Facial Aesthetics
Spokane, WA
 Botox Injections
If you have an interest in anti-aging treatments, then you have likely heard of Botox injections. The benefits of Botox for wrinkles are well known. However, we offer Botox to improve your oral health as well.
At Dynamic Dental Care, we typically recommend Botox treatment to help our patients maintain a more youthful facial appearance. We may also recommend it to address the painful symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. In many cases, it is an effective, albeit temporary, alternative to more traditional TMJ treatments.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a portmanteau, short for botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is a medication derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum, which is traditionally known to cause botulism, a rare foodborne illness. To create Botox, the active neurotoxin is harvested, isolated, and purified in a laboratory.
This laboratory process makes Botox completely safe and effective for treatment. Side effects, while they do occur, are rare. Most patients experience little or no complications following their treatment.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that are responsible for muscle contractions. The medication only affects nerves associated with motor function. When injected into the muscles, Botox can help eliminate or reduce the wrinkle lines caused by certain expressions.
The medication takes effect almost instantly. Over the next week or so, the Botox will continue to relax the muscles, causing the targeted wrinkles to become less visible. While the treatment is temporary, the results could last for up to six months. If you want sustained results, we may recommend Botox injections at regular intervals.
Do You Qualify for Botox Injections?
The use of Botox in dentistry has become increasingly popular in recent years. We may recommend Botox as a part of your comprehensive treatment plan to address either cosmetics or issues with your TMJ. During your initial consultation, Dr. Huish will determine if you are a suitable candidate for Botox injections.
The ideal candidate for Botox treatment:
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Is between the age of 18 and 65
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Wants to remove wrinkles and other facial lines
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Suffers from a TMJ disorder that causes painful or uncomfortable symptoms
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Wants a non-surgical alternative to cosmetic surgery
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Understands the pros and cons of Botox treatment
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Is in good physical and mental health
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Voices desires and concerns before their injections |
Botox and Your TMJ
Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the complicated sliding hinge largely responsible for your ability to chew, speak, smile, and yawn. In other words, this joint allows you to move your jaw forward, backward, and side-to-side. Any problem that prevents you from properly using your TMJ is known as a TMJ disorder or TMD.
Because the medication targets the nerves that control muscle contractions, Botox can be used to control unwanted jaw clenching. People who clench their jaw or grind their teeth may be doing so unconsciously. Botox can relax the muscles, prevent you from clenching your jaw, and alleviate painful symptoms as a result.
It is important to note that Botox is a temporary solution to these problems. We may recommend Botox in tandem with other treatments, such as stress counseling or the use of an oral appliance. However, Botox can help you establish better habits involuntarily, leading to longer-lasting results.
 Juvéderm
Many of our patients are not just concerned with the aesthetics of their smile. They want to improve their overall facial appearance as well. For this reason, we here at Dynamic Dental Care specialize in Juvéderm injections.
What Is Juvéderm?
Juvéderm is a name-brand dermal filler that consists of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that regulates the moisture within our skin cells. The application of hyaluronic acid, or Juvéderm, can help hydrate your skin and eliminate unsightly wrinkles. Sufficiently hydrated skin is plump and radiant, giving you a more youthful facial appearance following your treatment.
We may also recommend Juvéderm to correct the appearance of a “gummy” smile. A gummy smile occurs when there is an excessive amount of gum tissue, making your teeth appear short or small. They can also occur due to high lip lines. Juvéderm can add volume to the upper lip, which then covers more of your gum tissue. The goal is to strike a natural and aesthetically pleasing balance between your teeth, gums, and lips.
During the procedure, we use a very thin needle to inject Juvéderm right underneath the skin. We typically target the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, oral commissures, or the lips. To minimize or eliminate discomfort, we may also use a topical anesthetic.
Depending on the number of injections you need, the procedure can take 15 to 40 minutes to complete. Once the Juvéderm is under the skin, you will see immediate results. By the time you leave our office, the wrinkles we targeted will be much less noticeable. In some cases, they may even disappear completely.
Are You a Candidate for Juvéderm?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Huish will be able to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Juvéderm. If you would like to achieve a more youthful facial appearance, Juvéderm may be the ideal solution. Because it occurs naturally in your skin, this type of dermal filler is generally safe and effective for almost everybody.
As dental professionals, we specialize in the oral and maxillofacial areas of your body. This makes us uniquely qualified to administer Juvéderm to your face. We often recommend dermal fillers in tandem with other cosmetic treatments that improve the aesthetics of your smile. During your appointment, we will discuss all of your concerns and desired results to ensure that Juvéderm is right for you.
Juvéderm Vs. Botox
Botox is another common injection treatment that can minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles. However, Botox can also be in beneficial in reducing or eliminating the painful symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. Much like Juvéderm, Botox provides you with immediate results.
A primary difference between the two treatments is how long your results will last. Botox treatment is typically effective for about three or four months. Once administered, the effects of Juvéderm can last anywhere between six months to a year. Once your wrinkles return, we may recommend a second round of treatment.
Side effects are rare for both treatments. However, Juvéderm tends to result in even fewer complications due to minimal risk of allergic reaction. By eliminating deep wrinkles, dermal fillers can also reduce your risk of developing fungal infections like mycosis.
Schedule a Consultation
You, too, could benefit from our Botox or Juvéderm treatment! Call (509) 466-2587 to schedule a consultation appointment today! |
