Botox Treatment
What is Botox?
Botox is an injectable medication that blocks nerve impulses that activate muscles. It is injected into the areas of the face where overactive muscle activity is causing skin creases and wrinkles. After a few days, relaxation and temporary weakness of the injected muscles develop, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
How is Botox a treatment in Dentistry?
Botox can be used for both Cosmetic and Therapeutic treatments. Therapeutic treatments commonly related to dental problems include the treatment of TMJ pain, nocturnal bruxism, clinching, and grinding. Jaw discomfort and muscle tension are often a sign of chronic over-active muscles of the jaw. This chronic over-activity can also lead to irreversible damage to the teeth such as heavy wearing away of the enamel, flattening of the teeth, and even tooth fractures. By using Botox to reduce the activity of these muscles, symptoms can be significantly reduced or eliminated.
How much will I need?
The exact number of Botox units needed for a particular treatment can vary widely between patients. This has to do with total area being treated (large forehead vs. a small forehead), presence of excessively strong muscles (hypertrophy as with TMJ), and the degree of muscle relaxation desired. Commonly treated areas and typical units are:
| Units (Women) | Units (Men) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead | ( 10-20 Units† ) | ( 20-30 Units† ) | |
| Glabella (Frown lines) | ( 10-20 Units† ) | ( 20-30 Units† ) | |
| Crow’s feet (Wrinkles around the eyes) | ( 10-20 Units† ) | ( 20-30 Units† ) | |
| Bunny lines (Wrinkles along the sides of your nose) | ( 10-20 Units† ) | ( 20-30 Units† ) | |
| Lipstick lines (dimples in the lips) | ( 10-20 Units† ) | ( 20-30 Units† ) | |
| Masseter (Jaw muscles) | ( 10-20 Units† ) | ( 20-30 Units† ) | |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
Using a very fine needle, Botox® is injected into key facial muscles that cause lines on the face and neck. The ingredients in Botox® bind to receptors to interfere with — and therefore minimize — facial muscle contractions. This reduces fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance.
How Long Do Botox® Injections Last?
For most of our guests, the effects of a Botox® injection can last anywhere from 3-6 months. As it wears off, muscles waken, and previously treated lines and wrinkles may reappear. But with repeated treatment, these targeted areas (forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, chin dimples, and neck bands) often appear less severe than before, since the muscles have been trained to relax.
When Will I See Results From Getting Botox?
You may see results as early as within 24 to 48 hours of injection, when the BOTOX® ingredients are still binding to the acetylcholine receptors. Results typically become visible in 7 to 10 days after injection, with the maximum effect visible at 30 days.
Why Needham Dental?
The doctors at Needham Dental are highly experienced providers of BOTOX®. Our highly trained dental practitioners will help manage all your oral and aesthetic conditions. When you sign up for a free consultation, we will work with you to find the treatment and payment plan that works best for you.