Many people associate Botox and dermal fillers with minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But while these treatments have undeniably established themselves an effective anti-ageing treatment, they’re not just used in rejuvenating skin and making it smoother and younger-looking. In many cases, they are also used by dentists to augment oral care procedures and give their patients the beautiful smile that they deserve.
Role of Botox and Dermal Fillers in Modern Dentistry
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein that’s derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Commonly known as Botox, it stops the release of acetylcholine and prevents the activation of the targeted muscles. Without acetylcholine, muscles can become flaccid and stay relaxed for long periods of time, which is greatly helpful not just in minimising wrinkles and other signs of ageing but also correcting health conditions—including dental ones.
Dermal fillers, meanwhile, don’t just plump up skin; they’re also used to correct dental issues that can affect the aesthetic appeal of teeth and gums and help patients be more confident in their smile. Many dentists opt to use dermal fillers since they’re less invasive than doing surgical procedures, and they allow providers to achieve quality results without putting the patients at risk for surgical trauma and postoperative infections.
How Dentists Use Botox and Fillers to Improve Facial Aesthetics
Different dental issues require different approaches and treatments. Your dentist might recommend using Botox or dermal fillers if you have any of the following:
Treating temporomandibular joint disorders
As mentioned above, Botox works by temporarily paralysing the targeted muscles and preventing them from moving. This makes it useful in treating temporomandibular joint disorders, which often result from extreme muscle tension in the jaw area. By using Botox to reduce this tension and relax the jaw muscles, patients can experience lower pain and inflammation levels and minimise the damage to their teeth and jaw bone.
Helping patients adjust to new dentures
Wearing dentures is often recommended after teeth loss since it can restore mouth function and prevent jaw bone resorption. However, many people find wearing new dentures to be extremely uncomfortable, and they end up taking their oral appliances out and never wearing them again. Botox can help in these scenarios by relaxing hyperactive jaw muscles and making it easier for patients to adjust to the feel of having dentures. Eventually, Botox injections allow them to retrain their facial muscles and develop the right muscle tone to make denture wearing more comfortable.
Reducing gummy smiles
Unless they’re caused by gum inflammation, altered tooth eruption, or medication side effects, gummy smiles aren’t necessarily a health concern. However, they can make people self-conscious since showing too much gum when smiling isn’t considered “pretty”. Fortunately, gummy smiles can be fixed by using Botox to relax the upper lip muscles and prevent them from raising too much when smiling, thus concealing the gums. Dermal fillers can also be used to make the lips fuller and minimise gum display when smiling. Both of these are a non-invasive alternative to aesthetic crown lengthening, a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and makes patients’ smiles less gummy.
Learn More About Improving Your Facial Aesthetics
Botox and dermal fillers can do wonders for your smile, but they’ll only work well in the hands of experts. If you feel like these treatments can help enhance your facial aesthetics, find a dentist in Browns Plains who specialises in cosmetic dentistry and schedule a visit ASAP.
