What to do if you’re a musician with tooth loss

Tooth loss and playing an instrument

As you probably already know, everyone’s mouth is unique. The distinct nature of every individual’s mouth requires us as dentists to take heed of all of our patients’ individual needs, especially for patients who use their mouths for specific niches.

Today,Implant Dentist Dr. Keith Cooper from San Jose, CA is going to switch gears a little bit in his blog to talk about the importance of communicating with your dentist about your mouth’s necessities. Specifically, I will be discussing the importance of specialized care in individuals who play wind instruments. 

First, if you use your mouth to play an instrument, then make sure you talk to your dentist about this. Implant Dentist Dr. Keith Cooper believes that your dentist should be aware of all of your unique dental needs, so you can get the most specialized care. Musicians are no different. You may or may not know this, but the slightest alteration in your teeth, tongue, or jaw can impact the way that you play your
instrument.

Why is this? Well, an important part of a musician’s talent is their embouchure. For those of you who don’t play instruments, you’re probably wondering what this foreign-sounding word means. “Embouchure” is the term that wind musicians use to describe how their mouth rests against their instrument.

A musician’s embouchure is made up of their lips, tongue, mouth, and facial muscles. Musician practice perfecting and adjusting their embouchure over time, so they can produce beautiful music with perfect tone, range, and endurance. A change in embouchure means that the musician will also have to undergo practically “relearning” their instrument.

Should Musicians Get Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are used to cover chips, breaks, stains, and gaps in your teeth. Musicians who are unhappy with their smiles can get dental veneers. Alas, if you’re a musician, you should be aware that a veneer will require you to relearn your embouchure afterward.

Typically, musicians should not get bonding or veneers in the anterior section of their mouth. This is another important reason why musicians should discuss treatments options with their dentist to determine the best remedy to preserve their embouchure.

Should Musicians Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants have a variety of dental health benefits, but in summary they are used to replace a lost tooth. If you’re a wind musician, dental implants are probably a better alternative than dental veneers or bonding. This is because dental implants are hand made and can be sculpted to replicate and preserve the shape of your mouth.

However, in order to achieve this, you should be aware that you’d need to have a mold of your mouth and teeth made, so that in the event of a dental emergency you can show your dentist how your mouth and teeth should look.

It’s also important to note that after your dental implant procedure, you’ll need to lay off your horn until your mouth has healed. So, if you’re a smooth jazz player that plays a mean saxophone, then not all hope is lost just because your tooth is lost. Just make sure that you openly communicate with your dentist to show him that you need to preserve your unique embouchure.

Contact our Office in San Jose, CA

If your embouchure has been compromised, and your smile is a source of irritation due to tooth loss, contact our office. Our dental implants will get you back on track to playing your instrument. Give us a call today at 408-253-4150 for a free consultation.