Our dentists at Coyne Dentistry are proud to provide our patients with the most advanced dental services. A treatment becoming increasingly popular in dentistry for its versatility in dental treatments, therapies, and applications is Botox.
You’re likely already familiar with Botox treatments for combating one of the most notorious signs of aging — specifically, wrinkles — but Botox actually also has several therapeutic applications in addition to its original cosmetic purpose.
What Is Botox?
Botulinum toxin (aka Botox) is a drug doctors have been using for years to treat wrinkles and facial creases. Botox is a brand name of a neurotoxic protein made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are other brands, such as Dysport and Xeomin. Botox is the term you hear most often because it was the first injectable botulinum toxin.
The repetitious contraction of facial muscles causes expression lines and wrinkles. Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. When the signal is blocked, the injected muscle can’t contract. This makes wrinkles relax and soften.
What Can Botox Treat?
Face Wrinkles
Botox can be used to address lines and wrinkles on a number of different facial areas, including the forehead, eye area (crow’s feet), and lip lines. Because Botox only works on wrinkles caused by muscles, it won’t help with wrinkles caused by sun damage or gravity.
Bruxism/Clenching and Grinding
Botox can be injected into the muscles of the jaw to help alleviate pain from clenching and grinding or for a jaw slimming effect.
Gummy Smile
Botox relaxes the lip muscles to create a more aesthetically appealing lip line for patients who might feel self-conscious about the portion of their gums that show when they smile.
What Does a Botox Treatment Feel Like?
Botox treatments are quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Many people get Botox during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.
How Soon Will I See Results?
While the experience of each patient may differ, it usually takes 2-7 days to see the effects of Botox. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The results of Botox typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over time the body metabolizes the Botox, and the nerve signal is no longer blocked, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in the treatment area. Once the muscle starts moving and contracting again, the wrinkles slowly return. Patients can choose to maintain their Botox results for longer periods by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months.
What Age Is Recommended to Start Getting Botox?
Some patients may wonder if they are ‘too young’ or ‘too old’ to try Botox. There is no right or wrong age to start using Botox. Many millennials are starting to using Botox in their twenties when they first start to notice lines and wrinkles as a preventive measure. Patients will be evaluated prior to treatment.
Is Botox Safe?
Yes, Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not receive Botox treatments.
Find Out If Botox Is Right for You
If you suffer from any of the above-listed oral health problems, we strongly encourage you to speak with one of our dentists at Coyne Dentistry to find out if Botox is right for you. Our team can talk with you about Botox, how it works, and answer any questions you might have about the safety of the treatment and other medical indications for treatment with Botox.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.