Common Uses of Botox in Dentistry

Most people associate the use of Botox® with reducing wrinkles to give people a more youthful appearance. Botox, however, has various other medical benefits, particularly in the field of dentistry. Botox is a minimally invasive treatment that can be used to treat several dental issues ranging from TMJ pain to gummy smiles. At A Brush Above Family Dentistry, we offer Botox treatments to our patients in Chicago, Illinois, and neighboring communities.

About Botox for Dentistry

Botox is a drug that comes from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum found in soil, water bodies, fish, and mammals. Botulinum toxins act as a muscle relaxant by blocking nerve signals that prompt your muscles to contract. As overactive muscles cause various dental problems, Dr. Marcella Guzman may recommend Botox to resolve these issues. The following are some common uses of Botox in dentistry: 

TMD disorders – Temporomandibular disorders are a leading cause of TMJ pain. Dr. Guzman can provide continuous pain relief for up to four months by injecting Botox into specific trigger points in your jaw.

Bruxism – Botox can be used to relieve muscle tension caused by teeth grinding and clenching of your jaw to prevent tooth damage, headaches, and jaw pain.  

Adjusting to new dentures – Botox helps relax lip and facial muscles so that they are easily positioned around your new teeth during their adjustment period. By the time your injection wears off, your dentures will feel more comfortable and natural.

Gummy smile – A gummy smile is one with more gum than teeth showing when you smile. One cause of gummy smiles is over-retracted lips. Botox injections can help relax your lips, allowing them to cover more gum tissue to balance out your smile.

Downturned lips – Downturned lips can give people the impression you are upset or angry, even if you’re not. Botox can relax the muscles around your lips to give you a more pleasant expression, even when you’re not smiling.

Botox Treatments Near Me

To learn more about dental Botox treatments, contact Dr. Marcella Guzman from A Brush Above Family Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois, at (773) 840-0378.