Botox Cosmetic & Therapeutic Treatments
Expertise Beyond Traditional Dentistry
Dr. Lee is a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) and has earned Master Level certification in botulinum toxin training. AAFE provides advanced training for dental and medical professionals in both aesthetic and therapeutic applications of botulinum toxin.
At DC Light Dental, we recognize that the muscles of the face, jaw, and neck play an important role in both your appearance and your comfort. Depending on your individual needs, botulinum toxin treatments may be used for cosmetic facial rejuvenation as well as certain therapeutic concerns involving facial and jaw muscles.
What Is the Difference Between Botox Cosmetic and Therapeutic Botox?
Although the same type of medication may be used, the treatment goals, injection sites, and treatment plans can be very different.
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic is commonly used to temporarily soften the appearance of dynamic facial lines and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement.
Treatment may help improve the appearance of:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet
- Other areas affected by facial muscle movement
Botox works by temporarily reducing muscle activity, allowing the overlying skin to appear smoother.
For patients interested in a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation approach, Botox may also be combined with dermal fillers. While Botox reduces muscle activity, dermal fillers work differently by restoring or adding volume to areas of the face.
Therapeutic Botox
Botulinum toxin can also have therapeutic applications. Depending on a patient’s diagnosis and individual circumstances, treatment may be considered for certain conditions involving excessive muscle activity or tension, including:
- Chronic migraine
- Jaw clenching and bruxism
- TMJ-related muscle pain
- Facial and neck muscle tension
- Myofascial trigger points
Botulinum toxin works by temporarily reducing nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. When excessive muscle activity is reduced, some patients may experience decreased muscle tension and pain.
For example, in appropriate patients, treatment of the muscles associated with jaw clenching may help reduce excessive muscle activity and the strain associated with bruxism.
Botox for TMJ, Jaw Clenching & Bruxism
Many patients experience jaw discomfort, headaches, facial tenderness, or muscle fatigue as a result of excessive clenching or grinding.
For selected patients, therapeutic botulinum toxin may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce activity in specific muscles involved in jaw function. Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, muscle activity, dental condition, and overall health.
Botulinum toxin is not appropriate for everyone, and it does not replace a proper evaluation of the underlying cause of jaw pain or TMJ symptoms.
Botox for Chronic Migraine
BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is FDA-approved for the prevention of headaches in adults with chronic migraine, which is defined as headaches occurring at least 15 days per month, with each headache lasting four hours or longer.
Treatment for chronic migraine involves a specific injection pattern and dosing protocol and is different from cosmetic Botox treatment.
If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, Dr. Lee can evaluate whether your symptoms may be related to muscle tension, jaw dysfunction, or another condition and determine whether you may be an appropriate candidate for treatment.
Is Botox Right for You?
Every patient is different. Before recommending treatment, Dr. Lee will evaluate your symptoms, medical and dental history, muscle activity, and treatment goals.
The number and frequency of treatments vary from patient to patient and depend on the condition being treated and your individual response.
If you’re interested in learning whether Botox Cosmetic or therapeutic botulinum toxin may be appropriate for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee.
