Botox®
Botox® is a long-standing name brand of medication used to treat and address various cosmetic and muscular issues. It’s an FDA-approved treatment that’s traditionally known for its effective use in helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, in a dental setting, it can also be used to help reduce the experience of pain due to oral issues like teeth grinding, TMJ disorder, and more.
What Is Botox® And How Does It Work?
Botox® is the name brand of a prescription injectable that contains ingredients including a neurotoxin protein. This protein works to prevent the releasing of a specific neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which keeps the targeted muscles from contracting. So, it temporarily blocks the signals that are sent between nerves and muscles in order to gain desired results including relaxing of a specific area of the muscles of facial expression and for chewing, softening of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing muscle contractions that may result in pain.
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Some Facts About Botox®
- It’s the most trusted, popular, and recognizable brand of injectables – because it works!
- It’s FDA approved and used and praised by medical professionals and specialists all over the world
- It’s a treatment with relatively no recovery downtime – you can resume your regular routine and activity as soon as treatment sessions are over
- Results are fast – you can start to see an improvement in as little as 24 hours and expect complete results within 30 days
- Cosmetic results aren’t extreme – you’ll still have your own unique appearance – just with fewer and less severe fine lines and wrinkles!
Botox® injections can help with pain caused by issues including:
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
- lockjaw
- teeth grinding
- headaches
- jaw soreness
Cosmetic Purposes
- fine lines
- wrinkles
- crow’s feet
- face slimming
- brow lift
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Results Unreal or Will They Change Natural Appearance?
No. Botox® is a sensitive injectable that doesn’t provide unnatural-looking results. It’s effective in targeting the root cause of fine lines and wrinkles by minimizing muscle contractions in a subtle yet effective way. Plus, these injections are pinpointed to specific, target areas of the face or jaw in order to address only small problem regions. Thus, providing subtle and realistic results that don’t change a person’s natural appearance at all.
What are Treatment Sessions Like?
First, your provider will inform you about what to expect during your treatment session. Then, they’ll mark where the injections will go in order to provide the best and most effective results. Finally, the injections are inserted with a tiny needle into the first few layers of the skin and into the muscle where the medication is released. Then, the injection process is complete and you can start to experience your results!
What is the Recovery From Botox® Like?
There is relatively no recovery time for Botox® injections. Patients may sometimes feel minimal discomfort during injections or for a few minutes after sessions. After injections, patients can utilize cold compresses to minimize this sensation. But, typically, there is relatively no pain or even downtime after Botox® sessions. And, you can go right back to resuming your typical daily routine as soon as treatment sessions are complete. This means that you don’t have to take a day off of work or rework your daily routine to get treatments!
When Can I Expect to Experience Results?
Botox® treatment results can begin to showcase in as little as one day (24 hours). But, the results typically get better over time. To experience the full benefits of Botox® injections, this typically takes about 30 days.
How Long Do Results Last?
Every patient, their expectations for treatment, and their treatment plan differs. So, results may vary depending on these aspects and the number of treatments received. However, typically, patients can expect Botox® treatment results to last for up to 3-6 months.
What are the Most Commonly Treated Areas for Botox?
When used for aesthetic reasons, Botox can be applied in many areas of the body to address fine lines, wrinkles, and dimples. These areas include around the lips, the forehead, the neck, the crow’s feet, and the chin.
Is it Painful to Get Botox Injections?
Most patients who use Botox say that treatments do not hurt. But, some people do disclose feeling some discomfort after treatments conclude. This can be due to swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Botox injections don’t require any sedation or numbing and sessions are very quick, so there’s really no need to worry about pain during the injection process.
