Pipe clenching with dentures

[pipeguy82]

Hi guys, I just activated my membership here and could use some advice. I get to look forward to full dentures in less than a month and wanted to know if any other false-teeth wearers out there have problems clenching a pipe. I've been a pipe smoker for 12 years and have a big collection of billiards and canadians--all straight stem pipes, some of which are heavy. I've invested in one medium-sized 20s-era Peterson dental billiard, and I have my first bent-stem pipe on the way. I never liked rubber bits but am trying to get used to them. Any other advice about what I should expect? I have at least one buddy telling me, based on his experience, that I should get used to smoking cigars from here on out.

 

[Greyson]

Hey there Pipeguy, welcome to the BoB, I hope you enjoy your time here. I'm afraid I cant help with your question, but I'm sure some of the guys can share their experiences and help you out.

 

[monbla256]

Hi guys, I just activated my membership here and could use some advice. I get to look forward to full dentures in less than a month and wanted to know if any other false-teeth wearers out there have problems clenching a pipe. I've been a pipe smoker for 12 years and have a big collection of billiards and canadians--all straight stem pipes, some of which are heavy. I've invested in one medium-sized 20s-era Peterson dental billiard, and I have my first bent-stem pipe on the way. I never liked rubber bits but am trying to get used to them. Any other advice about what I should expect? I have at least one buddy telling me, based on his experience, that I should get used to smoking cigars from here on out.

Being a brother who's worn full dentures for over 20 years and smoked my pipes for twice that length of time I can give you some observations from my experience.
First, vulcanite/ebonite is your friend. Acrylic bits are harder and usually are not shaped as thin as a corresponding hard rubber bit is. Vulcanite/ebonite is a softer material and i have found I can get a better "grip" with this bit material.
Second, I smoke a lot of straight pipes as well, mainly pots and bulldogs with a few lovats and canadians and billiards as well. The rest of my pipes are mostly 1/8th to 1/4 bent bulldogs/rhodesians. I can clench most of my straight pipes as long as they have wide, thin vulcanite bits and are not much over 6" OA in length.
Third, the bit shape is VERY important as for comfort with dentures and fo me,I have found wide (5/8" at least) flat vulcanite Fishtail bits work best. I have replaced some acrylic bits on pipes just to have this shape and material for my comfort. ( P-Lips are one of my least liked bits) and I have replaced most of mine on my Pete's with fishtails even though most Pete bits are vulcanite but they are not wide and FLAT.
Fourth, I now don't "clench" my pipes as much except when smoking while typing or walking around, the rest of the time I hlod 'em in my hand.
I have found those rubber "softie" bit covers are too bulky for my comfort and have learned to live with Obsidian Oil as a smoking companion to deal with the oxidation of my bits as they age and some I just smoke green
Hope any of this will help you continue to enjoy your pipes in the future/

 

[gravel]

Welcome to BoB!

There is one gentleman I know of who removes his dentures when he smokes.

 

[williamcharles]

When I got my "teeth" I found that a pipe bit, vulcanite or acrylic, is VERY slippery and I have to be very careful or the pipe lands where a pipe shouldn't land. Some bits I put softies on. Don't like em but they do have a use.

 

[pipeguy82]

Thanks for your advice guys; it's good to know I'll still be able to put a pipe in my mouth. Feel free to send along any other advice.

 

[monbla256]

Thanks for your advice guys; it's good to know I'll still be able to put a pipe in my mouth. Feel free to send along any other advice.

Just hang in there and realize your enjoyment of this "evil weed" is still VERY MUCH possible albeit with some adjustment . Take your time and stay tuned to your mouth, it will tell you more than all the "advice" you may receive. main thing, and this really should be for ALL, don't try to force anything. And if something is not comfortble, don't do it!

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Pipeguy82 - Welcome to the BoB and happy new year. Glad someone here could help you out. Even though I don't have your issue, I do agree that acrylic bits are way less comfortable. I have very sensitive teeth due to TMJ, and I have put Mr. Softie's rubber bit sleeves on all my pipes. I am not a clencher, but when I have to hold my pipe in my teeth for whatever reason these little sleeves really help, they also preserve the integrity of your pipe bits.

Monbla, you mentioned that you changed your P-lips out with Fishtails. Aside from sending pipes back to Dublin for refitting, can you recommend a place that Peterson retrofits?

 

[monbla256]

Pipeguy82 - Welcome to the BoB and happy new year. Glad someone here could help you out. Even though I don't have your issue, I do agree that acrylic bits are way less comfortable. I have very sensitive teeth due to TMJ, and I have put Mr. Softie's rubber bit sleeves on all my pipes. I am not a clencher, but when I have to hold my pipe in my teeth for whatever reason these little sleeves really help, they also preserve the integrity of your pipe bits.

Monbla, you mentioned that you changed your P-lips out with Fishtails. Aside from sending pipes back to Dublin for refitting, can you recommend a place that Peterson retrofits?

I've used these folks for several years now. The replacement bits I get are NOT OEM Pete bits. which does not matter to me. Getting a bit that works is what I'm after. I just send the pipe to them, they fit it all up and I put the OEM bit in the box ( since I have bought over 98% of my pipes new, I have the original boxes and socks they came with). I have usually stayed with the OEM bit untill I felt I needed to replace it either thru wear or getting damaged and get Walker to do the replacement Here's a link to their site, they are GREAT folks to deal with and do GREAT work.

http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Pipeguy82 - Welcome to the BoB and happy new year. Glad someone here could help you out. Even though I don't have your issue, I do agree that acrylic bits are way less comfortable. I have very sensitive teeth due to TMJ, and I have put Mr. Softie's rubber bit sleeves on all my pipes. I am not a clencher, but when I have to hold my pipe in my teeth for whatever reason these little sleeves really help, they also preserve the integrity of your pipe bits.

Monbla, you mentioned that you changed your P-lips out with Fishtails. Aside from sending pipes back to Dublin for refitting, can you recommend a place that Peterson retrofits?

I've used these folks for several years now. The replacement bits I get are NOT OEM Pete bits. which does not matter to me. Getting a bit that works is what I'm after. I just send the pipe to them, they fit it all up and I put the OEM bit in the box ( since I have bought over 98% of my pipes new, I have the original boxes and socks they came with). I have usually stayed with the OEM bit untill I felt I needed to replace it either thru wear or getting damaged and get Walker to do the replacement Here's a link to their site, they are GREAT folks to deal with and do GREAT work.

http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/

Thank you Monbla, much appreciated. I'll look them up. I have 3 pipes that I am looking to retrofit. Like you, I do not care much for the P-lip. I acquired 3 different Pete's over the last year for dirt cheap, all have the P-lip and would be so much better with a standard bit.