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The Many Non-Cosmetic Uses of Injectables in Dentistry

botox lips and teeth

Injectables or botulinum toxin has become a worldwide craze, radically revolutionizing the cosmetic market as a way to combat aging by paralyzing the muscles of facial areas where wrinkles appear, resulting in smooth, rejuvenated skin.

What few people know is that this same toxin can be used to solve a number of other problems not necessarily related to rejuvenation. For example, injectables offer a great solution to control hyperhidrosis, a clinical condition characterized by excessive sweating, whether in the armpits, palms of the hands and feet or other areas of the body.

Botulinum toxin can also be a viable, albeit temporary, solution to a variety of clinical conditions that once would only be resolved by surgical or more invasive procedures. Certain facial asymmetries such as one eyebrow higher than the other, one corner of the mouth different from the other, etc., can be very easily corrected with injectables.

In my dental practice, a relatively common problem is the gingival smile (“gummy smile”). When certain people show an exaggerated amount of gum each time they smile, this can happen for several reasons. Traditionally, the tendency has been to recommend some type of corrective surgery or orthodontic treatment, however in a large part of the cases, I have found that a few units of Botulinum toxin can completely solve this type of condition. Although the effect lasts between three and six months, it is a much less invasive alternative than any other treatment modality.

In dentistry, another great use of injectables is for patients with chronic migraine or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Injectable applications in the muscles involved in these areas provide immediate relief.

Patients ought to always ensure that professionals administering injectables have the license to do it, enough experience to arrive at the correct diagnosis, use legitimate products that are approved by regulatory bodies (the FDA and ADA) and have ample competence to do correct and responsible work. The misuse of injectables can lead to frustrating and even catastrophic results, although the effect is generally fleeting.

For more information contact Lake Lucerne Dentistry at (407) 410-4489.