Botox in Dentistry: Everything You Need To Know

BY Dr. McDowell  |  June 5th, 2020
Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..

Botox can seem like a dirty word. It’s not always something that you want to be known for having, but Botox in dentistry does a lot of good. 

Most often, botox treatments in dentistry are used to help repair facial aesthetics. It’s a minimally invasive way to treat high lip lines for people who have issues adjusting to new dentures, as well as lip augmentation.

Each of these procedures safely and positively uses Botox to help patients feel more comfortable with their bodies. Today we’re going to explore some of the different uses of Botox in dentistry and how it might be able to help you. But first, what is Botox?

Doctor preparing female patient for botox in dentistry

What Is Botox in Dentistry?

While we have already talked about some of the different ways that it can be used to help dental patients, it’s good to define what it actually is.

Botox is a drug that relaxes muscles and, most often, is used to reduce wrinkles in the skin. It’s derived from a bacterium, clostridium botulinum, that can be found in many different natural substances. When receiving Botox injections in treatment, a small dose is given that lasts temporarily.

There is no long-term way of maintaining what is achieved through Botox without surgery. You’ll need regular Botox treatments in order to preserve and maintain the benefits of Botox treatments.

What Botox Can Help With

Botox for High Lip Lines

Surgery used to be one of the only ways to treat high lip lines— a condition that many people have and are often bothered by. High lip lines take place when you smile, and a large majority of your gum is exposed above your teeth. Some refer to this as a gummy smile. While it’s not a bad thing to have that gum exposed, many people prefer that it not be exposed.

Surgery on those facial muscles to lower the lip slightly could cost up to $20,000, but now with Botox, high lip lines can be fixed for around $300 in less than ten minutes.

 

Adjusting to New Dentures

New dentures can often cause an immense amount of discomfort. Our mouths are often more used to gradual changes, and dentures propose a quick and significant change. While some might not struggle when they begin to adjust to new dentures, others will greatly appreciate the value of a Botox treatment to help relax their muscles.

Botox can greatly relieve discomfort and facial pain from almost any orthodontic or dental treatment. Many dentists will recommend botox to you and help you adjust to your dentures if you experience a large or unusual amount of discomfort.

Grinding Teeth and Temporomandibular Joint Problems (TMJ)

Grinding your teeth can lead to a series of costly problems. There are several ways to cure grinding teeth, including Botox to the muscles that cause grinding, mouth guards, and other procedures. If you’ve found that you’re grinding your teeth while you’re sleeping or throughout the day, then it’s of utmost importance that you work to find a way to alleviate the problem.

By continuing to grind your teeth, you’ll eventually end up causing a significant amount of damage to your mouth.

TMJ or temporomandibular joint problems happen when the muscles begin to become tense with stress. This causes you to feel discomfort when chewing, talking, as well as other movements of the jaw. Botox can be used to relax TMJ joints and muscles to provide relief from pain.

Enhancing and Reshaping Your Smile

Botox in dentistry can be used to help enhance and reshape your smile. From lip lines to wrinkles, Botox can help to make you more confident in your smile. At Wayzata Dental, our most important mission is to keep you excited and happy about smiling. Your dentists can—through the use of Botox—help you achieve simple cosmetic improvements to make you more confident in your smile.

Most Botox treatments are simple and will last about six months before you start to see your muscles go back to normal. You can continue Botox treatments at this point, or if the majority of your symptoms have gone away, you won’t need Botox.

Finding a Qualified Specialist

While Botox treatments are becoming more and more common, it’s crucial that you find a qualified specialist to provide your treatment. Dental boards throughout the country, as well as state dental boards, offer applications for permits so that dentists can perform dermal fillers and botulinum toxin treatments.

Finding a certified specialist that has the proper permit for both dermal fillers and botulinum toxin is essential to receiving adequate treatment.

How Much Does Botox Cost In Minnesota?

Botox doesn’t haven’t to be an expensive treatment. Regular Botox cosmetic services last for several months, sometimes as much as six or more. If you’re receiving regular Botox injections, it’s likely that you will only need to get them every few months. This means that you don’t have to break the bank to get all the benefits of Botox.

The average cost of Botox ranges from $250 – $500 depending on how much treatment you’ll be receiving. Some dental providers can offer packages to provide you with ongoing treatments as well.

The best way to know how much you’ll need to spend on a quality Botox treatment is to reach out to your local dental offices for more information.

red haired woman looking at smile in mirror after getting botox in dentistry

Myths About Botox Treatments

There are a few myths about Botox treatments that should be addressed. The first is that Botox is only for wrinkles. This isn’t true. Botox can also be used to help with conditions such as excessive sweating, migraines, and so much more.

Here are some of the myths about Botox treatments:

The truth is that Botox is a versatile treatment that can help with a variety of issues. It’s safe and relatively affordable, making it a great choice for those looking for an effective treatment. If you have any questions about Botox, be sure to reach out to your local dental office for more information.

Choose Wayzata Dental for Your Botox Treatments

At Wayzata Dental, we offer different kinds of Botox treatments for our patients. And, as a fully functional dental office, we’re able to recommend when a Botox treatment would be beneficial for you and also when the use of Botox isn’t necessary. We have our patient’s best in mind and want to be sure that you’re being given the best treatment possible.

If you’re experiencing facial pain or have other concerns related to Botox dental treatments, we would be happy to meet with you and discuss your options. Reach out to us today to book an appointment. You can also learn more about the Botox dental procedures that we perform on our website.

FAQ

How long does dental Botox last?

The effects of dental Botox typically last three to six months. However, the duration of effects can vary depending on the individual and the amount of Botox used.

Is dental Botox covered by insurance?

In most cases, dental Botox is not covered by insurance. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to determine if they cover dental Botox treatments.

Can Botox stop teeth clenching?

Yes, Botox can be used to help stop teeth clenching. Botox injections can help relax the muscles in the jaw, which can help reduce teeth clenching. However, it is important to speak to your dentist before having Botox injections to ensure that it is the right treatment for you.

Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..