Learning More About Botox in Dentistry
Botox is popularly used as a cosmetic enhancer. Botox is actually a muscle relaxant and stands for Botulinum Toxin A. But, as of late, Botox is being used in dentistry as well. It is used in the treatment of TMJ disorder, bruxism, chronic headaches, malocclusion, etc. and has been able to render excellent cosmetic results.
Can all dentists provide Botox treatments, and is it safe to receive Botox from a dental professional?
First off, not all dentists can do Botox. You do have to be specially trained in using Botox in order to do that. If you're looking for a provider who can provide Botox, that's definitely something to ask: if they've been trained specifically in Botox therapy.
What types of dental or facial concerns can Botox help address?
Botox can help address many things in your face around your mouth. A very common one is addressing wrinkles. What Botox does is it decreases a muscle's ability to contract. If I can't contract these muscles that I use to squinch my forehead, then I can't produce these wrinkles on my forehead. That's really what it does. It can help with aesthetics, but we can also use it therapeutically for lots of different things, including TMJ problems and other issues in dentistry.
How does Botox for TMJ disorders work, and what kind of relief can patients expect?
Many people have problems with TMJ or temporomandibular joint. Probably a better way to say it is TMD, temporomandibular joint dysfunction. That's kind of an umbrella term for several different things, but one of the common problems is pain that they get in these muscles that they use to chew with. There's a muscle that goes from your cheekbone down to your jaw, and one that goes from your jaw up into your temple and the sides of your head.
When these muscles get overworked for whatever reason, we need to help them relax. We can use Botox therapeutically, injecting it into these muscles to help them relax. It won't make it so you can't move your jaw anymore, but it makes it so those muscles are not hyper-reactive and not so tight. It allows them to relax. It helps people greatly, especially for those who have a lot of pain and discomfort. People who have a lot of headaches in this area often find that using Botox calms those muscles down and consequently eliminates those headaches.
Are dentists required to have special training or certification to administer Botox?
Dentists and hygienists are both required by the Arizona State Board of Dentistry to have additional training beyond dental school or hygiene school. You do have to have specific training in Botox therapy. That is something our providers here at Madison Dentistry have. This one feels kind of the same. Our dentists would have special training.
What is the difference between getting Botox at a dental practice versus a medical spa or dermatologist's office?
There are many places where you can get Botox treatment, such as med spas or medical offices. Many people also go to dental offices. It's the same botulinum toxin that is used; that doesn't really change. What might change are the different philosophies between different types of providers. Some people might be more focused on facial aesthetics, while others might be more focused on pain relief.
Here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, we're trained on all kinds of Botox usage, whether you want it for aesthetics in your forehead or your eyes or crow's feet, or if you're hoping to get Botox therapeutically for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, having pain in your jaws or forehead. All of those things can be done here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center.
How long do results from Botox treatments performed by a dentist typically last?
Botox treatments don't last forever. Many people know that you do have to continually get them. Results vary from person to person, but typically, you can see good results for about four to six months before you would have to get Botox therapy again.
What should patients expect during a Botox appointment at the dentist?
Things you can expect at a Botox treatment include first identifying the areas on your face and head that will need Botox and why. Once we have that confirmed, we will mark out on your face with an erasable pencil where the spots are that we're going to place it. Then we'll go ahead and place the Botox.
Botox is given with a shot, but the good news is the needle is very tiny, and often people say, "Wow, I hardly even felt that at all." Results vary, but most of the time, people do pretty well with the Botox needles because they're just so tiny.
How can Botox be used in dentistry alongside other treatments like orthodontics or bite adjustments?
We have many uses for Botox in dentistry. Obviously, for facial aesthetics, we work on someone's forehead, 11s, or crow's feet, but we usually work in the lower face, and there's a lot we can do there.
One common treatment is for a gummy smile. Sometimes, when people smile, their upper lip is very hyper-reactive and lifts really high, showing a lot of gums. Some people don't like that, so we can use Botox to decrease the amount of lift you get with your upper lip so that you don't have as gummy of a smile.
We can also do what's called a lip flip, where we put a little bit of Botox right above your lip. It gives the feel of your lip rolling out a bit, showing a little more of the red part of your lip. Obviously, one of the common things we do in dentistry is Botox therapeutically for people who are having discomfort in their jaws, placing it in the muscles they use to chew.
What should patients look for when choosing a dentist who offers Botox?
It's important when you're looking for a dentist who uses Botox to find someone good. First, ensure there is a good vibe between you and them, that they listen and understand what you're trying to accomplish with your Botox treatment. Ensure your dental provider is very well trained.
All of the providers here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center have gone through extensive training in the appropriate administration of Botox. If you feel good about the office and know that they've been well trained, you can be comfortable going forward with treatment.
Want to learn more? Call Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.