Not only does Dr. Amir Kamburov have essential knowledge for singers, his patients—many of whom are performing vocalists—actually enjoy their visits.
We might think that going to the dentist is just a necessary evil to avoid the greater pain of tooth decay.
Amir Kamburov, however, believes that the health of the mouth and jaw often hold the key to a healthier life, not to mention a better vocal performance.
In fact, there are three important reasons performing vocalists need to consider a check-up…
1. Better Singing
A habitual (relaxed and comfortable) tongue position is ideal for singers; however, tensions resulting from a misaligned jaw can push the larynx down, leading to very inefficient vocalizing, not to mention the headaches which often accompany functional jaw issues.
There are four fundamental voice mechanisms essential for vocalists to know about; all are separate formations of sound which need to work together for the voice to reach its potential—while not interfering with the musculoskeletal structure.
These four areas are rarely considered or taught—yet it is critical that vocalists know about them:
* The articulation of pitch within the laryngeal vocal folds
* The articulation of vowels within a muscular pharynx having two thirds of the tongue forming its anterior wall
* The articulation of consonants using the free third of the tongue, along with lips and other voluntary muscles associated with the oral cavity
*The articulation at the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint), which is a translating and not a hinging joint
When coordinated, these four separate mechanisms ensure natural swallowing patterns, nose breathing, natural tongue posture, well functioning face muscles and a stable dental complement.
Correct jaw alignment can bring vast improvements to these areas.
2. Appearance
Maximizing your appearance gives you performance confidence.
You’re likely aware that good dental care and regular check-ups are a part of achieving this confidence.
What many people may not realize is that the position of your jaw is related to the position of your teeth, your nose and even your entire posture.
For these reasons, I urge every person, especially performing vocalists to have a jaw assessment. The assessment is a very simple, non-intrusive exam which can quickly determine if some re-positioning of your jaw could bring you much greater peace of mind.
3. Quality of Life
What would you do if you had persistent migraines, snoring or ear-aches?
Many people would book an appointment with their GP; however, these symptoms may very well be signs that your jaw is out of alignment, leading to muscle tensions and ill health.
A slight misalignment of the jaw may not be very noticeable but it can lead to unhealthy habits such as breathing through the mouth, which bypasses the body’s natural filtering system of breathing through the nose.
I have even seen people whose improper jaw alignment causes them to struggle even to breathe; their mouth is always open and they walk around with their torso thrust forward in an attempt to get their next breath.
People usually think that dentistry has to do with decay, but that is only one aspect of what may be going on with your mouth and jaw. Remember that the answer to these health issues may very well lie with your dentist.
4. The Next Step
I encourage you to ask your dentist about the placement of your jaw— or to find a dentist who is aware of the implications of jaw placement on your health.
This could very well be the key you were looking for, not only for your appearance and health, but also for your next performance.
Useful Links
A more detailed look at the jaw with Amir Kamburov
Dr Amir Kamburov qualified as a Dentist from WITS University in Johannesburg in 1998. His extensive postgraduate training in Cosmetic Dentistry, Facial Aesthetics, Implantology, Orthopaedic Orthodontics and Functional Jaw Development has positioned him as one of the top dentists who is widely popular with patients in London. Amir keeps abreast of modern Dental Techniques and Treatments in order to provide excellence to his patients, with their best interests in mind.
