If you suffer from a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, often called TMJ, you’re not alone. Researchers estimate that somewhere between 5-12% of the population has some form of TMJ disorder, which is up to almost 40 million people in the U.S. alone. What is TMJ and how can BOTOX, the world’s most popular wrinkle treatment, provide relief for TMJ disorder patients?
What is TMJ?
While many people refer to the disorders of the temporomandibular joint as TMJ, this is a bit of a misnomer. Actually, TMJ is just an abbreviation for the joint itself, so the disorders of this joint should actually be abbreviated as TMD. In either case, TMJ disorders are a variety of conditions that cause loss of function or pain in the TMJ and/or surrounding muscles and soft tissues. TMJ disorders are often organized in three categories - dysfunction of the jaw joint, dysfunction of the chewing muscles, or headaches related to these dysfunctions. TMJ disorders can have debilitating symptoms, including::
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Headaches or even migraines
- Earaches
- Toothache
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Misalignment of the teeth
How Does BOTOX Work to Treat TMJ?
When you hear BOTOX, you probably think of cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles…but this powerhouse medication can do much more than just make you look younger. BOTOX is a neurotoxin that can relax the chewing muscles, relieving tension and pain in the jaw joints. While BOTOX does not treat the underlying cause of TMJ disorders, it is a safe and effective treatment to alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms.
How Long Until You See Results?
Some people report relief of pain and tension within just 1-2 days after receiving BOTOX injections for TMJ disorders. Full effects are typically seen around 7-10 days after the treatment.
How Long Do the Results Last?
For TMJ disorder sufferers who do not want to take daily pain medication, BOTOX offers a longer-term solution. Pain and tension relief from BOTOX injections can last up to four months before additional injections are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX for TMJ Disorders
If BOTOX is a toxin, is BOTOX for TMJ disorders safe?
Yes, BOTOX is a neurotoxin that contains the botulinum toxin, which prevents muscles from moving and contracting for a certain amount of time. While botulinum toxin is also known for causing certain types of food poisoning, the toxin used in BOTOX injections has been purified and meets medical quality standards. BOTOX has been safely used in humans since the 1970’s for various medical and cosmetic purposes.
Can I get BOTOX injections for TMJ disorders and wrinkles at the same time?
Receiving BOTOX for TMJ disorder symptoms and wrinkle reduction at the same time is possible, but only after careful consideration from a qualified dental professional. After a comprehensive review of your dental and cosmetic needs, a dentist may approve receiving the BOTOX treatment for multiple purposes simultaneously.
BOTOX for TMJ Disorders in Stockbridge, GA
TMJ disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. TMJ disorders can cause pain and loss of function, impairing a person’s ability to eat or even speak. Our qualified and talented team of dental professionals is well-versed in treatment of TMJ disorders, including using BOTOX to quell symptoms for months at a time while the underlying cause is corrected. To schedule an appointment with us, give us a call at 770-389-0389 or book an appointment online.
Back in 2022, BOTOX burst onto the scene as a game-changer in the aesthetics industry. For the first time ever, there was a product that not only diminished the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles, but that could also prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place. Since then, BOTOX has helped millions of people feel better about their appearance, but its benefits don’t stop there. Over the years, practitioners have discovered that BOTOX has more than just aesthetic uses. One interesting revelation was BOTOX’s therapeutic effect for people who grind their teeth at night, known as bruxism.
What is BOTOX?
BOTOX, formally known as OnabotulinumtoxinA or botulinum toxin A, is a neurotoxin that contains the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This is the same bacteria that causes botulism, a severe type of food poisoning. However, in medical settings, BOTOX is purified and only administered in extremely small doses to prevent unwanted side effects that come with exposure to larger amounts. BOTOX has been proven to have many different therapeutic effects and is used for a variety of conditions, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles, overactive bladder, excessive sweating, muscle spasms, and teeth grinding.
How Does BOTOX Work for Teeth Grinding?
