Klarinet Archive - Posting 000143.txt from 1998/05

From: "MARY A. VINQUIST" <kenshaw@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Teeth Filing
Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 16:03:09 -0400

Justin Wood writes:

>>What are advantages of having your front teeth filed/sanded
>> flat if any. My orthodontists wants to do it for cosmetic reasons, =

>>but all I care about is my playing...<GRIN>

Justin -- =

Take off the GRIN. This is serious. Do !!!NOT!!! have your front teeth
filed down unless they are broken or otherwise inadequate for their norma=
l
uses, which in your case include playing the clarinet as well as eating. =

Even an almost invisible change will mean a gigantic alteration in the yo=
ur
embouchure. Many years ago, I got a tiny, almost invisible chip in a fro=
nt
tooth, and it took me almost a year to adjust.

Unless a tooth is broken, the only time you should let the dentist take
anything off is when a sharp point cuts into your lip, and even then only=

where it produces significant discomfort or draws blood.

Unless you look like a jack-o-lantern, or have a guaranteed career as a T=
V
anchorman, LEAVE YOUR TEETH THE WAY THEY CAME.

Sorry about the shouting, but you could wreck your clarinet playing. At
the very least, get a second opinion from a dentist who treats wind
instrument players.

Good luck. Stay just the way you are.

Ken Shaw

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