You may think that dentistry is just about your teeth, but a smile makeover can go beyond making your just your teeth more attractive. It’s true that people notice your smile first, but your lips and surrounding facial features are also a big part of your smile. If you have especially thin or wrinkly lips, deep frown lines, or marionette lines, they can make your smile look less attractive. Botox and dermal fillers can help erase those lines for a complete and esthetically pleasing smile makeover.
Botox And Its Uses
Botox is a neurotoxin/protein that has been used therapeutically for decades. If you’re wondering what it has to do with dentistry it is used as a treatment modality for chronic grinding and clenching (bruxism), and for symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Botox can be injected into the facial muscles near your jaw joints to help ease the muscle tension associated with both of these issues. Botox is also used for cosmetic issues. By injecting Botox into forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, smile lines, frown lines, and marionette lines, it can add to a smile makeover by reducing signs of aging.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are similar to Botox and used for the same purposes. However, dermal fillers consist of bovine collagen. They, too, are administered via injection. The effects of both Botox and dermal fillers last between four and six months, and both help eliminate discomfort associated with TMJ and bruxism, and reduce wrinkles for a younger looking smile.
