Klarinet Archive - Posting 000888.txt from 1999/04

From: George Lin <glin@-----.org>
Subj: Re: [kl] Orthodontic Surgery and the Clarinet
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:19:59 -0400

On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 DCohen@-----.com wrote:

> My 18 year old son, who is heading for a career as a clarinetist, has been
> advised to have orthodontic treatment ( braces) followed by orthognathic
> surgery. This is to correct an underbite (class 3 malocclusion) which our
> dentist holds will lead to drastic degradation of especially the front teeth > in the future.
>
> I would very much like to hear from anyone who has had to undergo the same
> or similar treatment, what it meant for their playing and how soon (if ever)
> they got back to the same level of proficiency.
>
> Kind regards
> Danny Cohen

I had braces about 3 years ago. As a youngster, I never had braces. it
got to a point where I was told I might develop problems if I did not get
them straigtened, and I was 27 at the time. I play as a hobby so my
situation is not the same as yours. But I got used to it. The wax
helps. It is not pain-free in the beginning, but it is amazing what you
can teach your mind to think after playing with this discomfort.Playing
with the braces becomes as regular as if you did not have them on. Just
my two cents...I wear retainers (plastic) now.

George

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