‘Tis the Season for Therapeutic Botox 

Posted: December 9, 2020 By: Comment: 0

Millions of adults of all ages have used Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane to achieve a more relaxed and smooth facial appearance. However, these treatments can now help dental health problems. Most of us are familiar with the cosmetic benefits of Botox, but many people aren’t aware that Botox has dental benefits, too. If you’re having persistent headaches that won’t go away or an upside down smile, Botox can help. 

What is Botox?

Botox comes from C. botulinum bacteria. This can be found in nature, like in soil, lakes, forests, and the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish. These naturally occurring bacteria are safe when used in a therapeutic context. Medical News Today explains that Botox injections contain very small doses of Botulinum toxin. When injected, this toxin can temporarily paralyze muscles, which can benefit people with various medical ailments or for those that just have facial flaws they’d like to correct. 

Botox in Dentistry

While Botox has not traditionally been used in a dental setting, it’s becoming a more and more popular way to help assist with a variety of dental and oral health issues. Dentists who are trained to use Botox are able to offer patients this effective treatment for a number of different conditions, like: 

  • Various types of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) – which typically responds well to this therapy. A lot of the pain associated with TMJ is due to muscular pain from hyperactivity of the muscles of mastication. TMJ can cause patients much discomfort. While treatments have been limited in the past, Botox is a promising newer option. This is due to the fact that it can relax the muscles. 
  • Bruxism and clenching – when you grind or clench your teeth, you place an immense amount of pressure on your jaw and teeth. Whether you do this at night while you sleep or during the day when stressed, you could benefit from minimizing  these dental issues with Botox injections. These injections can prevent the muscles from contracting with force. 
  • Gummy smiles – also known as a high lip line, Botox can help this condition without having to go through with a surgery or other invasive procedure. This will relax the lip muscles and provide the patient with a lower, more aesthetic smile. 
  • Denture patients – these patients can benefit from this treatment in cases where the lip muscles have repositioned due to decreased vertical dimension. If you have a hard time getting your lips to feel comfortable around your dentures, this treatment could help you a considerable amount.

Botox can also help dental patients who suffer from:

  • Headache pain resulting from muscle tension in the head, face, and neck
  • Headaches resulting from bite issues such as TMJ
  • Persistent clenching and grinding of the teeth
  • Upside-down smiles (as it takes more muscles to frown compared to smiling)
  • Lip lines and puckered chins

Dermal Fillers in Dentistry

Another similar treatment to Botox is the use of dermal fillers. As our skin ages, it begins to lose collage filled with hyaluronic acid. Collagen and hyaluronic acid add structure and volume to the face, therefore a lack of hyaluronic acid can make the skin sag and wrinkle — but dermal fillers can help. 

Dermal fillers are smooth gels that are come from naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid. These fillers add volume to the areas of your face that need it, and can restore your appearance to a more natural, youthful appearance. 

How Long Does Botox Last? 

You will begin to notice results within the first week of receiving your injections. The targeted facial muscles become temporarily relaxed, causing the overlying skin to lay flat and unwrinkled. The untreated facial muscles will continue to function as normal, which means your facial expressions are left unaffected. You can expect your injections to remain effective anywhere from 3 to 6 months, but it is different for everybody.  

Receiving this treatment comes with minimal risk, with the most common side effect being slight bruising and/or swelling at the injection site for a couple of days after you receive the treatment. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Dr. Ania, a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, is highly trained in the entire anatomy of the head, neck, and oral cavity. She can safely and effectively administer your treatments with exceptional accuracy and precision. By making one short appointment with Dr. Ania, you will immediately see the results of Botox that can last for up to six months. Whether you suffer from TMJ pain or just want to correct the appearance of your smile, dental Botox could be the best treatment option for you. Call us today at (303)-872-9940. 

 

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