3 Ways Botox Is Being Used In Modern Dentistry
Botox has been used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for many years. Many people think that Botox is a product that can only offer cosmetic benefits, but this isn't true. More and more dentists are choosing to utilize Botox injections to help their clients find relief from troublesome dental conditions and improve the appearance of their smile.
Learn more about the ways that Botox is benefitting modern dental patients so that you can talk to your own dentist about implementing Botox injections into your oral treatment plan in the future.
1. To Treat Problematic TMJ Symptoms
The major joint connecting the upper and lower jaw bones is known as the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. A problematic TMJ can have a negative impact on the day-to-day life of anyone it affects. The condition known as TMJ is caused by extreme tension within the TMJ joint. TMJ can lead to restricted jaw movement, pain, and severe headaches.
Dentists use a wide range of treatments to help combat the effects of TMJ. Patients will often be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications or wear specialized mouth guards at night. When these treatments are not enough to stave off the negative effects of TMJ, Botox can be used to help patients find relief.
A Botox injection temporarily relaxes the muscle into which it is injected. A dentist can utilize Botox to force the muscles supporting the TMJ to relax. This releases tension and helps to prevent headaches, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms of TMJ.
2. To Prevent a Gummy Smile
A smile is often the first thing that many people notice when meeting someone new. You want your smile to look as appealing as possible, and having too much of the gum tissue exposed while smiling can detract from your overall aesthetic.
A gummy smile is something that many patients ask their dentist to help eliminate. A dentist can perform a gingivectomy to treat a gummy smile. A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure where gum tissue is removed to help lengthen the teeth and minimize the appearance of the gums.
If the thought of surgery doesn't appeal to you, Botox provides a non-invasive alternative. A Botox injection placed between the upper lip and nose can help freeze the muscles that control your upper lip while smiling. When these muscles are not able to contract, they can't raise your upper lip as far when you smile. Reducing muscle contraction of the upper lip with a Botox injection can eliminate the appearance of a gummy smile, and the results can last for several months.
3. To Prevent Movement After Orthodontics
A lot of people invest in braces, retainers, and other orthodontic devices to help eliminate gaps and straighten their teeth. Orthodontic services can be very costly, so you want to preserve the results you are able to achieve throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Some people have stronger muscle activity in the face and jaw than others. If you are someone with strong muscle activity, Botox can be a valuable tool that helps you prevent the movement of any teeth after your orthodontic treatment has concluded. Botox injections help to relax the muscles and prevent them from contracting fully. Muscles that are weakened slightly through Botox won't have the strength to pull your newly-aligned teeth out of position.
Your dentist may also choose to use Botox to help alleviate any pain you feel while undergoing orthodontic treatment. This pain can be caused by the tension between stronger facial and jaw muscles and the tightness of the orthodontic device being used to adjust the position of your teeth.
Contact a local dentist to learn more.
