Protective mouthguard for upper teeth?

[LloydB]

Over the 'Covid Break' <tm>, my blowpipe pushed
off (for the 2nd time) a crown on a front tooth. It's
back in place, but it's, at best, a precarious 'issue'.

Can anyone suggest a silicone (or other) tooth
guard that might be compatible with piping?

(Not the familiar rubber mouthpiece tubing, I'm
needing one that's placed directly over the upper
teeth.)

I expect to change to an Airstream, or similar
adjustable blowpipe, but further protection is
probably needed.

Any suggestions (or even negative experiences)
are gratefully hope for.

[Lightningstorms]

I really like using vinyl tubing, it seems somewhat hard but is very forgiving to my teeth. Cheers

[Pip01]

Lloyd,

Hands down!!... The Reed Wrangler!!

It's the safest!! It is the most versatile!! It is very... in-expensive!!

Web site: TheReedWrangler.net. [URL corrected by moderator]

If... if... you get one, and you don't like it, I shall be happy to buy
it from you.

Good Luck with it all,

Pip01

[Calum]

The reed wrangler does sound like a useful thing to try.

Not to teach old dogs new tricks, but it might be worth making the point that most people bite too hard when they play, and with a little bit of practice it should be possible to back off on bite pressure and just use the teeth to hold, rather than chew, which your dentist would probably be grateful for.

[el gaitero]

A clear hard ‘plastic’ “night guard’ made by a local orthodontist will work well for years. I had braces in 2003...every several years I go back and get new upper and lower guards. They fit the aligned profile perfectly, are nearly invisible and are very thin and strong. A bit pricey..~$150.....but ‘’forever’

[Andrew Lenz]

Second the recommendation for the Reed Wrangler. Love mine.

Andrew

[Kevin Palm]

The actual Web site is http://www.reedwrangler.net/

Web site: TheReedWrangler.com.

[Moderator note: Fixed link in original post.]

[LloydB]

A clear hard ‘plastic’ “night guard’ made by a local orthodontist will work well for years. I had braces in 2003...every several years I go back and get new upper and lower guards. They fit the aligned profile perfectly, are nearly invisible and are very thin and strong. A bit pricey..~$150.....but ‘’forever’

Cheers; a 'night guard' might be a solution.

Cheers also to others, I was probably unclear,
but some sort of support over the teeth is needed,
and a dental 'wire' support behind them isn't out
of the question.

Has anyone here used a 'night guard' or other similar
guard while piping?


And again, if something someone here tried and
didn't work... knowing about that could be useful.

[LeoCDN]

I use both... as an aging adult I just finished with my braces - the final set of trays is what you want... a dentist can 3D scan and produce a set (durable plastic). They’ll “snap” in place and are secure. 3 months ago I purchased 2 reed wranglers - one for my practice chanter and one for my pipes... a remarkable reduction in jaw tension. “Belt & Suspenders”... overkill- for sure. Protecting your crown... I’d get a set on Invisalign trays to start. Good luck!

[Raibeart]

I know you said you wanted something over your teeth not the blowstick, but you might try thick soft surgical tubing on the mouthpiece. Not the vinyl stuff from the hardware store, real medical-grade (or at least food-safe) rubber tubing. I get mine from a brewing supply shop and I think it's only $1 or so a foot. Cheap enough to try and might do what you need. That and the recommendation to try to break the habit of tightly clenching (which I need to do as well!)

[Pip01]

That and the recommendation to try to break the habit of tightly clenching (which I need to do as well!)

Ah, yes!! That... and the hands... and the fingers!!
All known affectionately as... "The Beginner's Death Grip!"

And thanks to Kevin & Andrew... for correcting The Reed Wrangler's address.

[Raibeart]

Ah, yes!! That... and the hands... and the fingers!!
All known affectionately as... "The Beginner's Death Grip!"

I guess that means I've been a beginner for going on 35 years now ;-)

[Raibeart]

One of the things that can encourage the habit of biting too hard is a blowpipe that's not tied in properly. It should rest easily at your mouth. If it's continually trying to escape from you, you'll tend to bite to stop it getting away. If yours does this it would be beneficial to re-tie it in in such a way that it doesn't, or perhaps try one of those adjustable blowpipes that lets you alter the angle. Just a thought.....

[snomingo]

I second the recommendation for an Invisalign retainer. I wear one to protect my bottom teeth while playing. It should serve the same purpose for your upper teeth. It's much thinner than any bite/night guard; when I tried using my thick upper night guard it interfered with keeping my lips sealed around the blowpipe.

[LloydB]

Cheers to all who contributed advice on this...
I've combined a ReedWrangler with a borrowed
Winstanlyuniversal blowpipe. Two practices
so far, with improving confidence. The next
challenge will be rebuilding my 'lip stamina'.

My dentist's opinion is that a retainer wouldn't
be helpful in this case. She's an expert, and
we'll see how future practices work out.