The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2009-10-31 14:31
One of the teeth to the side of the two front ones has just fallen out (part of some complicated dental work) and I am not going to do any more practice until it has been dealt with. I don't think this is due to playing because I assume that otherwise it would have been the front ones that would go, but how much pressure is put on your teeth while playing? is the clarinet a good instrument to play if you have dodgy front teeth like me?
Maruja
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Author: knotty
Date: 2009-10-31 14:53
Sorry about your tooth. I have a plate for all my front upper teeth, the result of a motorcycle accident when I was young.
While I'm just a comeback beginner, I find playing without my plate (no upper front teeth at all) works pretty well and is more comfortable without the plate too.
knotty
~ Musical Progress: None ~
Post Edited (2009-10-31 17:05)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2009-10-31 20:35
Are you talking top or bottom front teeth?
The bottom are most important in that they form the support bed of the embouchure against the reed.
The top teeth are of course also an important part of the embouchure but subject to lower pressure, and if you use a double lip embouchure (where the top teeth do not actually rest on the mouthpiece) then very little pressure at all.
The clarinet (and even more so Saxophone) is probably an easier option if you are concerned about your teeth than say flute or trumpet which involve more pressure on the front face of the teeth.
The little pressure involved using the clarinet mouthpiece is virtually vertical so pushing the teeth intowards the socket and not out of it.
For many years I played with a partial plate carrying my top front teeth and with no substantial problems, however some years ago I had this replaced with a bridge which does provide a complete feel of security.
Talk to your dentist and explain your question as he/she will be best able to help you decide.
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