Botox in Dentistry: What You Need to Know

Botox in Dentistry: What You Need to Know

You probably know about Botox as a cosmetic treatment to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But did you know that the botulinum toxin from Botox has been used in the medical field for a long time? More importantly, did you know that dentists also use Botox to treat a wide variety of problems? 

Here’s what you should know about the use of Botox in dentistry. 

How Does Botox Work 

Botox uses the toxin onobotulinumtoxinA to temporarily stop muscles from moving. This toxin will block certain signals that tell the muscle to contract. As the muscles relax, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines is reduced. 

Botox can also be used to treat various medical conditions too, such as bladder dysfunctions, cervical dystonia, lazy eyes, and chronic migraines.  

The effects of Botox, however, aren’t permanent and you will have to undergo the treatment periodically to get the desired results.  

How Is Botox Used in Dentistry 

Botox can be used to treat a variety of oral health issues as well as help you address certain cosmetic dental problems. 

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: People with TMJ disorders can benefit from Botox treatment. TMJ disorders are known to affect the jaw and cause jaw pain, migraines, and ear and facial pain. This condition usually occurs because of an improper bite, missing teeth, as well as trauma, or regular wear and tear. 

• Bruxism: If you tend to grind or clench your teeth at night and/or during the day, then you may suffer from bruxism. If left untreated, this condition can cause your teeth to wear and eventually lead to issues like TMJ disorders, jaw pain, and joint locking. Botox can help reduce the frequency of bruxism and lower the biting pressure.  

• Gummy Smile: If too much gum tissue shows when you are smiling and you don’t like that, then you should know that Botox can also help fix this cosmetic issue too. A gummy smile can be caused by enlarged gum tissue, a short or hyperactive upper lip, or, in some cases, the size of your teeth. By injecting Botox into the upper lip and the area between the nose and lip, you can reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. Of course, as mentioned, this treatment isn’t permanent and you will have to repeat it every 3 to six months.  

Are You Interested in Alternative Dental Procedures? We Can Help! 

Although Botox has been around for quite some time now, a lot of people don’t expect to be offered this treatment in the dentist’s office. But, as you can see, Botox can help you treat different dental problems and even address some cosmetic issues that may not affect your oral health, but could impact your self-esteem.  

At Dentazure, we offer a wide variety of services that can cater to almost any need.  

Contact us now to book your appointment.