Klarinet Archive - Posting 000037.txt from 2010/01

From: Martin Marks <martymarks@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Braces
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:23:42 -0500


On Sunday, January 10, 2010, at 05:32AM, "Tom Servinsky" <tompiano@-----.net> wrote:
>Speaking of braces and cut lips, I stumbled upon an very inexpensive lip
>guard which can be made at home.
>I take the standard mouthpiece guard which football players use (99cents).
>Cut the guard into 3/4" sections, which will yield at least 10 finished lip
>guards.
>Dip the 3/4" section into boiling water with tweezers in hand. Once the
>plastic softens sufficiently, put the section over your teeth and mold. I
>find that it takes several tries of dipping, fitting, dipping, fitting,
>before you find a fit that is snug and not too thick.
>Cut off the excess amounts as the 3'4" ordinal piece will have expanded
>considerably.
>I've taught all my younger students this trick and it's been a lip saver,
>especially for those wanting to spend hours of practicing. The local
>orthodontist sells something similar for $80. Do the math....
>Tom Servinsky
Hi Tom, I was making tooth guards exactly as you do for several years and my dentist made me some similar guards. A couple of years ago I discovered an easier solution. A product called PARAFILM M. A large roll for about $15 is available on line from several
medical lab suppliers. Cut off about 4", fold it several times, press it over the lower teeth. It will form a perfect tooth guard of whatever thickness and size you desire. It takes about 30 seconds or less to make each one which will last several sessions. The film is colorless and tasteless. One roll should supply you and all your students for years. I've been on my first roll for about 3 years now and I play several hours each day.
martinm
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