While most renowned for smoothing facial wrinkles, Botox injected by dentists can also relieve certain dental and orofacial conditions. Containing a purified protein, Botox blocks signals from motor nerves to muscles, resulting in temporary paralysis. Turning off problematic muscle activity allows targeted areas to rest and heal.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Administering Botox into the muscles responsible for chewing surrounding the jaw can lead to relaxation, helping to diminish clenching and grinding behaviors while minimizing inflammation. These treatments provide significant relief in chronic jaw, face, or headache pain related to temporomandibular joint disorder. Generally, the effects last for 3 to 6 months.
Teeth Clenching and Grinding
Administering injections straight into the prominent masseter chewing muscles during a spasm can serve as an immediate remedy to interrupt the continuous clenching. Regularly scheduled Botox treatments, typically every three months, are geared towards conditioning the muscles to abandon this detrimental behavior over an extended period. Weaker muscle contractions subsequently reduce potential harm to the teeth.
Gum Reshaping
When Botox is administered into the gums, it induces a brief muscle relaxation, causing the lip to pull back marginally, exposing a greater portion of the tooth. This procedure offers patients a glimpse of what to expect if they are contemplating cosmetic gum reshaping surgery. Additionally, it gives the teeth a more extended appearance.
Excessive Gingival Display
Injecting Botox into the upper lip area can restrict muscle pull, reducing excessive "gummy" smile displays. This non-surgical approach improves smile esthetics and confidence for a few months at a time before repetition is needed. Proper candidate selection is key.
With both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits, Botox continues to open up new possibilities in the dental field. Under expert guidance, it may prove a valuable addition to your personalized dental treatment plan.
About • Jacksonville, FL • Ortega Dental At Ortega Dental, we want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Click here to learn more about us and how we can help you! Ortega Dental, 5911 Timuquana Rd, #202, Jacksonville, FL 32210 • 904-752-9522 • ortegadentaljax.com • 12/1/2023 • Associated Words: Ortega dentist •
