Botox

What is Botox?

The anti-wrinkling effects of Botox are well-known by many, but fewer people know about the many uses that Botox can have in other areas of medicine. Botox is a name commonly used for botulinum toxin. When injected into an area of the body, this toxin affects the nerves in that area in a way that causes the muscles to lose their ability to contract. This is what gives Botox its power to reduce the formation of new wrinkles. 

However, this muscle relaxation can have benefits in areas outside of reducing wrinkles. For example, Botox can help adults with chronic migraines when injected around the pain fibers where the headache occurs. In addition, several dental or oral conditions are caused by excess muscle tension in the jaw, making Botox a natural solution. 

The team at Orange Coast Dental Specialty has extensive experience using Botox for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, helping to improve their patient’s oral health and appearance. 

How can Botox help in dentistry?

Several dental conditions are caused or made worse through the repeated or constant clenching of jaw muscles. When applied correctly, Botox can help the following conditions:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The temporomandibular joint is the point where your jaw attaches to your lower skull. Unfortunately, disorders of this joint can occur, causing a range of unpleasant and painful symptoms. While it is not known exactly what causes this disorder, it is believed that excess tension and clenching in the jaw muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint are responsible in many cases. When Botox is injected into these hyper-tense muscles, most patients find relief in the facial muscle pain that is commonly experienced in patients with TMJ disorders. 

Bruxism

Bruxism is a term that refers to clenching and grinding of the teeth. While this can be uncomfortable in and of itself, the constant clenching and grinding of teeth can lead to dental degradation over time. Botox injections serve to relax the muscles that are responsible for the clenching, thus alleviating the condition. 

Is Botox right for me?

Everybody is different, and while some may benefit from Botox, others may not. The team at Orange Coast Dental Specialty in Huntington Beach, California, are highly trained and certified in the use of Botox for a range of cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. They will work with you to determine if Botox can help you and guide you through the process in an informative and caring manner. 

What is the NTI-tss Plus™ dental appliance?

In addition to Botox treatments, the team at Orange Coast Dental Specialty uses the NTI-tss Plus dental appliance to treat migraine headaches associated with bruxism, or excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth. This special device reduces muscle contraction intensity, joint pain, tension headaches, and tooth wear. 

To learn more about Botox and whether it is right for you, call the office or book online today to schedule your first appointment.