BOTOX® isn’t just for celebrities or people looking to smooth wrinkles anymore. In recent years, the use of Botox in dentistry has been on the rise.
The versatile tool helps patients achieve a more confident smile while also addressing functional and health concerns. At Nest Dental, our Vancouver dentists offer Botox for both aesthetic enhancements and oral therapy.
In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Botox in dentistry.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily blocks signals from nerves to muscles, which prevents muscle contractions. This relaxation effect smooths the overlying skin and reduces wrinkles, while also providing relief for certain muscular conditions.
Botox uses in dentistry include:
- Reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Relieving TMJ pain
- Correcting a gummy smile
- Easing facial pain related to new dentures or orthodontic appliances
- Smoothing frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging
Cosmetic Uses of Botox in Dentistry
- Gummy Smile Correction
If too much gum tissue shows when you smile, and it makes you feel self-conscious, Botox can help. When using Botox for a gummy smile, we inject the muscles that lift the upper lip. This limits how high the lip moves and reduces the amount of gum exposure when you smile.
Results are subtle, natural-looking, and typically observed in one to two weeks. - Anti-Aging Enhancements
Botox has uses beyond your smile; it can also refresh your surrounding facial features. Your Nest dentist can use Botox to temporarily soften dynamic wrinkles like frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and “bunny lines” around the nose.
The injections are quick, and the results can complement cosmetic dental procedures, such as porcelain veneers or full-mouth rehabilitation, to give you a more harmonious, rejuvenated appearance.
Therapeutic Uses of Botox in Dentistry
- Bruxism
Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, known as bruxism, can lead to headaches, worn and damaged teeth, and TMJ dysfunction. Botox for jaw clenching works by relaxing the masseter muscles, and, in some cases, the temporalis muscles as well.
This helps to relieve tension, pain, and headaches. A study found that Botox may decrease both the frequency and intensity of bruxism episodes, too, preventing further damage.
Because overworked masseter muscles can become enlarged over time, Botox for jaw clenching can also subtly create a slimmer jawline and improve facial symmetry. - Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
TMD can cause ongoing jaw pain, facial tension, clicking or popping in the jaw joint, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Whether TMD is related to bruxism or not, Botox can be an effective, non-surgical treatment option.
By targeting overactive jaw muscles, Botox helps reduce muscle tension, spasms, and inflammation around the temporomandibular joint. This relief can improve jaw mobility, decrease headaches and facial pain, and restore comfort to everyday activities like chewing and speaking.
For many patients, Botox for jaw pain provides meaningful relief when other conservative treatments haven’t been enough. - Facial Pain From Dentures or Orthodontic Treatment
Adjusting to new dentures or orthodontics can sometimes cause muscle spasms or soreness. Botox injections relax these muscles, which reduces pain and makes the adjustment period more comfortable.
How Long Do Botox Results Last?
Most patients notice results within a few days, with the full effect appearing in about two weeks. Effects typically last three to four months, and subsequent treatments often last longer. Whether your goal is cosmetic enhancement or therapeutic relief, Dr. Sahi, Dr. Jin, or Dr. Pirbhai will create a tailored schedule to maintain your results.
Why Get Botox From a Dentist?
Your dentist has specialized knowledge of facial muscles, oral anatomy, and neuromuscular function, making them uniquely qualified to provide Botox for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.
Book a Consultation With a Botox Dentist in Vancouver!
Whether you’re interested in Botox for jaw pain, smoothing wrinkles, or correcting a gummy smile, Nest Dental has you covered. Schedule a consultation with one of our Botox dentists in Vancouver to see if the treatment is right for you!
