While Botox is often thought of as just a cosmetic treatment, it can also be used to help improve your jaw health. When administered by a trained and certified dentist, Botox in Alpharetta, GA, could help smooth your skin and alleviate TMJ symptoms. While Botox may not be the right treatment option for everyone, many patients can benefit from it. If you want to improve your smile and jaw health, talk to your dentist today to learn if Botox injections may be right for you.
What is Botox?
Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is an FDA-approved neurotoxin that blocks nerve impulses. Essentially, Botox acts as a muscle relaxation agent to help limit the contractions that your facial muscles experience. As your muscles contract, they leave noticeable signs behind on your skin, especially as you age. Botox helps relax your facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Contrary to popular belief, when applied properly, Botox does not stiffen your face or make smiling more difficult.
How Botox Improves Jaw Health
While Botox is often used as a cosmetic procedure, it’s also a viable treatment option for patients with TMJ or other jaw disorders. TMJ is caused by excess tension in the jaw muscles. And since Botox is a muscle relaxer, it could help alleviate the symptoms associated with jaw disorders. When injected by a trained dentist, Botox may help relieve jaw pain, headaches, and next pain associated with TMJ.
The Dos and Don’ts of Botox
Getting Botox can be a great way to improve your skin or help alleviate jaw pain. Botox injections are often quick and have little to no downtime. However, it’s still a medical treatment, and you should follow your dentist’s instructions closely to help ensure success during your appointment.
Do:
- Ask questions about your treatment and any aftercare tips ahead of time
- Practice gentle facial movements one hour after treatment to help the injection reach the muscles
- Ask your dentist about follow-up appointments (usually every 3-6 months)
Don’t:
- Touch or rub the injection site for four hours after treatment
- Lie down on your face for four hours after treatment
- Expect to see results immediately after injection (Botox treatment can take 1-4 days to begin working, with most patients seeing optimum results in about two weeks.)
Is Botox in Alpharetta, GA, Right for You?
Everyone is different, and Botox may not work for all patients. If you want to improve your smile or jaw health, there are plenty of treatment options available. At Esthetic Dental Solutions, we strive to help all of our patients find a treatment plan that fits their cosmetic and health goals. Call us today at 678-352-1333 to schedule a consultation and learn if Botox could be right for you. If it’s not a viable treatment option, we’ll work with you to create a personal treatment plan that can help improve your smile and health.