does work, but I'd like to try
>> >that material.BB
>> >(snip)
>>
>> I do not know what this item is, although it reminds of a football player's
>> mouthpiece. I use florist's tape, which can be purchased in any craft
>> supply store. It is thin, easy to use, forms well to your teeth and will
>> not absorb moisture and tear like paper does. I usually fold a small piece
>> over itself so that I am playing on two layers, which is plenty to keep my
>> lip protected through several hours of playing.
>>
>> Frank Garcia
>>
>>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> Frank Garcia fgarcia@-----.edu
>> Clarinet Instructor (715)394-8115
>> University of Wisconsin-Superior
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> --
>>
>
> Like Frank, I use floral tape whenever I play. Virtually all of my
>students use it also.
>I just finished doing a two-day series of clinics and sectionals with
>middle school (grades 6-8) band in Albuquerque. I took along a roll and
>handed it out to every clarinet student and showed them how I fold it for
>the thickness I liked. They all used it at least for that day and several
>remarked that it really helped their lips to not feel so sore after
>several hours of playing. This was especially important, since most of
>them were not used to playing that many hours in a day. I am curious
>about the plastic film, though, and will have to try it.
>
> This is my first response to the list, so I hope it goes out OK.
>
>Laroy
>
>Laroy Borchert
>Professor of Clarinet
>New Mexico State University
>Las Cruces, NM 88003
>
>

Bay makes a plastic film that molds to the shape of the teeth and stays put
there. Works good.
My dentist made a very thin plastic device that fits my lower teeth
perfectly. It's transparent so
that it's invisible and I can leave it in my mouth for hours. I only have
to take it off to chew.
I've been using this for about five years and he made me a spare.
Marty Marks