Szájkészülék

Szájkészülék (Hungarian: szájkészülék, English: mouthpiece) is a device designed to be placed in the mouth in order to deliver content, facilitate communication, or influence performance. In the context of musical instruments, a mouthpiece typically refers to the part of a brass or woodwind instrument that shapes the initial vibrations of the player's breath and influences tone, timbre, and playability. For wind instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and euphoniums, the mouthpiece is usually a concave metal rim; for saxophones and clarinets, it is a wooden or plastic piece that guides airflow. The specific shape, hardness, and cup depth of a mouthpiece determine the instrument’s resistance, pitch response, and dynamic range.

Beyond music, szájkészülék may refer to devices used in orthodontics, such as mouthguards or orthodontic retainers, which protect teeth, maintain alignment, or manage occlusion. In sports medicine, mouthguards reduce the risk of concussion and dental injury. In industrial settings, specialized mouthpieces may be utilized for breathing protection or to facilitate chemical vapor delivery in non-living systems.

Common materials include brass, nickel‑silver, nickel‑cobalt alloys, ceramic, and various plastics. Their choice involves trade-offs regarding resonance, durability, and cost. In a musical setting, players often purchase multiple mouthpieces to experiment with different sounds. In orthodontics, retainers are custom-fitted and regularly replaced. Regardless of application, the essential function of a szájkészülék is to interface between mouth and external system, mediating the transfer of energy or information.