Botox
Botox, also known as botulinum toxin type A, is a prescription medication that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its cosmetic use. However, what many people don’t know is that Botox can also be used as an effective treatment option for various dental concerns, including those commonly addressed by orthodontics.
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, which can lead to a reduction in wrinkles and other signs of aging. The effects typically last for several months before wearing off.
What Is Xeomin?
Xeomin is a brand of Botox, scientifically referred to as IncobotulinumtoxinA. This FDA-approved injectable functions similarly to Botox by inducing muscle relaxation, but it stands out due to its ‘naked’ formulation. Unlike other brands, Xeomin is free from complex proteins, reducing the risk of developing antibodies to the product. This enhances its effectiveness over extended use. Often employed in the cosmetic field, Xeomin is especially effective in targeting crow’s feet, bunny lines, forehead lines, as well as lipstick and frown lines. Moreover, it has also shown promising results in providing relief from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) discomfort, adding to its use in the orthodontic sphere.
At Next Level Orthodontics, we use Xeomin to complement our orthodontic treatments. While traditional braces or clear aligners are used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues, Botox can be used to address cosmetic concerns that may not be fully resolved by these methods.
Some common areas of concern that we target with Xeomin include:
- Crow’s Feet — These are the fine lines and wrinkles that appear at the corners of the eyes, often caused by age or repetitive facial movements.
- Bunny Lines — These lines appear on either side of the nose when smiling or scrunching up your face. They can be especially noticeable in individuals who have a gummy smile.
- Forehead Lines — These are the horizontal lines that appear on the forehead, often associated with aging and repeated muscle movements.
- TMJ Relief — Botox can be used to relax the muscles in the jaw, providing relief for individuals who suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Frown Lines — Also known as “elevens,” these vertical lines between the eyebrows can be reduced with Botox injections.
- Lipstick Lines — These fine lines around the lips can be softened or eliminated with targeted Botox injections.
The Benefits Of Using Botox In Conjunction With Orthodontic Treatment
While traditional orthodontic treatments focus on correcting alignment and bite issues, incorporating Botox into the treatment plan can provide additional benefits, such as:
- Enhanced Aesthetics — Botox can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, giving patients a more youthful appearance.
- Improved Bite Alignment — By relaxing specific muscles with Botox, we can sometimes improve bite alignment and alleviate any discomfort or pain associated with TMJ disorders.
- Faster Results — Combining Botox with orthodontic treatment can expedite the final results, providing patients with a quicker and more efficient treatment process.
- Increased Confidence — Many individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance due to cosmetic concerns like wrinkles or fine lines. By addressing these issues alongside orthodontic treatment, we can help boost our patients’ confidence and leave them feeling happy and satisfied with their overall results.
Botox is an incredibly versatile treatment option that can be used not only for cosmetic purposes but also as a complementary tool in orthodontic treatment. At Next Level Orthodontics, we strive to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes and are always looking for innovative ways to achieve this goal. If you have any questions about how Botox can be incorporated into your treatment plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.