If you’re thinking about treatment with things like Botox or dermal fillers, your dentist probably isn’t the first place you think of. But the training that dentists receive can make them ideal to administer these treatments. Dr. Alexandra Hillyard Monroe was trained at the Academy of Facial Aesthetics and offers Botox and fillers along with cosmetic dentistry in Media, PA.
About Botox and Dermal Fillers
Botox utilizes botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze certain muscles in the face. It’s typically used to treat wrinkles and frown lines in the face. The toxin prevents the muscles in certain areas from contracting as much, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The muscles won’t be exerting with as much force and the strength of the muscles will lessen.
As we get older, our skin doesn’t have as much collagen. Instead of having firm and full skin, the face starts to sag and isn’t as plump. Lessened skin elasticity can also contribute to more fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can be injected underneath the skin to restore volume and stimulate the natural collagen production in your body.
Botox for Pain and TMJ
Botox has been approved by the FDA to treat head and neck pain, often caused by TMJ disorders. Dr. Monroe has been trained in identifying pain and pressure points in your face and neck. When your jaw muscles are tense and overworking or working in a way they aren’t designed to be, it can lead to pain that radiates throughout the upper body.
Using Botox can help to relax these problem muscles. The toxin is injected into specific places to make sure to relax the tense muscles that are causing you pain. Since they’re contracting less, they’re also weakening. This gives you more relief over time, even when the toxin is no longer in your system.
The Benefits of Botox and Dermal Fillers
There are many benefits to these procedures, especially from your dentist as well. Dentists have extensive knowledge of the muscle structure present in the face. They’re also adept at performing precise treatments in small spaces, ensuring they’re capable of hitting the most effective pressure points in the face.
While the results of Botox and dermal fillers are temporary, your regular dental appointment schedule is ideal for continuing treatment. You have the benefit of being able to stop at any time, but you also have the benefit of getting a touchup every six months when you’re in our office. This time gap is ideal to have continuing treatment at the right time.
These treatments are minimally invasive, as they’re just injections. They don’t take long to do and you should be able to go back to work and your regular routine on the same day. Even if you’re getting Botox specifically for headaches and pain, you’ll still get the benefits of reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Media, Pennsylvania
Botox and fillers help you show off your beautiful smile. Call us to learn more about our facial aesthetic offerings and more cosmetic dentistry treatments.