 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sgb2007
Date: 2006-08-04 15:06
My two bottom teeth are unaligned and thus crooked, and whenever I practice those gradually tear into the skin in my mouth of my bottom lip. Over time, this causes a sore to form, which is usually rather painful and inhibits my ability to play well. Does anyone else have this problem? Or does anyone have any suggestions regarding how I could resolve this problem? I've tried used small pieces of chamois cloth to cushion my teeth, but the cloth usually ends up moving around and creating a bad taste. I've considered trying lip-ease, but I believe that is essentially the same material as the chamois cloth alternative. All opinions appreciated.
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Author: Gregory Smith ★2017
Date: 2006-08-04 15:35
Assuming that you are already keeping the bottom lip firm as part of the embouchure (that the lip supports the reed rather than allowing the reed to sink into the lip causing unnecessary biting):
Many colleagues and students that I know use a piece of cigarette paper folded over several times as needed for thickness, then laid over the bottom teeth to create a cushion.
Also, one can have their dentist "sand" off some of the more offending sharp edges of enamel for additional relief. This should be done in very small increments at a time for obvious reasons.
Gregory Smith
http://www.gregory-smith.com
Post Edited (2006-08-04 15:41)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-08-04 16:14
I have one of the worst teeth for clarinet. I have one bottom tooth in the middle instead of the normal two. I tried rolling paper and it didn't help at all (just made it more uncomfortable to play). I thought about doing the thing John Moses suggested but just never got to it. Although I definitely don't play as much as John Moses, I play a lot of circular breathing which doesn't give my lip small breaks. My solution is that my mouthpiece is not alligned (spelling?) exactly with the clarinet, and I don't hold it exactly parallel to my face. Other than that I just got used to it (although sometimes if I really play for a long time it will hurt).
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Author: sgb2007
Date: 2006-08-04 17:38
I have tried alternate positions for the clarinet/mouthpiece in relation to my mouth but nothing has really helped. The main problem I have is that fact that the one tooth that protrudes out from the alignment of the other tooth is very sharp. I have tried changes in embouchure too and have found that if I do find a slightly more satisfactory position, my tone is compromised. I am curious about sanding or the "dental appliance" approach. Looking through that previous thread, someone noted that sanding was free of charge. Does anyone know if that is common? Or does anyone know whether it would be more beneficial and more of a value to get a dental guard instead?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-08-04 19:03
My teacher complained about having too sharp lower teeth that dug into the lips while playing. He got a plasticine-like piece of plastic that fits over the tips of his lower teeth (his dentist apparently is a denture-maker too) that protects the lips. Looks like a stretched and hardened piece of chewing gum, but who cares? Besides, no teeth are harmed in this process.
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Author: donald
Date: 2006-08-04 19:29
i had my top teeth evened up, and this made a huge difference (and only cost about $50 us$), i don't know why i didn't think to do it years ago! Oddly enough (but impossible to "prove") i could swear that my reeds last longer now!
donald
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Author: martind
Date: 2006-08-04 20:20
I have a similar problem with the uneven lower teeth. I solved my problem
for the most part by using cloth surgical tape readily available at the
local drug store. I cut off a piece about two inches long and fold it over
where as it gives you two layers. I then trim this piece into an oval
shape pattern to just cover those teeth....my pattern is about 1-1.5 inches in length. I then fold it over my teeth evenly letting the pattern absorb
the moisture. Carefully remove the pattern and let it dry. Note the teeth
impressions. Cut and trim accordingly. This homemaid dental appliance
works for me. I also had my dentist smooth off a few of my rough edges.
Good luck!
Martin
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Author: susieray
Date: 2006-08-04 20:24
I evened out my own top teeth with a piece of 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper.
Hey, it was cheap.
Sue
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Author: mnhnhyouh
Date: 2006-08-05 03:59
I have uneven teeth all over, along with a bottom jaw with not only an underbite, but it is one whole tooth out of alignment. By this I mean that the line made by the meeting of the two top middle teeth lines up with not the same line by the middle two bottom teeth, but one tooth to the left.
I make marks on the top of the mpc only on the left side because of some chipping from rubgy during my youth. I also have a patch of thicker skin in the inside of my bottom lip where it sits over my bottom teeth.
Still, my sound quality is progressing.
h
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Author: marcia
Date: 2006-08-05 16:46
Having had VERY crooked front top teeth for a very long time, I am finally almost finished my "slightly longer than two years" stint of orthodontics. They were so crooked that I could only get one top tooth on the MP. (It was well beyond the stage of just being able to rotate the mouthpiece slightly.) It has been painful at times. And when my lower teeth were being adjusted (it is a bit like a puzzle, you move one thing and it affets something else that also has to be adjusted) I had some difficulty, for several weeks, in finding the right position for the MP in order to make a sound. That was frustrating to say the least. In spite of all that I say without hesitation, it has been well worth it!! I don't know if any of the above mentioned problems are bad enough to need braces, but if so I would highly reccomend it.
Marcia
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-08-05 17:58
My uppers are fairly good, my lower-fronts bad and am having "age problems" with emb's on sop, alto, bass, saxes, so visit a fine dentist often and discuss ?what next?. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: alyak
Date: 2006-08-05 21:31
Something I have tried that seems to work pretty well is to buy an athletic mouth guard and cut a small piece off of it, and when I heat it up in water, I make it really thin first, then mold it to my teeth. These last a while (for me they last for several weeks - until my bottom teeth cut through it). I also like that they are clear and unnoticeable when I am wearing it. It is pretty comfortable since it is completely molded to my teeth and doesn't slide around.
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Author: sgb2007
Date: 2006-08-06 20:11
I have attempted to athletic mouth guard option but find it difficult to get a piece thin enough to not interfere with my embouchure. Does anyone know how it is possible to make a very thin piece of a mouth guard into a durable protective guard for playing?
In general, I have enjoyed everyone's opinion...everyone has provided some good insight into how they deal with the problem.
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Author: Garret
Date: 2006-08-07 03:46
Ask your dentist!!! A simple smoothing of the teeth might be all it takes, as mentioned by previous posts. I have done this for several people with great success. The cost will vary depending on the dentist you go to. I personally do it as a comp for patients at their regular check-up if the adjustment is minor. I have also made lip guards for musicians. The material I use is .02 inches, which when heated and stretched, becomes slightly thinner than that, less than 1/32 of an inch. It is clear plastic. You don't need to be a dentist that knows how to make dentures to do this--you just need the proper laboratory equipment. I made one for myself and it lasted a long time. Ask your dentist, if smoothing of the teeth doesn't help or if it's not an option, if he/she might be able to make you a thin guard.
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