Botox

Botulinum Toxin A, or popularly known as Botox, is used as a cosmetic enhancer and a muscle relaxant. In recent times, Botox has been used in dentistry as well, particularly in the treatment of bruxism, TMJ disorder, chronic headaches, malocclusion, etc., and has rendered excellent cosmetic results.

How does Botox work?

Before administering Botox, the dentist will conduct a thorough screening process to determine whether your body would accept the drug. Once your candidacy is confirmed, we will prepare you for the procedure. Botox is administered to the facial and oral tissues in the form of injections. The drug attaches itself gradually to the nerve endings, thereby blocking the nerve signals from one cell to another. It hinders the contraction of the facial muscles, thereby considerably bringing down the occurrence of facial wrinkles and lines. As the facial muscles and joints relax, it would naturally soothe the patient and ease their pains in the focussed area.

Orthodontics

Malocclusion or misalignment of teeth is one of the most prominently encountered oral concerns. Malocclusion ruins oral aesthetics as well as makes cleaning the teeth difficult. After orthodontic treatment (either using dental braces or clear aligners), relapse is one of the significant concerns where the teeth tend to move back to their earlier positions gradually. By injecting Botox into the treated area, the severity of muscle contraction can be reduced, thereby preventing relapse.

Temporomandibular Joint disorder

TMJs present on either side of the face are the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. Excessive pressure applied on it can cause severe pain, restrict the jaws’ free movement, and make it increasingly difficult to perform any oral functions. The tissues around the joint would be under extreme stress, due to which patients may experience persistent pain. The dentist directly injects Botox into the affected region, thereby allowing the muscles to relax and relieving the patient of the pain. Several patients who may not have responded to other treatments of TMD usually show a positive response to Botox therapy.

Bruxism

Bruxism, or night-time teeth grinding, is a symptom of sleep apnea. Bruxism can have a significantly harmful effect on the teeth and the TMJs, as they could apply a lot of stress on the tissues. It mostly occurs as a result of subconscious clenching of the jaw. When we administer Botox to the stressed-out region, the tissues relax and significantly reduce the tendency to clench the jaw or grind one’s teeth.

To have a consultation with our team of dentists, please call our office at (770) 995-0538 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.