I have an Otto Link Metal mouthpiece for my alto. When I am playing I have a tendency to emplace my bottom teeth tightly up against my lower lip. I guess unknowingly I apply alot of upward pressure and this causes my bottom lip to become raw because I have teeth marks on them. What is the best way to alleviate the teeth marks and am I biting too hard?
I'm no expert, but it sounds like you are biting a little too hard. It may be hard, but each time you catch yourself biting like that, stop and loosen you mouth a bit. As for the teeth marks, I don't know about those at all but we all have them after playing for a while.
In order to minimize teeth marks and subsequent pain, I like to use denture wax. There's a type of wax used for dentures that is designed to conform to the shape of the gums when warmed up. If you cut out a small section of this wax and fold it over the front of your bottom teeth, it will mold to your teeth, so it won't be very uncomfortable, and will protect you from embedding your teeth in your bottom lip. It is completely safe to your instrument as well.
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