When a Dentist Might Recommend Dental Botox
Botox® is no new word to our society today. The name is the registered trademark for botulinum toxin A. It is majorly known and used in the cosmetic surgery industry to eliminate wrinkles and lines on the face. However, it is interesting that this substance derived from botulinum toxin has a long history of therapeutic use in the medical world.
First off, Botox is a protein derived from a bacterium known as clostridium botulinum. In recent times, it has been introduced into dental care and is fast gaining momentum. This is due to its minimally invasive nature and its relaxant properties. It has been employed to treat and correct dental conditions including:
- Bruxism
- Puckered chins
- High lip lines
- Unpleasant smiles
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Shrunken jaw muscles
- Facial swelling
- Lop-sided smiles
- Temporomandibular joint disorder, amongst others.
Reasons a dentist will recommend dental Botox
Usually, it is recommended to provide planned and controlled paralysis. The following are conditions where a dentist will advise this form of treatment:
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition or habit where a person consistently grinds or clench their teeth. This could be a habit or an impulsive behavior when one sleeps or is stressed. This form of dental treatment helps treat bruxism by reducing the force of contractions in the jaw muscles.
While mouth guards can be used to prevent teeth grinding, these injunctions can be used as an adjunct therapy.
Lip issues
This form of treatment can be recommended when a person has a high lip line or over-retracted upper lips and cannot achieve an aesthetic smile. Usually, these dental conditions make the person have upside-down smiles (more like a frown) and gummy smiles. A gummy smile happens when you smile, and a large portion of your gum above your teeth can be seen. Many people are often not happy with that.
Hence, botulinum toxin A Botox injections are given to help relax the lip muscles. In the end, the patient can receive immediate treatment and achieve a beautiful smile.
Adjusting to new dentures
When patients have lips that will affect the fixing and positioning of dentures, injections can be given. These help to relax the muscles to receive the dentures and grow around them, hence providing support and stability.
In other cases where the dentures are new, they might be challenging to get used to. Botulinum toxin A injections may be given to relax the muscles and give your mouth time to get sued to your dentures.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ Disorder)
Patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can be asked to receive this form of treatment. This disorder is characterized by hyperactivity and tension in the muscles, which result in severe headaches and neck pain. Hence, these injections, when given, help to relax the muscles and relieve pain and discomfort.
While this recent introduction to dental care might be a pleasant one, a professional must provide dental treatments and services to you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.keepsmilingdentalpc.com or call Keep Smiling Dental PC at 9084254051 for an appointment in our Belleville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Botox in Belleville, NJ.
Related Posts
Preventive dentistry is crucial for your oral wellness and overall health. If you neglect going to the dentist’s office, you could end up developing some serious conditions. Keeping on top of regular dental visits is vital from the time a person first has teeth, all throughout their life. If you are having a difficult time…
It is not unusual to feel scared or intimidated when visiting your general dentist. The various sounds can all be a lot to handle. People stare into your mouth, and it feels like you are under a microscope. When you add the bright lights, it can be downright scary.Sometimes, it helps to know the typical…
Your TMJ dentist (temporomandibular joint) is responsible for connecting the lower jaw to the upper jaw and the skull. Pain in this area can cause tenderness in your jaw muscles, jaw clicking, earaches, and headaches. This can disrupt your daily activities. If you want to know how your TMJ dentist can help with your pain,…
A cosmetic dentist can use a dental crown to improve your dental health. A tooth with severe decay or discoloration can be depressing. The infection could reach the pulp at any time. Placing a custom-fit dental crown can protect your tooth from further damage and injury. If you want to know more about the steps…