 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: poopsie
Date: 2005-02-02 22:00
I was not sure what to search for about this topic, so I have decided to post a new topic. Okay, well I have realized that my two front teeth have changed shape as a result of my playing. Instead of having them rounded at the bottom, they are chiseled, kind of at the angle that I hold my mouthpiece at.
Well, this is not the major thing that started bothering me. As I began to practice harder music for a longer period of time it feels like my teeth are going be pushed out by my mouthpiece. I was not sure if this is because I am holding my instrument wrong or not. I'm just confused. I have to do some major practicing for a musical that I am going to be playing in (Camelot. Yay!) and am unable to just take a break from my instrument. Please help!!!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-02-02 22:09
Try a mouthpiece cushion. It'll wear down instead of your teeth. And when it wears down too far, replace it.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: poopsie
Date: 2005-02-02 22:56
I already use the cushion and it does not seem to be helping any. :(
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-02-02 23:40
You probably aren't putting any pressure from your upper lip on the Mouthpiece. Is all the pressure resting just on the upper teeth and not the Lip? Also depends on your reed strength vs. mouthpiece facing.
It won't have anything to do with you holding your instrument correctly or not as if you have an overbite you will naturally play with the Clarinet close to your lap. Opposite for an overbite.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-02-03 02:16
Quote:
It won't have anything to do with you holding your instrument correctly or not as if you have an overbite you will naturally play with the Clarinet close to your lap. Opposite for an overbite. I'm sure what Dave meant was to use "overbite" the first time and "underbite" the second time.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-02-03 02:19
You can also, as JJM has said in past posts (do a search on it) have your dentist create a tooth guard for your upper teeth. I believe he said the cost was around 50 or 60 dollars.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-02-03 13:53
If you are relatively young your teeth can be moved relatively easily....aka dental appliances. I suppose it's possible you are playing so much that you are unintentionally causing your teeth to move. Suggest you consult your dentist or orthodontist.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Garret
Date: 2005-02-03 18:31
I agree with BobD--consult with your dentist or orthodontist. I haven't heard of mouthpieces wearing down people's teeth. Usually the teeth will wear down the mouthpiece because it is softer. I haven't seen people that have had excessive wear from playing clarinet or sax. It might be possible that you're grinding your teeth at night and wearing the front teeth, in which case you should have a nightguard made. Also, I have no experience with crystal mouthpieces, but if they are indeed made of glass and it gets abraded on the area where you bite, it might wear your teeth. Someone who plays a crystal MP would know more about what they are made from.
As for tooth movement, unless you play for 10 hours or more a day, it won't cause your teeth to move, no matter how much pressure you place on your teeth. I just consulted with an orthodontist.
Happy practicing!
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2005-02-03 21:36
"As for tooth movement, unless you play for 10 hours or more a day, it won't cause your teeth to move, no matter how much pressure you place on your teeth. I just consulted with an orthodontist."
I play up to 6 hours a day, and my one upper front tooth has moved forward. My dentist says that's it's definitely related to my clarinet playing. Opinions differ!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-02-04 11:15
Yes, Liquorice, I was going to make a comment about opinions but opted not. How could anyone give an opinion of the poster's problem without an examination!
Bob Draznik
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Author: Garret
Date: 2005-02-04 19:58
Like I mentioned at the beginning of my post,
<<I agree with BobD--consult with your dentist or orthodontist.>>
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Author: Rene
Date: 2005-02-05 19:01
Sorry, but I think, even a few hours a day of playing can move the teeth out, especially if the clarinet is in two vertical a position. Teeth move very easily in all ages. Dentists use this fact to do myicals with just a little bit of tweaking. Normal clarinet play should not be a problem. If it is, you better ask a specialist as soon as possible.
Rene
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Author: avincel
Date: 2005-02-06 00:31
I am an orthodontist and clarinet player. The teeth will move in response to pressure, but there is much individual variation in the intensity and duration required. Some individuals have teeth that move more easily than others. For most persons an hour or two of play daily should not cause significant movement and even this will recover during the nonplaying hours. A young person will be more susceptible than an adult because of more active bone physiology, i.e., growth and tooth eruption.
That you are experiencing wear and tooth movement suggests high intensity, prolonged playing or, perhaps, an unconscious habit such as biting or leaning on the mouthpiece. I suggest that you take your teeth and your mouthpiece to your orthodontist or dentist and have an evaluation. You might also want your clarinet teacher to critique your playing for proper mouthpiece technique.
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Author: poopsie
Date: 2005-02-06 04:14
I thought that my tooth moving days were over, but I guess not. ok, just to get the other problem out of the way, my front two teeth are wearing down because of my playing. can that be fixed?
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Author: avincel
Date: 2005-02-06 20:03
Sure. If the wear is slight, the edges can be evened up by a little selective grinding. If more extensive, the teeth can be restored with a composite tooth-colored dental material. But I would only do this after the cause of the excess wear is corrected, otherwise you'll just wear the teeth down again. If you go to the dentist, take your mouthpiece with you. It might help the dentist determine the cause of your unusual wear. Also, assuming that you use a hard rubber or plastic mouthpiece, it should show more wear than your teeth. Does it??
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Author: coaster14
Date: 2005-02-08 01:12
Hi, Don't understand why it would 'wear down' your front teeth. I am a dental hygienist. I've been playing clarinet for over 25 years now and no problems with wear. I do notice wear marks on the mouthpiece pad. I also know that I grind my teeth at night and I do wear a guard at night. Are you sure the wear is from your clarinet and not a biting habit? (you also may be grinding your teeth at night) Sometimes you notice your jaw is tight or your ear is sore in the morning.
BUT...yes the clarinet mouthpiece and playing can move your teeth. I had an underbite. It has been 'corrected' front teeth only. By playing clarinet. It has pulled the upper teeth slightly forward and pushed the lower teeth slightly inward. (the rest of the teeth are still in 'underbite' position). The other instruments and mouthpieces also have their own 'disadvantages' when it comes to teeth movement. brass, oboe, even violin, etc.
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Author: poopsie
Date: 2005-02-08 01:58
I do not think that I grind my teeth at night. If it is damage from grinding my teeth then he never mentioned it. I also do not have any of the effects above mentioned when I wake up. I guess I'll just have to make a trip to the dentist to find out the root of all my problems. ;(
Thanks so much! All of the posts have been very informative. 
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