botox
Have you ever wanted to look younger?
Studies have shown that a younger appearance builds confidence, makes us feel better about ourselves, and leads to more success in life, careers, and relationships.
What Is botox?
Initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 for two rare eye disorders, Botox today has been approved for 11 other therapeutic indications, including treatment of migraines and cosmetic uses such as treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.
Available for use by doctors worldwide for more than 30 years, Botox is a safe and effective medicine to treat a wide range of issues, including issues found in the dental setting, such as TMJ disorders, chronic migraines, and pain in the orofacial area.
Look Younger
Millions use Botox® to restore a fresher, smoother, more youthful appearance. Treatment takes only a few minutes and typically lasts for about 3 months. In addition, continued use of Botox® will help train your facial muscles to stay relaxed, increasing the therapeutic window. Our doctors at Studio Dental of River Park are certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) to safely and effectively use Botox® to treat migraines and TMJ Disorders.
How Does Botox® Smooth Wrinkles?
Within 3 to 5 days, the purified protein released during Botox® treatment allows the treated facial muscles to relax. With the muscles relaxed, the skin above these muscles lays flat, allowing time for the body to heal.
Wrinkles and lines are caused by the consistent motion of these muscles, causing the skin to break when they're over activated. When the skin lays uninterrupted, the body can heal and produce collagen to fill in the voids, and the fine lines and wrinkles disappear. Untreated facial muscles remain unaffected, allowing related facial expressions to function normally.
How Does Botox® Relieve Pain?
Botox® allows the muscles typically engaged in habitual and often unconscious activities like clenching and grinding to relax. As the muscles relax, the associated pain is relieved. Left untreated, the muscles that are the source of the pain become stronger with time since each contraction allows them to build their strength. Since 2010, Botox® has been FDA-approved to relieve migraine headaches by allowing these muscles to relax, helping pain virtually disappear finally.
What is TMJ Disorder?
The acronym "TMJ" stands for the temporomandibular joint. Your temporomandibular joints are located on both sides of your face, just in front of your ears. The TMJs connect the jawbone to the base of your skull and allow movements such as speaking and chewing.
TMJ Disorder (TMD) occurs when the temporomandibular joint becomes displaced or overworked. Many people use the words TMJ and TMD interchangeably. When the muscles and ligaments around the TMJ become inflamed or irritated, this results in TMD or TMJ disorder. This condition can be acute or chronic, and the pain can range from mild to severe.
What are some common causes of TMJ disorder, and what are the symptoms?
TMJ disorder occurs by injury to the jaw joints or the surrounding muscles that help to move the jaw. Some other common causes of TMJ disorder:
- Stress
- Blunt force trauma to the area due to sports injury or accident
- Teeth misalignment
- Ear aches
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder:
- Headaches
- Unexplainable teeth pain or sensitivity
- Jaw pain
- Ear aches
- Pain/tension in neck and shoulders
- Difficulty opening mouth wide
- Jaws that become "locked" in the open or closed mouth position
- Difficulty chewing
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Swelling on the sides of the face
how can Botox® help with tmj-related pain and symptoms?
All of the symptoms mentioned regarding TMJ disorder on this page can be effectively, painlessly, and quickly treated with Botox®.
In addition, 90% of TMJ disorder symptoms are not due to the TMJ, but rather the muscles that assist the TMJ in moving, which are the masseters and the temporalis muscles. The masseters are the muscles on both sides of the face that course from the cheekbone to the jaw. You can feel this muscle bulge when you clench. The temporalis muscles are on both sides of the head above the ears. When repetitive and unconscious clenching or grinding occurs, these muscles become overactivated, which results in a consistent and powerful contraction. Botox® relaxes these muscles, which takes the pressure off of the TMJ. This results in effective relief from all of the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
The Fountain of Youth
Dermal fillers provide a non-surgical solution to contour and shape your face for a younger-looking you. Results typically last from six months to two years.
How do Dermal Fillers work?
As you age, your face loses subcutaneous fat. Dermal fillers are injected beneath your skin to tighten and tone as they fill in fine lines, deep creases and wrinkles for a more youthful look.
What are common facial areas treated by Dermal Fillers?
Beyond wrinkles, fillers are often used to plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, smooth wrinkles and even diminish the appearance of scars.
Can I combine Botox® and Dermal Fillers?
Yes. A combination of both treatments typically results in a dramatically younger-looking appearance. We highly recommend you schedule a complimentary consultation with our team to discover the best solution for you.
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
Botox allows the muscles normally engaged in habitual and often unconscious activities like clenching and grinding to relax. As the muscles relax, the associated pain is relieved. Botox® is FDA approved to relieve migraine headaches.
