We have all heard about how Botox® is used to eliminate the early signs of aging. But what you may not know is that the injectable protein that relaxes muscles and reduces wrinkles can also be useful for various esthetic dental procedures by helping enhance smiles and reducing pain.
What is esthetic dentistry?
Esthetic dentistry refers to various types of dental procedures that enhance the smile by restoring worn, misaligned, chipped, stained, or discolored teeth. The primary purpose of esthetic dentistry procedures is to improve the appearance of the teeth.
Esthetic dentistry is not the same as cosmetic dentistry, although many people will use the words interchangeably. Cosmetic dentistry implies that work is performed on the surface, such as adding dental veneers. With esthetic dentistry, more significant changes are made, like dental implants.
How is Botox® used in esthetic dentistry?
Botox® is used in various esthetic dentistry procedures, from helping patients adjust to new dentures to improving issues with TMJ and grinding teeth. Here are a few ways our dentists use this popular injection to help improve smiles and reduce negative symptoms that come from certain conditions.
TMJ and teeth grinding
TMJ and grinding teeth are two issues that can cause pain and harm the teeth. Unfortunately, many people will grind their teeth while they sleep or even throughout the day. It is a harmful and costly habit that can cause a significant amount of damage to the entire oral cavity.
TMJ or temporomandibular joint problems occur whenever the muscles start to become tense due to stress. It causes sufferers to have discomfort when talking or chewing.
Dentists have found that Botox can be used to relax the TMJ joints and the muscles to provide relief of pain, which can also be helpful with preventing teeth grinding.
Adjusting to new dentures
It can be challenging to get used to wearing new dentures. They can cause discomfort and even facial pain as the mouth gets used to the quick and sudden change. Botox has been found to help relax the muscles while relieving pain and discomfort. Many dentists will recommend that patients with new dentures use Botox treatments to help them adjust to the change.
Enhancing or reshaping smiles
Botox® can also help reshape or enhance one's smile. From improving the look of lip lines to reducing wrinkles, the injection can make esthetic improvements and boost self-confidence by providing a new and improved smile. Most treatments do not take long to complete in-office and will last for at least six months before the muscles return to normal. If most of the symptoms have subsided, additional treatments may not be needed. However, if more Botox is needed, it would be safe to get another injection at this time.
Contact us today
If you are considering esthetic dental procedures and would like to learn more about how Botox may be used, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the many advancements in esthetic dentistry.
Request an appointment here: https://www.annarborpersonaltouchdentistry.com or call Shiva G. Rad, D.D.S. at (734) 436-0817 for an appointment in our Ann Arbor office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Botox in Ann Arbor, MI.
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