As a treatment for teeth grinding, BOTOX is injected directly into the masseter muscle on each side of the face. The masseter muscle is responsible for chewing and is the muscle that is active during episodes of bruxism. By injecting this muscle with BOTOX, clients get double results:
- BOTOX reduces clenching of the muscle, easing teeth grinding and relieving pain and tension in the area
- With the masseter muscle less tense, it will give the client a more rounded, less prominent jawline (which is a common complaint from women with bruxism)
Your practitioner may also choose to inject BOTOX into the frontalis and/or temporalis muscles to further boost the results and ease tension and pain caused by teeth grinding.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX for Bruxism
How often will I need BOTOX injections for bruxism?
The length of time between BOTOX injections for bruxism will vary from client to client and also depends on the dose of BOTOX given. Clients can expect to return for a follow-up treatment anywhere from 3-9 months after their initial injections.
Is BOTOX safe to use for bruxism?
Yes, while bruxism is an off-label use for BOTOX, it has been used by thousands of medical and dental professionals for this purpose with minimal adverse effects. Only use a licensed practitioner to administer BOTOX for bruxism for the best results and safest experience.
Get BOTOX for Teeth Grinding in Georgia
If you’re living with nighttime teeth grinding and haven’t responded well to traditional treatments, it may be time to start thinking about BOTOX for bruxism. Discuss the pros and cons with your dentist, who can determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX. If you are, your dentist will explain the procedure, the risks, and what type of results to expect. If you’re in the Stockbridge, GA area and are ready to try BOTOX for teeth grinding, contact Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge at 770-389-0389 to schedule an appointment.
BOTOX has been a common cosmetic treatment for women for decades, but more and more men are trying it to experience the same benefits. Modern men are putting more time and effort into their appearance than ever before, and BOTOX offers anti-aging benefits that can take years off of your appearance.
If you’re thinking about trying BOTOX, here are some pros and cons to consider that will help you make an informed decision.
Pros of BOTOX for Men
There are many advantages for men who try BOTOX, such as:
- Minimized wrinkles. BOTOX smooths wrinkles by relaxing the facial muscles so that they no longer form the same lines from muscle memory.
- Look younger. The anti-aging properties of BOTOX can take years off of your appearance, giving you a more youthful look.
- Increased confidence. The effects of BOTOX can give you increased confidence, which can encourage you to make positive changes in your life.
- Compete with younger coworkers. Many men choose to get BOTOX in order to look younger and stay competitive with younger coworkers.
- Improved relationships. The positive effects of BOTOX on your appearance can improve your existing relationship or help you pursue new romantic interests.
- Non-surgical. BOTOX is non-surgical, which means no down time for recovery.
- Results are temporary. The results of BOTOX wear off in 3-4 months, which means that if you are not happy with your results, they are not permanent.
- Can treat adult acne. BOTOX has been shown to improve adult acne in certain areas of the face.
Cons of BOTOX for Men
There are a few disadvantages of BOTOX that may or may not affect you:
- Men require more units of BOTOX. In most cases men require a higher number of units of BOTOX to achieve the same results. This is because mens’ facial muscles tend to be more firm and are not as easily relaxed.
- There are side effects. Most of the side effects of BOTOX are mild, such as tenderness and irritation at the injection site. More severe side effects come from an allergic reaction or from the spread of BOTOX to other facial tissues.
- Long term effects are uncertain. BOTOX is a relatively new treatment, especially for men, and the long term effects have not been thoroughly studied.
What To Expect
If you’re interested in BOTOX, you can expect the process to begin with a consultation to discuss your goals for your appearance. Then a treatment plan is created to address those goals and achieve the desired results. BOTOX will be applied to the areas where you have unwanted lines, wrinkles, and creases in your facial tissues. This may be in the forehead or around the eyes and mouth. A single BOTOX treatment will typically take about 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX
Will I look natural after BOTOX?
BOTOX is a natural treatment, which is why it provides natural looking results. Rather than dermal fillers or more invasive surgical cosmetic treatments that make more dramatic changes, BOTOX simply relaxes the muscles of your face so that the skin looks more smooth and firm.
How long before I see the results of BOTOX?
It can take about a week to start seeing the results of a BOTOX treatment. This is the length of time it takes for the tissues to react to the injections and start to relax.
Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge Provides BOTOX
One of the biggest benefits of BOTOX is that it can be offered by a variety of medical professionals. Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge provides BOTOX treatments for the convenience of our patients. We believe that creating beautiful smiles goes beyond just your teeth, which is why we offer cosmetic treatments along with our regular dental services.
To learn more, call 770-389-0389 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Dermal fillers and BOTOX are some of the most common cosmetic treatments. Both are designed to reverse the signs of aging to provide a more youthful, healthier appearance. There is no question that these treatments provide significant benefits. The question is: can BOTOX and dermal fillers be combined for even more effective results? Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments in which the active ingredient is hyaluronic acid. The purpose of dermal fillers is to add volume to the facial tissues, which essentially plumps the skin so that wrinkles are minimized. Dermal fillers also encourage natural production of collagen, a naturally occurring substance in the body that creates elasticity of the skin. Treatments can be applied to the skin of the lips, eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
What is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a neuromodulator in which the active ingredient is botulinum toxin. A neuromodulator is a chemical that interrupts the signals between the neurons and the tissues. This forces the muscles to relax in the treatment area, which smooths wrinkles in specific areas of the face. BOTOX is most often applied to the forehead and around the eyes, but it can also be used around the mouth and nose.
Combining Dermal Fillers and BOTOX for Best Results
Many people find that they get the best results when combining dermal fillers and BOTOX treatments. However, they should not be applied at the same time. It is usually best to start with BOTOX and then fine tune your results with dermal fillers to further reduce remaining wrinkles. BOTOX can take up to a week before you notice any changes, which means you may not need additional dermal fillers at all. After BOTOX has fully taken effect, if you’re still not satisfied, then dermal fillers can be applied in the necessary places to pick up the slack.
What is a Liquid Facelift?
The term “liquid facelift” is often used to describe the combination of BOTOX and dermal fillers. This is because it can give you such dramatic results that it is almost like getting a facelift, but without any surgery.
Benefits of Combining BOTOX and Dermal Fillers
There are many benefits of this winning combination of facial aesthetic treatments:
- Versatility. BOTOX and dermal fillers work in different ways, which means that the combination offers the versatility to address a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections.
- Double the benefits. By combining these treatments you get the benefits of both treatments at once.
- Youthful appearance. Both treatments alone can give you a more youthful appearance, but when applied together or alternatingly, the anti-aging effects are even more dramatic.
- Natural look. Dermal fillers and BOTOX, even when used together, still provide natural results without looking overdone.
- Increased confidence. You’ll feel even more confident when you see the results of this treatment combination.
- Surgical results without surgery. Combining BOTOX and dermal fillers can provide results that rival those that come from cosmetic surgery.
- Longer lasting results. The results of these treatments together last longer than either would last alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX and Dermal Fillers
Can I get BOTOX and dermal fillers on the same day?
You could, but it is not recommended. It is best to have BOTOX treatment first, then wait a couple of weeks to see the results before getting additional treatment in the form of dermal fillers. This helps to fine tune your results for the best possible outcome.
Why are facial treatments offered by my dentist?
Many dental practices are offering facial aesthetics because we believe that there is more to a beautiful smile than just the appearance of your teeth. Facial treatments like BOTOX and dermal fillers can help your smile look more youthful across your facial features.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are interested in BOTOX, dermal fillers, or a combination of treatments, Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge would be happy to meet with you for a consultation. Together we will create a plan to help you achieve your desired results.
Call 770-389-0389 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
BOTOX® treatments are safe, well-tested injections that can help improve your facial appearance while relieving several health conditions. Our doctors underwent extensive training to administer BOTOX® treatments in the office, providing you with a convenient way to take advantage of their benefits.
Following are the top 4 benefits of BOTOX® and how the treatment can help you look and feel your best:
1. Provides a Natural, More Youthful Appearance
The top benefit of BOTOX® is that it can reduce the outward appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. BOTOX® relaxes tense muscles under the skin and stops the cycle that causes dynamic wrinkles due to repeated facial movement.
BOTOX® works best on crow's feet and forehead lines. For other types of wrinkles, we also offer treatment with dermal fillers.
