How Can Your Dentist Use Botox Injections To Make You More Comfortable?

17 September 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Botox is often used to treat forehead wrinkles, the so-called 11 lines between the eyebrows, and nasolabial folds. However, Botox also has medicinal applications in the field of dentistry. Here are some of the ways your dentist can use Botox injections to make you more comfortable:

1. TMJ Treatment

The temporomandibular joint is located at the place where your jaw hinges open and closed. This joint can become inflamed and sore due to TMJ dysfunction. Patients with TMJ disorders can find some relief from their pain by chewing gum and taking over-the-counter pain medications. However, these remedies may not be sufficient in cases of severe TMJ dysfunction. Fortunately, dentists can offer relief through Botox injections. Botox injections in your TMJ can help you unclench your jaw, which can reduce your pain levels over time.

2. Bruxism Treatment

Bruxism is a term for teeth grinding. People may grind their teeth unconsciously as a result of stress. While mindfulness can help to curb daytime bruxism, nighttime bruxism is more difficult to treat, especially since many people engage in it while they're sleeping. Wearing a mouthguard can help, but some people find it difficult to sleep with a mouthguard on. Fortunately, Botox can be an effective treatment for bruxism. By temporarily weakening the muscles involved in teeth grinding, Botox injections can put a stop to bruxism and train people to avoid grinding their teeth at night.

3. High Lip Line Treatment

A high lip line is a cosmetic issue that occurs when a person's upper lip raises too far when they smile. A high lip line isn't dangerous, but some people feel that it creates an unappealing, "gummy" smile. Fortunately, dentists can treat this cosmetic issue using Botox injections. Strategic Botox injections can paralyze the muscles used to pull your lip up when you smile. This can lead to a more relaxed, natural smile that shows your teeth but not your gums. If you like the results of this treatment, you can have it redone again and again when your Botox injections begin to wear off.

4. Denture Fit Adjustment

If you've gone without dentures for some time, your muscles may have changed to accommodate the new shape of your mouth. The additional height added by dentures may therefore feel uncomfortable, and you may struggle to open your mouth fully. By injecting Botox into overdeveloped muscles around your jaw area, your dentist can help them relax, which can lead to a better and more comfortable denture fit.