BOTOX® is a well-known treatment in the cosmetic industry for reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the face. But, did you know that dentists can also use it for dental treatments, too? Yes, that’s right! BOTOX can provide numerous cosmetic and restorative benefits when used as a dental treatment.
If you’re interested in exploring BOTOX for improved aesthetics and orofacial myofunctional support, then contact Dr. Thomas F. Brown in Naperville, IL. Our team can help you determine if BOTOX treatments are right for you. Get started now by calling (630) 369-3120!
Although BOTOX has a reputation as a purely cosmetic treatment, it has numerous practical applications in medicine and dentistry. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider getting BOTOX as a dental treatment.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that affects the jaw muscles and joints. It can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in opening and closing the mouth.
BOTOX injections can help to alleviate the pain and tension in the jaw muscles. The injections accomplish this by reducing muscular activity and range of motion at the jaw joint, which reduces many bothersome symptoms of a TMD.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is a condition that causes the unconscious grinding and clenching of teeth, often during sleep. It can lead to:
- Tooth damage
- Jaw pain
- Chronic headaches
- Neck and back pain
- Disordered sleep
Dentists can use BOTOX to treat bruxism, as the injections work by relaxing the jaw muscles. In turn, relaxed jaw muscles reduce (or completely eliminate) the intensity of teeth grinding and clenching, which prevents further dental damage.
A Gummy Smile
A gummy smile is when a person’s upper gums are excessively visible when they smile. Dentists can use BOTOX to reduce the visibility of the gums by relaxing the muscles that control the upper lip. This can create a more aesthetically pleasing smile that boosts a person’s self-confidence.
Jawline Slimming
Some people have a square or prominent jawline due to larger masseter muscles (the muscles that help us chew). While some people enjoy a prominent jawline, others may not.
BOTOX injections with a qualified dentist can help to reduce the size of the masseter muscles. The result is a slimmer and more contoured jawline that meets your aesthetic goals.
Facial Pain
There are many reasons why facial pain may develop, including:
- Dental problems
- Muscle tension
- Joint issues
BOTOX injections can help to alleviate the pain by relaxing the muscles and reducing tension in the affected areas. This can provide relief from chronic facial pain and improve a person’s quality of life.
Migraines
Over 35 million Americans report experiencing frequent migraines, which are severe and debilitating headaches. Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves BOTOX injections as an effective and suitable treatment for chronic migraines.
The injections work by blocking the release of certain chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. In turn, the frequency and severity of migraines reduce greatly over time.
BOTOX Dental Treatments in Naperville, IL
BOTOX can provide numerous benefits as a dental treatment. It can help to alleviate the symptoms of TMD, reduce teeth grinding, and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. If you’re ready to see if BOTOX injections are right for you, then contact Dr. Thomas F. Brown in Naperville, IL, today.
Patients can reach us here or at (630) 369-3120 for more information and booking.