The Benefits Of Seeking Botox Treatments From A Dental Expert

February 18, 2019

The benefit of seeking Botox treatments from a dental expert

Cosmetic enhancements take all different forms since it is now possible to improve so many different aspects of our appearance. Most people have heard of Botox – a neurotoxin that has a variety of uses but has been found to be very effective in treating some of the most common signs of ageing that affect our face. Botox works by blocking the transmission of signals from the brain to the muscles in the face, preventing them from contracting and forming lines and wrinkles. While the cosmetic benefits of Botox on areas such as the forehead and around the eyes are well known, the treatment is increasingly being used in cosmetic dentistry by patients who wish to transform the appearance of their smile.

Botox for esthetic smile transformations

Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic dentistry is more than just about addressing the patient's teeth. Cosmetic dentists are committed to fulfilling total smile transformations and sometimes this also means making aesthetic improvements to the area around the mouth. Since Botox has been shown to be able to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and folds in the skin, application of the neurotoxin around the mouth can target problems such as smokers' lines around the lips, and marionette lines from the mouth to the chin. Botox in this area can also help define the facial structure, which further helps patients enjoy a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance.

Botox for TMJ Disorder and Bruxism

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ as it is more commonly known, is a joint on either side of our face that connects our lower jaw to our skull. Unfortunately, problems with this joint are fairly common occurrences and patients can experience stiffness, clicking and popping, lock haw and soreness. Patients with TMJ disorder can also suffer from headaches and earaches associated with pain and problems in the joint. Fortunately, dentists have found Botox to be highly effective in helping to resolve TMJ disorder. This is because the Botox inactivates the nerve endings that can cause involuntary contractions in the jaw.

Botox has also been shown to be beneficial in helping to resolve cases of bruxism. Bruxism is characterized by the unconscious or subconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth – a habit which can cause premature or uneven wear on the them and trigger the development of TMJ disorder.

Botox for gummy smiles and the lips

Some people have teeth that are fairly short and so they appear to have more gum tissue than is considered normal. When they smile, a large amount of gum flesh is on show and this can lead to the person being described as having a ‘gummy smile', particularly if they also have an upper lip that over-retracts when they smile. Fortunately, Botox can be used to prevent this over-retraction, thus minimizing the visibility of the gum tissue and improving the overall appearance of the patient's smile. Again, this is something that can be provided by many cosmetic dentists.

Your dentist is committed to both the function and appearance of your smile and in some instances, Botox is a highly successful tool in enabling you to achieve the smile that you have always dreamed of. If you would like more information on the use of Botox in dentistry, or if you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss Botox procedures with our experienced dental team, please get in touch with our offices. Our Breckenridge, CO phone number is 970-601-4300, and our Salida, CO phone number is 719-539-3145.