Dental issues

[ammo]

I've been trying to play longer passages on tenor, but I just can't control the air like I should (or used to). I have a molar missing on the top right, and no matter what I do, I lose a lot of air because my cheeks puff out and I can't keep my lips closed. I have tried stuffing it with beeswax, but of course it gets soft and falls out. Any recommendations?
I figure this is pretty bommon with older players - receding gums is a similar problem. Is there a product that you can apply to the back of the teeth at the gumline while playing?
:toothy9:

[Gandalfe]

I guess I don't understand, Ammo. missing a molar doesn't increase the amount of air that escapes from the side of a player's teeth into their mouth. Your teeth line is open from the mouthpiece back on both sides. If you are losing air through your mouth, your embouchure isn't strong enough.

[drrodgers2002]

Ammo,

I am a better dentist than I am a sax player (thank goodness for my patients) so I will address things from the other end.

So talk to your dentist. The missing molar can possibly be replaced with a number of things. An implant (ideal when possible) a bridge (maybe) and possible some other altrernatives.

Also the receding gums need to be addressed. Age alone does not cause gum recession, it is a pathologic thing that can be helped in many instances.

lol...I bet you never thought you would get a dental consultation on a sax forum. :]

Regards,
Jeff

[Mike W]

Hi Ammo, I am missing several teeth in the same area as you describe and elsewhere and have no problems playing. You might try using your cheek muscles to prevent puffing of your cheeks if that is causing you problems. I have a friend who puffs his cheeks when playing though and he gets a great tone and is a fantastic player.

[Ian]

Jeff, if you're up for another consultation, can you tell me whether you have any experience with implants in the front 4 upper teeth. I have played with a four tooth bridge in the front top jaw for 15 years, but this has now finally given way (recent apicectomy etc) and I am now looking at having three implants put in. IS my sax career gone? And is there any chance I will still be able to play for the three months that I have to wait after the implants are placed until I get my new crowns? I understand I will wear a partial plate for that time. Any of your expertise much appreciated.

[alsdiego]

FWIW, I just got a full upper bridge, and frankly, it's far more comfortable for sax playing than my old upper partial... much stronger support. I was lucky, my dentist plays tenor, so it was easy for him to figure out what I needed :roll:

Also, I second the motion that molar gaps should not cause problems. I think its an embouchure issue. You really need strong muscles on the sides to get a strong, leak-free embouchure. Check out Larry Teal's book for some advice and exercises. I use it, and its great. It's called the Art of Saxophone Playing, and its a classic.

Al

[WorldIRC]

I had my wisdoms out last summer (2003). I was out from playing for a good two months.

[ammo]

Thanks, alsdiego, I'll look for Larry Teal's book for embouchure exercises.
Meanwhile, my problem was ameliorated when I backed off my decision to move to a stiffer reed (#4; I'd just "graduated" from 2-1/2 to 3 a year ago, and thought I could handle the pressure, and the concert band conductor would be pleased with a darker tone). I dug out the very last of my old #2 Selmer Omega tenor reeds.
You know the type, you can't bear to part with an old friend like this one, even though there's a little nick out of the center of the tip. I had pencilled "I will miss you" on the back.
Well, it's working real fine. Good tone, control, no squeaks, good bottom, and I'm not over-blowing nor losing air out the corners. I'm pretty pleased. So that's a good solution to this gap-tooth embouchure issue.
Meanwhile, is my son's band director correct to insist that the second-year high school sax students should be playing #4 reeds?

[drrodgers2002]

Jeff, if you're up for another consultation, can you tell me whether you have any experience with implants in the front 4 upper teeth. I have played with a four tooth bridge in the front top jaw for 15 years, but this has now finally given way (recent apicectomy etc) and I am now looking at having three implants put in. IS my sax career gone? And is there any chance I will still be able to play for the three months that I have to wait after the implants are placed until I get my new crowns? I understand I will wear a partial plate for that time. Any of your expertise much appreciated.

Sorry to take so long to get back to you but I have been on vacation. You will love the implants once they are done and completely integrated. However, make sure your dentist knows you are a player because the force and vibration that will come from playing is something they need to keep in mind regarding healing time. No big hurdles or anything just good to have the information.

The biggest issue you will have is the partial you will wear in the meantime. It will take some effort for you to get used to it, but you will adapt. The partial will be something like a retainer so it will not be as solid as your bridge or the implants.

Legal disclaimer...sorry but I have to add that this is certainly not a substitute for a proper and complete exam and is not intended to serve as a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Basically, I happily provide this information but it should not replace anything that you and your dentist have discussed.

Again...sorry for the legal stuff but...

Hope this helps.

Jeff

Fee free to e-mail me privately if you have more questions. drrodgers@drrodgers.com

[Ian]

Dr. Rodgers. Thanks, and the legal stuff understood (I am a cardiologist). I have had the apicectomy done, and the old bridge seems to be holding up, so I am going to stall the implants for a while, at my dentists advice. THe other non-apicectomized support tooth of my bridge has an apical bone cyst (in the maxilla) that my max facial surgeon says should be dealt with at some time, but that apparently can wait (dentist seems more in favour of waiting, and says the cyst could have been present for years. they will sort it out when the implants are placed. THanks for the reply and encouragement. It seems that I will put this off for around six months, and then take the plunge.

[drrodgers2002]

Sounds good. I won't get onto you for dental habits if you won't get on to me for the bucket of fried chicken I just ate. :]

Regards,
Jeff