My bite feels uncomfortable and sometimes I can only chew on one side.
Malocclusion is when teeth and/or jaws are in the wrong position, which can lead to muscle strain. This can lead to uncomfortable chewing. However, there are many reasons people have trouble chewing, Dr. Fox can evaluate.
My jaw moves side to side when I talk.
Ones jaw should not move side to side when speaking. “It has been consistently observed that there is essentially no lateral movement of the jaw during speech” Edwards, HL Status report on speech research, 1990.
My dentist recommended that I have orthodontics again, why?
Sometimes in order to correct a significant malocclusion orthodontics may need to be accomplished in a number of phases. However, there may be other underlying factors, Dr Fox can help by consulting with your orthodontist.
My orthodontist recommended I have teeth removed before my braces, why?
Modern orthodontic treatment tries to refrain from extracting teeth in order to accomplish the treatment, however occasionally extractions may be needed in some circumstances. It is important to have a dentist and orthodontist work together during treatment making sure all aspects of care are considered. Dr Fox would prefer to consult and aid an orthodontist in their treatment.
Are there different types of braces?
Yes, most of us are familiar with traditional (metal braces), ceramic braces which are very similar to traditional braces, and of course Invisalign. Dr. Fox works closely with the orthodontist to choose which type of braces will work best for you.
Is there a faster way to straighten my teeth?
Yes, some patients choose to have a faster approach when addressing crowded teeth. Surgically facilitated orthodontics can make that happen. Dr. Fox will help guide you and the orthodontist to make the right choice for your smile.
Are there different types of dental implants?
Yes, there are many different types of implants. Dr.Fox works closely with the implant surgeon to determine the best implant for your particular case.
My lips are not normal, too thin, or like duck lips.
Thin lips generally indicate some type of compensation of the face. Careful examination and treatment can sometimes help with this situation. Many women compensate for this by placing lipstick to extend beyond the borders of their natural lips. Another observation is abnormally pushed out lips many times by fillers, etc giving individuals a ducklip appearance, which is unnatural.
Why do I have a startled look on my face all the time, like “deer in the headlights”?
Unfortunately, if facial plastics are not accomplished in concert with first relaxing facial muscles prior to plastic surgery, the result may appear to be tension across the face, giving the overall appearance of a startled look or deer in headlights appearance.
My smile is weird.
Natural looking smiles should appear very symmetric, any asymmetry is generally a compensation, which becomes dysfunction and one gets breakdown or pathology.
Why should I see a bio-esthetic dentist before having plastic surgery?
Bioesthetic dentists help patients to get stabiley positioned comfortable jaw joints and relaxation of facial muscles which yields a natural looking facial esthetic. Bioesthetic dentists like Dr Fox have spent additional years of continuing dental education to help patients get better long-term success with their dental treatment.
My teeth keep changing. Is there some other health issue causing this? There are spaces between my teeth, it seems to be getting worse.
There are many reasons that could be causing space between your teeth. If not addressed it could worsen over time. This would be a condition that should be evaluated. Dr Fox would be happy to discuss this prior to any dental treatment.
I have chronic health issues; can this cause problems with my mouth?
It is very important to discuss any chronic health issues with your dentist since there could be contributing effects on your oral health and this may affect treatment options and outcomes. Dr Fox’s additional dental education in a hospital based program allowed him to work hand in hand with many medical specialists to help patients get the best possible treatment.
Can medicine affect my teeth?
There are a number of medicines which may affect teeth, therefore a careful discussion should be accomplished between one's physician and one's dentist.
Can my children inherit some of my teeth and mouth problems?
Genetics definitely can play a role in problems with teeth from growth and development to defects in teeth themselves. However, epigenetics also can play a role with regards to teeth and overall mouth problems. Dr Fox can carefully discuss these situations.
What is TMJ?
A. Is the acronym for Tempromandibular Joint, that is similar to other joints in your body. It is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull.
I have sleep apnea and hate my Cpap/BiPap. Are there other treatment options? Could something else be causing this?
A: Dr. Fox will work closely with your Sleep Medicine doctor to evaluate your concerns and present several options.
I have a difficult time swallowing food and sometimes can't swallow pills.
A: Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is sometimes caused by other medical problems. Dr. Fox will discuss what he sees with you, as well as reviewing these concerns with your physician.
I have sleep apnea and hate my Cpap/BiPap. Are there other treatment options? Could something else be causing this?
A: Dr. Fox will work closely with your Sleep Medicine doctor to evaluate your concerns and present several options.
I snore and sleep with my mouth open?
