Klarinet Archive - Posting 000698.txt from 1999/02

From: Rich Gordley <rgordley@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Intro and dental question
Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 13:09:41 -0500

By way of introduction, I have been a clarinetist for 35 odd (!) years
sometimes being so fortunate as to earn my keep with it. However, the past
15 years has been a battle with periodontal disease to the point where for
the last 4 years I had to give up playing because of loose teeth, pain, etc.

Now, I am proud (I guess) to announce that the dentists finally gave up and
I have a complete set of synthetic teeth (sounds better than dentures). I
got my R13 out and see there is a lot of work ahead, but enjoyable work,
but for one thing. My uppers tend to "tilt" using my anterior gum as a
fulcrum and pull loose from my palate. At this point embouchure stability
vanishes as you may well imagine. Denture adhesive only partially helps
and not for very long. I have searched the archives and have found some
anecdotes about other tooth challenged clarinetists, but not much of
practical value.

Perhaps my now flabby chops will shape up to provide enough support without
excessive pressure on the upper teeth, perhaps there is some "super glue"
for dentures out there that will keep the uppers anchored. (there seems
to be no problem playing sax because of the differing angle of the
mouthpiece) Any advise or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Rich Gordley
rgordley@-----.com
.......Ya doesn't has to call me Johnson!
http://wwp.icq.com/13397915

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