BOTOX Therapies
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum Toxin is a manufactured injectable medication used to therapeutically and esthetically reduce the strength of a targeted muscle. The term “BOTOX” is often used interchangeably with Botulinum Toxin Therapy. However, BOTOX, is only one of many brands of the medication used for Botulinum Toxin Therapy. Our office uses Xeomin as our brand of choice.
After injection of botulinum toxin, it takes between 2-10 days to see full clinical effect or feel relief of symptoms. Botulinum Toxin Therapy effects are not permanent and typically wear off between 3-6 months.
Uses of BOTOX in the Dental Setting
Dentists use BOTOX when excessive muscle activity contributes to pain, clenching, tooth damage, facial imbalance, or other dental health problems. BOTOX relaxes selected muscles temporarily, but it is important to note that structural dental issues need different treatment. Dr. Page is trained and certified to provide Botox through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE). She puts an emphasis on proper evaluation and diagnosis prior to any treatment. In many cases, a combination of different types of treatments may be needed to fully address the problem. BOTOX can help with the following:
• Reduces Jaw Tension and Muscular TMJ Pain
• Decreases the forces associated with of clenching and grinding
• Reduce headaches
• Treat Myofacial and Trigger point pain
• Improve Facial Asymmetries
• Improve Appearance of Masseter Hypertrophy (enlarged jaw muscles from clenching and grinding)
• Improve Lip Dynamics
• Improve Facial Esthetics
What BOTOX Cannot Do
While Botox CAN reduce muscle activity, it CANNOT treat all facial pain and facial concerns. Whether Botox works for a patient depends on whether muscle overactivity is truly driving the patient’s dental concerns. Things Botox cannot do:
• CANNOT repair Structural temporomandibular joint (TMJ) damage or arthritis
• CANNOT correct poor tooth alignment, infection, cracked teeth, or failed dental restorations
• CANNOT address every headache, ear symptom, or source of facial pain
• CANNOT address bone-driven facial width, excess fat, or loose skin
• CANNOT address every cause of bruxism (including behavioral, medication related, airway related or sleep related)
Does Insurance Cover BOTOX?
Cosmetic Botox has always been self-pay. Therapeutic coverage may exist but varies widely. At our office, Botulinum toxin therapy is self-pay and we do not submit any claims for botulinum toxin therapy. .
Dental BOTOX Risks, Side Effects, and Limitations
Most reactions are temporary, yet Botox remains a prescription drug requiring proper screening, consent, and follow-up. Possible concerns include:
• Tenderness, redness, swelling, bruising, or headache
• Asymmetry, uneven Botox results, or changed facial expression
• Temporary chewing weakness or effects in nearby facial muscles
• Inadequate response or a shorter duration than expected
• Contraindications with certain autoimmune, neuromuscular conditions, and medications
• Rare spread of toxin effects, including swallowing, speech, or breathing problems requiring urgent care