When most people think of Botox, they imagine a dermatologist or plastic surgeon carrying out the procedure. But nowadays, it is not uncommon for dental practices to offer Botox injections too. In fact, dentists don't just use Botox for aesthetic reasons. Dentists can use Botox to treat some dental conditions, such as bruxism.

Dentists that train to use Botox in their dental practice can use Botox to help their patients in various ways. 

Dentists can use Botox to treat wrinkles

Wrinkle treatment is no longer solely the domain of dermatologists or plastic surgeons. A dentist trained to use Botox and dermal fillers can banish or reduce wrinkles temporarily, giving you a more youthful appearance. To treat wrinkles with Botox, dentists inject a compound called botulinum into the muscles of an area on a patient's face. The botulinum stops muscles from moving temporarily.

With carefully placed injections, a dentist can treat wrinkles in the following areas:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Crow's feet
• Mouth wrinkles

Once injected into the targeted muscles, the Botox will take effect within several days and last for about 4-6 months. This means that if you find a reputable dentist near you that is trained to administer Botox, you can see them twice a year to keep your face looking youthful.

Dentists can use Botox instead of surgery for high lip lines

Patients with high lip lines want to adjust their smile so that less gum tissue shows when they smile. But some people don't want or cannot afford gingival surgery or crown lengthening procedures. A cheaper and less invasive option is to have a skilled dentist apply Botox to the area. The Botox will stop certain muscles from moving and thus reduce the appearance of gum tissue when smiling.

Dentists can treat bruxism with Botox

Dentists can treat bruxism or nocturnal grinding in various ways, such as therapy and night guards. By injecting Botox into the muscles of the face, dentists can reduce the pressure placed on teeth when patients grind their teeth at night. Less pressure means less damage to teeth and fewer or more minor headaches upon waking.

Dentists can help patients adjust to new dentures with Botox

Adjusting to new dentures can be painful at first. New dentures rub against gum tissue, leaving patients in constant pain. Dentists trained to administer Botox can inject Botox into the muscles of the face to relax them and thus reduce the movement of new dentures. This can reduce the pain of new dentures and help patients adjust quickly.

Dentists can use Botox for various dental conditions. They can also help reduce wrinkles. If you've never used a dentist for Botox injections before, consider looking one up. Because dentists already specialize in treating the mouth, using a dentist to administer Botox in that region can be advantageous.