Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that causes paralysis. When used in a very targeted manner and small doses, it can be used to paralyze the facial muscles, which prevents wrinkles from forming.
They also work by blocking nerves that can cause pain. Dentists are highly trained in facial anatomy and can use Botox very effectively and safely to improve your overall smile and prevent jaw clenching and grinding.
Botox reduces muscle activity by blocking nerve impulses. As a result, messages that would normally be sent to the muscle and tell it to contract are never sent, effectively freezing the muscle and preventing you from making certain facial movements. Temporarily, your face is completely relaxed.
By preventing your face from bunching up and making lines, we effectively prevent wrinkles that would form from these repeated facial movements. Similarly, by administering Botox into the forehead, temples, and jaw, we can prevent the jaw muscles from clenching, which can be effective in preventing teeth grinding and treating TMD.
Botox can do many things, from treating pain and lockjaw to minimizing facial lines and wrinkles and even treating headaches. Botox can be used to reduce gummy smiles, sweating, prevent teeth grinding and clenching, correct resting frowning faces, and improve the overall appearance of the smile by reducing smile lines.
Botox is most commonly used to treat crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and in between the eyebrows. It can also be used to restrict movements such as eye twitches, muscle spasms, and overactive bladder.
Yes, when administered by a trained and qualified professional and in the appropriate doses, Botox is considered completely safe. It is an FDA-approved treatment for patients between the ages of 18-65.
We do not recommend getting this treatment under the age of 18 or over the age of 65, as it may not be able to do much for you. Studies that have been conducted have not shown Botox to be very safe in the short and long term. Side effects are incredibly rare.
Botox is a temporary treatment that can last anywhere from 3-6 months depending on individual differences in metabolization, lifestyle, activity, dose, and frequency of injections. Many people report that Botox does not last as long on their first injection as it does in repeated use.
If you were injected with smaller units, this will fade more quickly than a larger dose. Different people also metabolize Botox at different rates. It will last in most people for at least 3-4 months at which point you may need to get a touch-up.
Do you want to improve your smile by minimizing facial lines and wrinkles or reducing pain from teeth grinding and TMJ? Try Botox today! Contact us at Bria Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarah Chang, Dr. Maxwell Johnson, or Dr. Brian Ley.
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