Botox has become one of the fastest-growing trends in cosmetic dentistry. This minimally invasive procedure shows no signs of declining in popularity. Advancements in the injection technique, safety, and duration of effects continue to grow and include other uses in dentistry. Although most people see Botox as a simple way to get rid of wrinkles, it can be used to treat many conditions, which is why dentists are doing Botox.
To learn more about Botox and our other cosmetic dentistry services, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral and cosmetic dental examination.
What is Botox?
Botox is a drug that is carefully derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, the same microbe that causes botulism. The neurotoxin Botox is removed from these bacteria and purified to make it a safe and effective pharmaceutical for medical uses.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox attaches to nerve endings soon after being injected into a muscle in minute quantities. The Botox injection blocks nerve signals that control muscle movement. Within a short time, the affected muscles are unable to contract. The injection process is painless and usually completed in less than thirty minutes. While the effects of Botox are profound, they are temporary, and injections may be needed every several months.
How Are Dentists Doing Botox?
Several oral and facial conditions are helped by Botox injections, including:
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). One of the causes and effects of TMJ is pain and tightness of jaw muscles. Botox can help alleviate these symptoms by preventing these contractions of the muscles that move your jaw and attach to the joint.
Teeth grinding. Botox cannot cure bruxism or teeth grinding, but it can help control some symptoms. A small amount of Botox injected into jaw muscles can help control tension headaches after clenching or grinding your teeth.
Trigeminal neuralgia. This neurological disorder causes severe pain on one side of the face and mouth. For example, a patient who suffers from trigeminal disorder cannot touch their face or brush their teeth without causing severe pain. Botox injections near the cheekbone have shown promise in relieving this pain for several months.
High lip line. In the past, the best option to treat a high lip line, or gummy smile, was surgery. This condition is characterized by excessive gums showing above the teeth when smiling. Although there is nothing pathological about a gummy smile, some people prefer to show less gums. Botox offers an economical way to fix high lip lines.
Deep nasolabial folds. Also known as smile or laugh lines, nasolabial folds are folds or creases in the skin that develop between the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These folds can become permanent with age or unprotected sun exposure. Dentists can often help eliminate nasolabial folds with Botox and dermal fillers.
Schedule Appointment
Contact Trident Dental for a cosmetic dental consultation. We provide a wide range of cosmetic procedures, including dental crowns, veneers, professional teeth whitening, and Botox to help give you the smile you want.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and TMJ treatments, schedule an appointment.