People have been undergoing botox procedures as part of cosmetic treatments for some time now. So, it’s understandable if the first thing that comes to mind when you think of botox is that it’s a way to get rid of lines and wrinkles on your face. But, in fact, botox has many medically therapeutic applications.
To learn more about the many ways botox can benefit your health. Check out our article below.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is a substance that targets your nervous system, disrupting the nerve processes that cause muscle contraction. This is how botox causes temporary muscle paralysis.
Although botox may sound scary, it’s perfectly safe when administered by a professional. After all, botox is essentially just helping your muscles become less stiff.
What Are the Cosmetic Uses of Botox?
Most people use botox as a way to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Patients often ask for injections in the following facial areas:
- Lines at the corners of the mouth
- Horizontal folds on the forehead
- Wrinkles around the eyes
- Wrinkles between the eyebrows
- “Cobblestone” skin on the chin.
What Are the Medical Benefits of Botox?
1. Bruxism Treatment
Bruxism is a condition wherein a patient excessively clenches their jaw or grinds their teeth.
Studies show that the muscle-relaxing properties of botox can ease the jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding symptoms of bruxism.
If you're considering botox to treat your bruxism, a small amount of botox will be injected into the muscles that handle the movement of your jaw. Depending on your situation and needs, it may also be injected into other muscles.
Once the botox takes effect, you'll notice a reduction in your jaw clenching, as well as a decrease in tension and aches in your head that may be related to your bruxism.
2. High Lip Line Correction
Long ago, surgery used to be the only effective way to treat high lip lines.
Having a high lip line—also known as a gummy smile—refers to having a large part of your gum exposed above your teeth when you smile. Although it isn’t necessarily a bad thing to have your gums exposed to a certain degree, you may be bothered by it and may prefer to have your gums hidden.
Surgery on the facial muscles to treat your high lip line could cost up to $20,000. Conversely, you’ll be able to fix your high lip line using botox for only around $300 in less than ten minutes.
3. Mandibular Spasm Treatment
When specific muscles near your jaw remain in spasm, your ability to open your mouth becomes limited. This becomes a problem because it'll make completing basic oral hygiene practices difficult or impossible. What's more, it will also restrict your ability to undergo dental treatment and eat food.
Botox treatment can diminish the effects of your mandibular spasms and give you back your oral mobility.
4. Adjusting to New Dentures
If you've used dentures before, then you'll know that new dentures can cause you a tremendous amount of discomfort. Since your mouth is more suited for gradual changes, a drastic and immediate change, like using dentures, can cause you to struggle.
Botox can significantly relieve the facial pain and discomfort you're feeling due to your new dentures; additionally, it can help ease discomfort from other dental treatments.
FAQs About Botox
How Long Does It Take for Botox to Take Effect?
It typically takes 24 to 72 hours for botox to take effect. In some cases, it can take as long as a full week for you to experience the full effects. The effects of botox may last three to twelve months, depending on the type of treatment. The lasting medical benefits of botox based on treatment will depend of the severity of the symptoms.
Is Getting Botox Painful?
Botox isn’t a painful treatment. You may feel a brief period of discomfort when you get the injection, but it will just feel like a small pinch. The discomfort should go away once your procedure is complete.
Note that botox is FDA-approved and safe to use.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
For cosmetic purposes, a botox treatment for frown lines will cost approximately $300. Depending on your situation, you may need repeat treatments.
Note that Medicare covers the cost of botox for specific medical procedures. It would be best for you to confirm that your botox treatment is covered by Medicare before your treatment appointment.
Who Shouldn’t Use Botox?
If you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding, it would be best for you to avoid using botox. You should also consider avoiding botox if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients.
To be safe, discuss your past medical history with your botox professional before undergoing any procedures.
Can Dental Professionals Administer Botox?
Dental professionals can use botox in a dental office when it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan within a dental scope of practice. The dental professional is required to have undergone appropriate education and training related to administering botox.
Contact Us
Contact Dean Dental Solutions today to learn more about the medical benefits of Botox and schedule your botox treatment for crow's feet, frown lines, bunny lines, horizontal wrinkle lines, or a master injection.
The master injection we offer helps with clenching, teeth grinding, and face slimming.
Contact Dean Dental Solutions today for your entire family's dental care needs.
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