You might think of Botox as an aesthetic treatment for the skin that will make it appear smoother and tighter, fighting signs of aging like wrinkles. This medication can do that, but your dentist can also employ this injection as a dental solution.
Botox works by relaxing targeted muscles so that you do not overwork or stretch the skin to create wrinkles or fine lines on the face. Your dentist is an expert in not only your teeth but the rest of your facial anatomy as well. So they can administer Botox in a cosmetic capacity as well as an oral health one.
Understanding what Botox can do for you may encourage you to ask your dentist about this medication. Read on to discover the benefits that Botox treatment from your dentist can provide for your smile.
Treat Chronic Jaw Pain
The neurotoxins that make up Botox will briefly disconnect the nerves from muscles near the injection site. This ensures the muscles will not move so that the skin there will appear firm and smooth.
But this effect has the added benefit of preventing certain nerves from sending pain signals to the brain too. It may alleviate some cases of chronic pain in the head or face, bringing major relief to many patients.
Botox can relax tight muscles in the jaw too, which can occur in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Tension in the jaw may develop due to stress or bite problems, but Botox can release the tension so that patients can find relief from TMJ symptoms. These can include chronic jaw pain, clicking and stiffness in the jaw, headaches, and earaches.
The relaxation of these jaw muscles may prevent teeth grinding and clenching too. This harmful habit, if left untreated, can wear down your teeth and damage existing dental work. Consult your dentist to find out if Botox can help your lingering dental problems.
Enhance Facial Appearance
As mentioned, you can use Botox from your dentist’s office to prevent wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Facial expressions like smiling and frowning will contract muscles that may form these lines in the skin, making you appear older. Botox will smooth existing lines while helping you avoid new ones developing.
You can enhance the appearance of your face in other ways as well with Botox. For instance, an injection in the upper lip will relax this part of the face. This can make the lip appear fuller and more voluminous.
This same treatment in the lip can ensure the lip does not rise very high over the teeth when you smile. Patients can then see less revealing of the gum tissue when they smile.
Discuss your aesthetic goals with your dentist to learn other ways that Botox can improve the look of your smile and the rest of your face. Though the results are not permanent, you can experience a monumental boost in confidence and self-esteem with this treatment.