Klarinet Archive - Posting 000179.txt from 1998/05

From: "Justin Wood" <olio555@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Teeth Filing
Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 18:21:11 -0400

I don't know of any dentists who treat wind players. I live in Northwest
Pennsylvania, but my surrounding area is the boondocks. Any
recommendations?

-----Original Message-----
From: MARY A. VINQUIST [mailto:kenshaw@-----.com]
Subject: [kl] Teeth Filing

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 normal
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 your
embouchure. Many years ago, I got a tiny, almost invisible chip in a front
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 TV
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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