When you think of uses for Botox, cosmetic dentistry probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, Botox is a beneficial component of cosmetic dentistry in Calgary, AB, as well as for things like TMJ treatment. How can Botox help you with your smile makeover goals?
What is Botox?
Botox is commonly used for wrinkles on the face. If you know about Botox, this is how you’ve probably heard it’s used. It’s a neurotoxin derived from a bacteria. When injected, it leads to the reduction of tone in the muscle that it’s injected into. This is beneficial for muscle conditions and aesthetic conditions in the face and mouth.
Botox for Cosmetic Dentistry
At Foothills Dentistry, Dr. Chahal is experienced in facial rejuvenation. She takes your facial aesthetics and the appearance of your smile into consideration with every smile that she works on. Botox can help the lines and balance around the mouth, making your smile appear younger and fuller. If you have an issue where one side of your smile is higher than the other, Botox can help even it out.
Botox is frequently used if you have what’s called a gummy smile. This means that much of your upper gum is exposed when you smile. To remedy this, botox can be injected to make sure that your upper lip stops over-contracting. This leads to it being more relaxed when you smile, covering up the gums.
Lastly, Botox can be used to fill what are called black triangles. These are small open areas formed between the gum and small gaps between teeth. These tiny, hard to clean places are both unattractive and an oral health hazard due to the easy access for food particles. As one of the hardest things to treat, Botox is a promising option. It’s injected into a certain part of the gums to help fill those little spaces.
Botox for TMJ Treatment
Botox can also be used to help patients with TMJ disorders. It can be injected into the muscle to help reduce clenching and grinding of teeth. This allows the mouth to relax into its natural position and prevent the pain and tooth damage that comes with many TMJ symptoms. It’s especially helpful for patients that clench hard enough to damage normal oral appliances that are commonly used for TMJ treatment.
What to Expect From Dental Botox
Before any treatment, Dr. Chahal will do a full evaluation of your mouth and skin. She’ll talk to you about your concerns and what you want your smile to look like after Botox injections. Analyzing the skin helps her figure out the best placement and dosage to achieve these results.
Since Botox is typically effective for about six months, this makes it ideal for treatment during your biannual dentist visits. Your dentist in Calgary will monitor your results from Botox treatment and recommend repeat treatment or touch-ups as needed to maintain them.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Calgary, Alberta
Our office is proud to offer Botox in addition to other cosmetic dentistry services. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!