Botox and Dentistry: What to Know

BOTOX® Cosmetic is best known as the injectable used to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Once the anti-aging solution to the stars, Botox is now a common solution for people of all backgrounds looking to revamp and rejuvenate their look. But long before Botox was a cosmetic skincare phenomenon, it was utilized in medical dentistry. It’s used to treat mouth disorders, aid dental implant surgery, and even transform the cosmetic aspect of a person’s smile. Read on to learn more about Botox’s utilization in dentistry and how it may apply to you.

Botox Dental Therapeutic

Botox® Dental Therapeutic is a solution specifically formulated for use around the teeth and mouth area. It’s injected directly into the muscle, temporarily paralyzing it. Botox Dental Therapeutic is becoming increasingly popular due to the widespread acceptance of Botox as well as the public’s continued gravitation toward non-surgical procedures: that’s right, Botox Dental Therapeutic can delay or eliminate the need for an invasive and expensive surgery. Botox Dental Therapeutic can be used to successfully treat problematic muscle disorders of the mouth, including facial tics, involuntary teeth clenching, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Botox in Dental Implant Surgery

Just as Botox can help relax the muscles around the jaw, it can help take some of the stress related to new dental implants off of the mouth. A strategic injection or two can eliminate soreness and discomfort as well as allow the new implants to integrate more easily into the jaw.

Botox in Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can take a person’s appearance from so-so to flawless, and provide a major confidence boost. Botox can be useful in cosmetic dentistry by changing the way in which the mouth opens and moves. For example, a “gummy smile” is typically remedied by a gingivectomy, which involves a laser or scalpel cutting tool to remove excess gum from above the teeth. But for some people, a large gum area can’t be remedied solely by a gingivectomy. A skilled dentist can inject Botox into the upper mouth, paralyzing the upper lip’s movement during a smile. The gummy smile is therefore reduced, without ever having to cut into the gums.

It’s notable that the dental Botox discussed in this article differs from Botox for wrinkles administered by dentists. Recently, the topic of dentists offering aesthetic skincare Botox has come up—a survey revealed that 37% would consider offering Botox in addition to their traditional dental procedures. There are many critics of the idea, many of whom believe that dental board certification does not cover the skills necessary to administer non-dental or mouth Botox. If you’re interested in receiving Botox to beautify your smile or address a mouth muscle disorder, your dentist may be the best place to go. But if you’re looking to zap crow’s feet or frown lines, it’s best to head to a Botox specialist in your area . Contact our representatives to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Botox or dermal filler expert today!