The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: melissa
Date: 2002-12-10 21:04
I am going to be getting my braces off in late December. When i started playing clarinet again, i had them on. When i get them off, will it effect my playing? If so is there anything that i can do now to help make the change less obvious in my playing? thanks for the help
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-12-11 01:42
If I remember correctly (and I may be forgetting something; my braces came off about 20-odd years ago), I didn't have really any trouble adjusting. Just keep the same clarinet tone in your mind when you play and your embouchure muscles should adapt.
Hopefully my foggy memory hasn't glossed over any problems I may have had!
Katrina
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-12-11 04:13
Judging from my son's experience, you will probably have no more change than you did each time the braces were adjusted (tightened.)
He had a problem with the teeth moving excessively when the braces were first taken off. The Orthodontist thought that the unerupted wisdom teeth were doing this and wanted them out, but he decided that the clarinet playing might be the cause. The wisdom teeth are still in there, and at the suggestion of the general dentist he wore the retainers far beyond the requirements of the orthodontist. The movement stoped before it became excessive. Something for you to watch out for.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2002-12-11 12:27
Yes removal of orthodontic appliances for clarinettists should be accompanied by a suggestion to retain longer. Some evidence for upper front teeth movement does exist. Better be safe than sorry.
Your son's orthodontist may like to work with your son regarding the size and shape of a blowdown (vacuum formed) retainer for these teeth only as special "playing retainer" as an adjunct to the usual palte or more extensive appliance. I've found this works well and does not encroach too much to alter the mouth dimensions for playing.
BobT
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2002-12-12 17:19
The suggestion to keep the retainer on longer than normal is well taken. Take BobT's posting above to your orthodontist.
When I had mine off 35 years ago, I found some real difficulties, that took a couple of weeks to resolve. I had to relearn things when they went on, and again when they came off.
If you do have problems, they will resolve themselves, but it may take time. Don't let it frustrate you. Take things slowly - you will have to re-orient yourself to your instrument. Expect your normal progress to be interrupted.
I hope your music teachers are understanding.
Regards
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2002-12-13 02:57
When my daughter first had her braces removed, her front teeth were a little tender for about 4 days. I bought her a mouthpiece cushion to relieve the discomfort.
Mark
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