 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ron
Date: 2004-12-23 20:59
After many years, I finally got braces to correct my bite. The problem with playing now is that it feels like there is a erector set in my mouth. The orthodontist recommends using the special wax that is provided to all patients. Wax works well but is very labor intensive to remove. It is not something that can be easily put in and removed several times a day.
Does anyone have any suggestions for something to cover the braces on the lower teeth to prevent the lower gums from becoming irritated? There must be a simple solution to this problems. Any suggestions are very much appreciated.
Ron
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Author: avincel
Date: 2004-12-23 21:31
Ask your orthodontist for a plastic braces shield that covers the braces and insulates the lip from the sharp parts. They are a little bulky but can be removed cleanly. Or ask or look for in the drug store the braces wax that is actually made from a flexible silicone material. It is less crumbly and easier to remove than wax. Or, as a last resort, chew some sugarless bubble gum--- very carefully so as to not loosen brackets and bend the wires--- and use the gum to cover the offending braces.
P.S. I'm a retired orthodontist and mediocre clarinet player
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Author: Topher
Date: 2004-12-23 22:12
http://www.wwbw.com/Jet-Tone-Lip-Protector-i83249.music
My trumpet-playing friend used these, and he loved them. Says it made the braces even bulkier, which is irritating, but playing no longer cut his lip to ribbons. I would imagine they would work just as well for clarinet.
topher, who grinned and beared it during his braces years, and hated it the whole time
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Author: marcia
Date: 2004-12-23 22:16
I recently had braces applied (for the SECOND time in my life) and found the wax essential during the first week or so. Yes it was a little tedious but eventually I did not need to use it and can now play for an extended time without too much discomfort. If you cannot find a suitable replacement, take heart, you won't need it forever. Try playing a little each day without it and eventually your lip will toughen up and you won't need the protection.
Marcia
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Author: Ron
Date: 2004-12-23 22:30
Marcia,
Thanks for the note and encouragement. This is quite an adjustment. Actually, this is the second time in my life that I've had braces. I don't recall how I dealt with playing the clarinet with them when I was very young. This is quite an experience.
Ron
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Author: Ron
Date: 2004-12-23 22:31
Thanks for the information. I'll discuss your suggestions with my orthodontist.
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Author: Ron
Date: 2004-12-23 22:33
Topher,
Thanks for the link. I'll check in to it.
Ron
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Author: John Stackpole
Date: 2004-12-23 22:46
Or (my) economic and low-tech solution, was just to take a little piece of 3x5 card stock. fold it a few times and "tent" it over the lower teeth.
After a while that paper gets wet, mushy and a bit yucky - so? There is plenty more where that came from.
After a while I stopped needing it.
JDS
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Author: Aussiegirl
Date: 2004-12-24 05:42
I found the wax helpful when i had braces. Bonjela or any other gel meant for numbing baby's gums when teething also helps for when the braces have cut your mouth, from clarinet or otherwise!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-12-24 20:59
The plastic thing that goes over them sounds like a good deal. I played for 4 years with braces during my jr. hi. and high school days. One year was while wearing retainers, but I count it anyway.
When I first got the braces I used the wax. After about a month I didn't need to use it anymore and just played without anything covering the braces. My band director said I needed to change to the French Horn and sent me home with one. I didn't find that any less painful and wasn't too interested in starting over when I'd been sitting first chair and had worked hard at learning the clarinet.
It's hard, but you can do it.
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Author: SimpsonSaxGal
Date: 2004-12-28 23:57
I had a problem of my bottom teeth digging into my bottom lip. My instructor told me to get some waterproof medical tape (about 1/2 inch wide) and fold it over itself so it's not sticky. Fold it about in half, and put it over your teeth. It helps a lot!
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2004-12-29 16:56
Okay......here's yet another suggestion for you. Have you ever heard of the product Lip-Ease? I order it through Music 123.com or wwbw.com. It costs about $4 or $5 and is just so easy to use.
It's a very, very light piece of foldable wax that you cut from a larger strip and place over the lower teeth. It's very soft and pliable and you can reuse the same piece several times. I am still on the first package I ordered and that was about 6 months ago. It was designed and made for exactly what you are going through. I use it because I practice for long hours and my teeth are straight but very faceted and cut my lower lip without it.
I had braces as a teen and all of my children have had them. I just told them to toughen up and get used to it because the wax is a pain to use and in the long run you don't want to have to depend on it to be able to play. They did. However........it does depend on how long you practice. If you do the minimum of 20 minutes a day, I'd say you just need to toughen up. If you are playing for an hour or more then you will need some help. I worked for a dentist for years and saw some torn up lips from musical instruments. Be smart and use your good judgement about it.
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