Thermographic evaluation of the saxophonists’ embouchure

Abstract

The orofacial complex is the primarily link between the instrument and the instrumentalist when performing the musician’s embouchure. The contact point is established between the saxophonist lower lip, the upper maxillary dentition and the mouthpiece. The functional demands of the saxophone player and consequent application of forces with an excessive pressure can significantly influence the orofacial structures. A thermographic evaluation was performed to an anatomical zone vital for the embouchure, such as the lip of the saxophonist. Substantial temperature changes occurred before and after playing saxophone. The specificity of the embouchure regarding the position of the lower lip inside the oral cavity, the anatomy and position of the central lower incisors can be some of the factors involved in the origin of the existing temperature differences on the thermographic evaluation.