Though most people are aware that aging Hollywood stars are riding the BOTOX wave, many are unaware that BOTOX can be used by everyday people for dental procedures and cosmetic purposes. The technical name for BOTOX is botulinum toxin.  The substance is a purified protein that is injected into the body for a variety of purposes. At the moment, less than 10 percent of dentists in North America provide BOTOX treatments.

How BOTOX is Used

BOTOX has a number of helpful clinical uses. It functions as an adjunct in chronic TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) cases as well as bruxism cases and general facial pain. Hollywood stars have been using BOTOX injections in the nerve endings of their motor muscles for over two decades as a means of removing frown lines and facial wrinkles.

Even those who suffer from high lip-lines have benefited from BOTOX used in tandem with dermal filler therapy. The two represent an effective non-surgical treatment solution. The use of BOTOX allows for the muscles around the lip to be weakened so the lip can’t be raised as high as before.

Aside from being used for the procedures described above, BOTOX is also used to smooth facial wrinkles, as a complement for esthetic dentistry and for the retraining of facial muscles in orthodontic cases.

BOTOX Treatment Details

All it takes is two weeks after BOTOX treatment for the skin above the motor muscles to feel and look more smooth. BOTOX will last between three and four months, depending on how much is injected and the patient’s lifestyle choices.

Give Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts a call and talk to Dr. Zola Makrauer to find out if BOTOX is the right choice for you!