 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Julie
Date: 2000-09-24 17:36
Hi everybody,
I just started college as a clarinet performance major, and I am obviously expected to practice a lot. So I've started slowly making my practice sessions longer (from one hour twice a day to two hours twice a day). The problem is, my teeth are cutting through my lower lip. While I was at Interlochen last summer, I used wax sheets over my teeth and it temporarily fixed the problem.
If I just 'play through' the pain, will It eventually go away? Or should I resort to using something to cover my teeth again? Four hours a day still isn't even close to how much I need to be practicing each day.
Could I be 'biting' too much? Or have I just increased my practice time too quickly?
Thanks for any help.
-Julie
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Author: Steven
Date: 2000-09-24 18:14
Hey Julie,
A lot of saxophone players I know have mouth guards specially made by a dentist for their lower teeth to prevent cutting their lip. Unfortunately I don't know how this would help a clarinetist; I don't practice as much as I should, so my lip doesn't get cut excessively.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2000-09-24 19:21
Save the nickel on the dentist's custom mold. Go to the drug store, pick-up a box of "EZO" HEAVY UPPER/LOWER Denture Cushions. Cut one cushion in even sections to form fit your lower three/four front teeth. (or whatever size is most comfortable) Apply firmly to your lower front teeth creating a mold. The cushion will soften, then bind to your teeth as saliva begins breaking it down.
They're cheap, don't interfere with air stream, tonguing or ebouchure set; they prevent cutting, one piece can last up to a week and they can add hours to your practice and performance time. Pre-cut about 30 (half a box), store in a sandwich bag, metal mint/candy box, etc. throw them in your case and forget about it.
Happy Shedding! <:-)
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Author: DLE
Date: 2000-09-25 12:11
Ah! This is something I know something about. My teeth hurt my lower lip when I play too - but then for me that cannot be avoided becdause of the irregular shape of my top front teeth. Also, I'm lucky in a way since my lips are strong and don't cut that easily, even under MY embouchure pressure!
They do hurt quite alot sometimes, but I've learn't to get used to it, even though I shouldn't (It's a man thing, understand?). Anyway, I don't know about the dentist idea, but if your lip keeps on getting cut then try it. I would also suggest that you try different techniques of embouchure when playing. You could try the 'Double Lip' approach for example - or just try easing off a little on your mouth pressure whilst playing.
One of the reasons that I am switching to Bass clarinet is that it puts lets pressure on my mouth, and so causes me less pain.
The last suggestion (which I can hear a load of objections to), is to just sit down once in a while and relax. Perhaps you're practising too much! You might want to lessen the hours of practice a bit, for medical reasons - remember those excuses we made up in school!!!!!
That's it for now - Don't worry, I'm sure everything will work out.
All the best.
Dave.
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Author: Rene
Date: 2000-09-25 15:23
I do not think that playing through pain does any good. t will get worse only. You could shorten your practise sessions, find another liip position, bite less, or even go through a dentist and ask to smoothen the teeth, if they have corners, sharp edges or such.
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Author: Gavin
Date: 2000-09-26 03:39
I have played with customised lower mouthguards made by a dental technician for the past 10 years. My first guard eventually broke, but my current one is still going strong. It covers only the first four bottom teeth as is most comfortable. I believe it also assists me in sound production by ensuring my jaw is just that little bit more open (by the thickness of the mouthguard). I have the stability of knowing that the mouthguard set up is always the same, whereas the use of disposable cushions might not be as reliable, but I have never heard of "EZO" cushions, so I don't know. I wonder about false economy if you use a new EZO cushion every week when you could expect at least 5 years of heavy duty playing out of a customised guard. The other thing commonly used by students here is Australia is florist's tape which is available in rolls from florists. It is a plastic-type tape which is easily moulded into the required shape, but needs to be replaced each session you play. I certainly have never regreted paying a dental technician for making a custom mouthguard.
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Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-09-27 05:26
Julie, increasing your practice hours can take a little bit to get used to, but there is a limit. If you are going to increase practice time, I would recommend doing so slowly. Too fast, and you will wind up with a sore lip that won't last 15 minutes. This is no fun. If you still have problems, The mouthguard may be an idea to consider. Good luck, and be careful not to kill your chops. -- Nate Zeien
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Author: Joris van den Berg
Date: 2000-09-27 08:15
With the student orchestra I play in, we have rehearsal weekends. That's friday evening (8 to 11), saturday form 10 in the morning to 11 in the evening and sunday from 10 to 1 o'clock. The first time my lips got sore on friday and feelingless on saturday, the last few weekends I didn't even notice a thing.
If your teeth aren't especially sharp you'll get used to it. (I hope for you that hapens soon)
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