A: It is not normal to sleep with your mouth open, snoring is not normal either. Dr. Fox can work with your physician to address these concerns.
I have frequent headaches, could this be migraines? Can my teeth be causing this?
A: Headaches can be caused by many different factors. Dr. Fox will work with your physician to determine what could be causing your headaches. It is possible to get headache pain (facial pain) from malocclusion of your teeth.
I see my dentist regularly and feel like I take good care of my teeth, so why am I still having dental problems?
A: We take a close look at our patients health, tooth function, and sleep quality to make certain there are no correlations between their dental health and overall health.
I see my dentist regularly and feel like I take good care of my teeth, so why am I still having dental problems?
A: We take a close look at our patients health, tooth function, and sleep quality to make certain there are no correlations between their dental health and overall health.
Are there different types of teeth cleanings?
A: Yes, patients of Fox Dentistry have a hygiene maintenance schedule that benefits their health based on their needs. Hygiene visits are not driven by the dental insurance company's restrictions, but on what an individual patient's health requires.
What is TMD?
Is the acronym for tempromandibular dysfunction, which is often referred to as TMJ. Typical causes may include misalignment of teeth or jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, injury, or stress. and is typically accompanied with pain in many cases.
Do you suffer from jaw pain?
Jaw joint pain is a form of TMD (tempromandibular dysfunction). Dr Fox should both discuss and examine you if you are having this problem. An accurate diagnosis will be made and then treatment options discussed.
Child Dental FAQ
I'm breastfeeding and it seems like my baby can't latch properly.
Issues regarding breastfeeding should be addressed by one's primary care providers, additionally lactation specialists. If tongue ties are the problem, medical and some dental healthcare providers can help with this situation. On-going observation is beneficial to detect any abnormalities in growth and development, however, this is good advice for any child even those who have not experienced a tongue tie release.
My child sleeps with his mouth open, chews with his mouth open and breathes with his mouth open. Is this a problem?
Sleeping with one’s mouth open is not normal, issues of this type need to be addressed as early in life as possible in order to help avoid other problems.Typically this is due to breathing through the mouth. Mouth breathing can be signs of a bigger problem. Let Dr Fox have a consultation with you and your child to discuss this issue.
My child sucks their thumb, can this cause dental problems?
Children that suck their thumb need to be monitored over time to rule out underlying growth and development problems of the jaws, additionally underlying airway issues may exist. Consultation and examination is helpful.
My child sucks a pacifier, can this cause dental problems?
Children sucking on pacifiers can potentially lead to dental problems, children should be monitored by both medical and dental healthcare providers (consulting with one another).
Is bedwetting associated with teeth issues?
Bedwetting can be associated with a breathing disordered sleep issue, consultations can be helpful in determining the problem and possible solutions. Dr Fox consults with your child's primary care provider to help establish the best treatment option for your child.
My child has an overbite and it looks like their chin is not growing properly?
Children with significant overbites or underbites should have consultations with dental healthcare professionals. Problems with growth and development in children should be evaluated, examined and discussed as early as possible to help with treatment in order to help with long term success.
My child brushes their teeth daily and still has horrible breath, what could be causing this?
Bad breath can be caused by many different factors, tooth decay, dental infections, stomach problems, tonsillar issues, and other factors. Therefore, it is important to have an examination with the child’s dentist and likely other healthcare professionals.
My child grinds their teeth.
Children should not grind their teeth, if this is occurring consultations, examinations should be made with the child’s dentist to determine the etiology. Dr Fox would be happy to consult either virtually, (teledentistry) or in person to access this situation.
My child snores.
Children should not snore, if this is occurring an examination should be rendered to determine the potential causes for this condition. This may involve consultations with physicians and dentists and other healthcare providers as needed. Dr Fox is often involved in this interdisciplinary process.
My child's teeth are very crowded.
Children’s teeth should not be crowded, consultation with one’s dentist should be accomplished to discuss this situation. This can be accomplished initially with teledentistry or in person. Dr Fox has the ability to accomplish this evaluation in both manners.
My child has trouble staying focused.
Children that seem to have this problem should seek the help and advice of their primary physicians, however a consultation with their dentist can also be helpful in trying to select the best treatment and course of action. Dr Fox consults with many pediatricians concerning this issue.
My child has night terrors and wets the bed frequently.
Both of these conditions warrant a consultation with the child’s primary care doctor. Additionally, a consultation between a number of healthcare providers may be necessary to determine the best treatment scenario for the child. Dr Fox is ready and willing to have these interdisciplinary discussions with various medical subspecialists.
