People who are thinking about having some noninvasive cosmetic work might consider teeth whitening and Botox injections. Having whiter teeth creates a brighter, more youthful-looking smile. Botox smooths facial lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscles underneath. It may be surprising to discover that some dentists provide this substance to rejuvenate a patient's facial appearance.
The development of Botox was a significant advancement in cosmetic treatment. People can take years off their appearance without resorting to plastic surgery. When injected in small doses by qualified practitioners, the medicine is very safe. Its use in cosmetic applications has become widespread.
A Natural Fit
Once a person considers the education and training a doctor of dentistry completes, it makes more sense as to why providing Botox injections is a natural fit. These practitioners have mastered the related skills of injecting lidocaine and other forms of local anesthesia. They also have completed graduate-level coursework in facial and head anatomy.
Dentistry Medical Care
Qualified dental practitioners treat certain dental and jaw disorders with Botox injections. The most common examples include chronic teeth grinding and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Relaxing the muscles in the jaw prevents the clenching needed for grinding the teeth and decreases jaw tension associated with TMJD.
Cosmetic Improvements
Dentists have a strong interest in helping patients improve their smiles, which enhances their entire facial appearance. This can be done with standard practices such as regular teeth cleanings, alignment procedures, and veneers for chipped teeth. They also replace missing teeth with bridges, dentures, or implants. It's understandable why dentists would be interested in providing Botox for cosmetic treatments.
State Laws
State regulations vary regarding the purposes for which dentists can use Botox. The less restrictive states allow these practitioners to apply the medicine for both medical and cosmetic treatments. Some of these states restrict the application to the mouth area, meaning dentists cannot inject Botox into a patient's forehead or around the eyes However, lines near the mouth could be minimized.
An Added Benefit
Dentists who can administer this medicine to the forehead offer another benefit for some patients. Because of the muscle relaxation effect, the procedure is helpful for preventing migraine headaches.
Getting Started
If the possibility of a dentist injecting Botox for cosmetic purposes is intriguing, a person may contact a practitioner of interest or visit the website. The staff members will answer questions about whether any state regulations affect treatment options. The dentist might do this work during the same appointment as a checkup and routine professional teeth cleaning.
Share8 July 2021
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!