2. Fast and Simple Process
BOTOX® treatment takes only minutes. The doctor uses a tiny needle to inject small amounts of the toxin into the treatment area. You will feel only minor discomfort and experience very little bleeding. You can return immediately to your normal activities with no downtime.
3. Highly Convenient
Since we offer BOTOX® in our dental office, you can easily combine oral health treatment with injectables or dermal fillers. You will not need to make separate appointments with a specialist, saving you time and money.
4. Helps with Certain Health Conditions
BOTOX® not only helps with aesthetic issues like lines and wrinkles but also treats health conditions like chronic migraine and TMJ syndrome. Facial, neck, and jaw pain all respond well to BOTOX®. The treatment relaxes tense muscle tissue and helps to relieve painful symptoms.
How BOTOX® Works
Scientists created BOTOX® by studying the properties of botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin relaxes or paralyzes muscle tissue by blocking chemical nerve signals. The treatment relaxes muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles like forehead lines and crow's feet.
Who is a Good Candidate for BOTOX®?
Patients who are good candidates for this effective treatment share the following characteristics:
- 18 years of age and older
- Good physical health
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Free of neuromuscular disease
- No existing drooping eyelids (ptosis)
- Free of facial weakness
Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX®
How long does BOTOX® last?
BOTOX® lasts about three to four months for most patients. First-time users may notice that the effects wear off more quickly but that their second treatment lasts longer. Fortunately, it is safe to continue refreshing the treatment if you want the effects to last.
Does BOTOX® have any side effects?
Side effects are usually minor and manageable. They may include pain, redness, bruising at the injection site, headache, upset stomach, and temporary drooping eyelids.
Call Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge
If you want to learn how BOTOX® treatment can improve your appearance and help with certain health conditions, we are ready to help. Please call our office at 770-389-0389 today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert doctors.
Dermal fillers offer the opportunity to rejuvenate your facial appearance with a simple injectable treatment. Dermal fillers plump lines and soften the look of wrinkles. These reversible treatments make the signs of aging less noticeable.
Our doctor received extensive training in the administration of both dermal fillers and BOTOX®. This blog will explore the benefits of dermal fillers and how easy it is to add them to your anti-aging routine.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
- Reduce the appearance of facial aging by adding volume to sagging or wrinkled skin
- Safe ingredients that absorb naturally into the body
- Reversible with no commitment over the long term
- No downtime, unlike surgical procedures
- Immediate results
About Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers add volume to skin areas that have lost fullness due to natural aging. They can smooth the appearance of wrinkles and lines, especially the creases between the two sides of the nose and the corners of the mouth (nasolabial lines).
These medications can improve the appearance of the lips, chin, cheeks, jawline, and the hollows under the eyes. Some patients also opt to use the treatment on the backs of their hands.
Contents of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers contain safe ingredients like hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, naturally occurring in the body. They may also contain poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic but biodegradable substance.
How Doctors Use Dermal Fillers
The first step is fully assessing your face and examining which areas would benefit most from treatment. The doctor may mark the ideal spots to inject fillers.
Next, the doctor will sanitize your injection sites using an antibacterial cleanser. They will take steps to minimize your discomfort during the injections, including local anesthetics.
The doctor injects your medication in the proper areas, massaging the skin and deciding whether the area needs more filler.
After treatment, you may feel some minor tenderness and swelling. Ice packs can help the swelling subside. Medication is not usually needed.
Avoid strenuous activity for the first one to two days. The fillers will settle after the first few days, and any temporary unnatural appearance will subside.
After Treatment
Take good care of your skin, following a care routine recommended by your doctor. When the results wear off, you can opt for a repeat treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermal Fillers
How long do dermal fillers last?
Dermal fillers can last from four months to two years. When the results begin to wear off, you can repeat the treatment to continue enjoying a younger appearance.
Can I use fillers and BOTOX® together?
Your doctor can combine these treatments to create a smoother facial appearance. Many doctors recommend receiving the treatments about two weeks apart, using BOTOX® first to relax facial muscles.
Call Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge
Fillers are a safe, simple way to take years off your appearance. We can help you feel better about the way you look. Please call our office at 770-389-0389 to schedule a consultation with our doctor.