For years, Botox has been used for many issues beyond preventing and stopping wrinkles—and one of the latest is teeth grinding. Botox for wrinkles remains one of the most popular procedures at VIDA, where injectors are exclusively doctors and RNs. Here, Botox is typically reserved for addressing wrinkles, and we thought we’d let you know of a specialized use of this neuromodulator.
Bruxism (aka teeth grinding) is an involuntary action that occurs while sleeping. There are numerous causes and exacerbators including smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and sleep apnea. Given these common triggers, it’s no wonder grinding and clenching the teeth has become increasingly common in recent years. For many people, they just deal with it, but it can lead to headaches and tooth deterioration in the long run. Dentists have reported an increase in chipped and cracked teeth since the pandemic started, as well as facial soreness and jaw pain. In severe cases, the pain is debilitating. Typically, the most common treatment is to wear mouthguards but that isn’t a solution to the actual problem. Enter Botox.
How Botox Works to Relax Muscles
Botox relaxes the muscles—that’s how it works for both stopping wrinkles and putting an end to bruxism. When Botox is injected to target the muscles that clench and grind (at 250 pounds of force), the grinding and pain are put to an end. Although Botox for bruxism is on the rise, most people in the U.S. still don’t know about it (and many dentists aren’t offering it as a treatment). Typically, those who seek out Botox for grinding have already exhausted the more traditional methods and are prone to taking initiative.
However, Botox isn’t a long-term solution either. Injections wear off and it’s common to need more and more units over the months. In some ways, it’s similar to a mouthguard—it’s not getting to the real root of the problem. Understanding what causes tooth grinding and alleviating it is key, though that can be difficult (especially if it is a complex issue, like stress). As such, Botox isn’t necessarily a treatment for grinding, but rather a more effective form of management.
See A Botox Specialist
Using Botox for reasons besides wrinkles is nothing new and has been in effect since the 1990s. Some of the better known uses include stopping excessive sweating and migraines. You want to be certain your treatment is performed by someone who is specialized in that particular field of medicine. We at VIDA remain committed to stopping wrinkles from forming and all of our providers are adept at injecting Botox to minimize wrinkles and fine lines.
If you’ve tried Botox for wrinkles before, you know how quickly and effectively it works. Although Botox itself hasn’t changed since it debuted decades ago, techniques have. For instance, baby Botox is having a moment, and can be ideal for younger patients who want a subtler “freezing” that still allows for some movement. Botox can be used to give more of an arch to the brows, or you can use it as a lip flip to conceal a gummy smile. To schedule your own Botox consultation or appointment, contact VIDA today by calling the office or filling out the online contact form.
