How Is Botox Used In Dentistry?

Botox is a substance obtained from botulinum toxin. It has the unique ability to selectively paralyze muscles when it’s injected into the face or other areas of the body. And its properties have led to a lot of different applications in dentistry.

At Sarasota Bay Dental, Dr. Miller is fully trained in the administration of Botox. Wondering why you should get Botox from a dentist, or how this treatment is used? Read on and get the answers you need.

1. Removing Fine Lines, Wrinkles, And More 

Just like an esthetician, a dentist like Dr. Miller can use Botox for its most common purpose, which is eliminating fine lines and wrinkles from the face. Dr. Miller, as a dentist, has lots of training on the facial anatomy and muscles, which ensures that he delivers excellent results.

By injecting Botox into certain areas of your face, Dr. Miller will cause the muscles to relax. Botox can be used to treat brow wrinkles and lines, fine lines around the mouth, and many other lines and wrinkles, providing you with a more youthful appearance. 

2. Eliminating A “Gummy Smile” 

If a lot of your gum shows when you smile, this may make you feel self-conscious. A “gummy smile” is often caused when the lips curl up excessively, exposing more of the gum than usual. While this is not harmful, it can make your smile look disproportionate, particularly if you have smaller teeth. This may make some people self-conscious. 

Botox is injected into the muscles near the lip. This reduces the range of motion of the lip, preventing it from curling up too high. In turn, this corrects your gummy smile, and lets you smile with more confidence. 

3. Controlling Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) 

Over time, uncontrolled teeth grinding can cause severe damage to the teeth, and even lead to TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) and other health issues. Along with a night guard, Botox can be injected into the masseter muscle and other muscles of the jaw to prevent excessive grinding. 

4. Treating TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD) is a condition that occurs when the small, delicate joint that connects the jaw to the skull becomes inflamed, damaged, or improperly positioned.

Botox may be useful for TMJ/TMD, particularly in cases where it’s caused or worsened by teeth grinding. With Botox, you can relax your facial muscles and jaw muscles, and allow your jaw joints to heal. 

Along with lifestyle changes and other treatments like an oral appliance to reposition your jaw as you sleep, Botox may provide you with the long-term relief you need for TMJ/TMD.

Interested In Dental Botox In Sarasota? Contact Sarasota Bay Dental Today!

Dr. Robert Miller is an experienced Botox dentist in Sarasota. Whether you’re interested in treating fine lines and wrinkles, improving your smile, or getting relief from jaw pain, he can provide the expert care you need. So don’t wait. See the benefits of Botox at the dentist for yourself. Contact us online or give us a call at ​​(941) 200-3723 to schedule a consultation today.