Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin protein that is produced by a type of bacteria whose cosmetic benefits were discovered by accident.
Due to the temporary nature of Botox and the minimal side effects, more people are interested in improving their appearance with a minimally invasive approach without ever going under the knife.
However, there are a lot of myths surrounding this injectable. Read on in this blog from Harmony Dentistry to separate fact from fiction.
Botox Is Used Purely for Cosmetic Reasons
While Botox is commonly used to improve the cosmetic appearance of the face, it has many medicinal uses as well! Botox is used to alleviate pain and mobility issues associated with the temporomandibular joint disorder, to help prevent teeth grinding, and to relieve migraines.
Botox can be strategically injected into certain muscles of the face to prevent involuntary contraction of the jaw muscles when you are sleeping. This protects your teeth from bruxism, prevents lockjaw from TMD, and prevents migraines.
Botox Will Give Me a “Frozen” Look In My Face
This only happens when you go overboard with Botox or receive it in the improper dosage from an inexperienced injector. At Harmony Dentistry, we use a conservative approach, only using as much as is necessary to achieve the desired results.
There is no need to inject so much that you have an expressionless face. Botox does not need to be that restrictive and a subtle injection can make a big difference without interfering with your natural expressions.
Botox Cures All Wrinkles
Unfortunately, this is also a myth. Botox is highly effective as a preventive tool against wrinkles that are caused by facial contractions. It works to prevent wrinkles by preventing you from making these muscle contractions so drastically.
Static wrinkles which are present without facial movements can be improved with Botox but may not be completely eliminated. However, there are other options to treat these wrinkles.
The Injections Are Painful
You’ll be relieved to know that we use microneedles to inject Botox and most patients describe the procedure as nothing more than a pinch or a slight bee sting. While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, Botox is not considered painful by most and it is over after just a few minutes.
We can apply a topical numbing cream to the area before injection to reduce discomfort and we can also offer you additional sedation to relax you.
It’s Permanent
Botox is a temporary injectable that only lasts for an average of 3 to 4 months or 6 months at the most. Your body naturally metabolizes the neurotoxin and it will eventually wear off, which is why people who want to keep their results will need to return for regular injections every few months.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals that are sent to muscles which tell them to contract. Once Botox has worn off, you will regain movement in these muscles.
Botox Is the Same As Dermal Fillers
Botox and filler are often lumped together and it’s no wonder why. They are often used to complement each other when patients want to achieve a more youthful appearance. However, they are fundamentally different treatments, though they may be used together.
Botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes facial muscles by blocking nerve signals that are sent to those muscles, preventing them from contracting. This is how Botox prevents wrinkles.
Filler, on the other hand, involves adding volume to the face with the use of hyaluronic acid or collagen. While both can be used to treat wrinkles, filler plumps up the cheeks, lips, and other areas of the face that have lost elasticity.
Schedule Your Botox Consultation Today!
Are you interested in Botox and wondering if it’s right for you? At Harmony Dentistry, we offer Botox injections to improve your overall smile, achieve a more youthful look, or improve medical conditions such as bruxism and TMD. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jessica Barton.