As mentioned in the Ultimate Guide to BOTOX® (Part I), BOTOX has several medicinal and dental health properties that contribute to comfort, aesthetics, and treatment modalities across many specialties and subspecialties.
For example, it has been used for decades in the treatment of strabismus (eye crossing)—as early as the late 1980s. And it was first administered for bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) in the early 1990s. It also has a long track record of treating fine lines, wrinkles, and migraine headaches. And these are only a handful of the uses for this versatile treatment.
Let’s explore some of the most frequent questions patients have asked our dentist in Fishers, Indiana, about BOTOX.
Frequently Asked Questions about BOTOX in Fishers, IN
How does BOTOX curb bruxism?
Bruxism is a serious condition that means teeth grinding and clenching, often during sleep. Without treatment, you risk tooth loss, tooth fractures, and even damage to your temporomandibular joints (TMJs)—the sliding hinge-like joints that complement chewing, yawning, and speaking.
Over time, bruxism can mean exaggerated musculature around the lower face and severe pain in the head, neck, and shoulders.
The injectable relaxes the jaw muscles, making nocturnal grinding and clenching more difficult. In other words, it may lower the inclination to grind and clench the teeth during sleep.
BOTOX can be used alone or along with appliance therapy to combat this issue.
How can BOTOX help TMJ?
BOTOX gives your TMJs permission to relax. When TMJ joints are stiff or inflamed, consider them always at attention. The injectable relaxes the muscles around these joints, allowing them to exhale metaphorically. It’s like passing someone a soft stool who has been on their feet for hours. BOTOX offers the same relief for TMJ.
TMJ may result from bruxism or injury or be anatomically present from birth. Your dentist in Fishers can determine whether the injectable is a suitable treatment for your level of TMJ.
Will BOTOX treatment for wrinkles make my face feel tight?
BOTOX treatment does not tighten the face. Instead, it slightly freezes the muscles or tissues beneath the skin, promoting fine lines and wrinkles. This does not mean you’ll be unable to chew, smile, and laugh. Instead, it means you’ll be able to do so without worrying about more lines and wrinkles forming. So, while the cosmetic injectable relaxes and softens your wrinkles, it may also prevent new ones from forming prematurely.
Am I too young for BOTOX anti-wrinkle treatment?
We can use BOTOX to help prevent premature aging and to soften or lessen the wrinkles you already have. Younger patients often consider the injectable preventive treatment against early lines and wrinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions about BOTOX Guidance
What should I do after my BOTOX appointment?
After treatment, it is best to take it easy for the first day. Try relaxing with a good book or favorite movie. You don’t want to move around too much. Additionally, try to maintain a resting heart rate.
You may notice mild bruising and swelling after the cosmetic injectable treatment; take the pain relievers recommended by your dentist, typically Ibuprofen.
What should I not do after my BOTOX appointment?
After BOTOX treatment, your dentist recommends no rubbing or massaging around the treatment site for the first day. You should also avoid strenuous exercise and activities requiring much walking or movement. You should also remain upright for at least four hours following cosmetic injectable treatment.
Your dentist may provide additional instructions based on your unique case.
Frequently Asked Questions about BOTOX Longevity
How long does it take for BOTOX to work?
BOTOX may work immediately, but it typically improves over the weeks following your in-office treatment. You’ll notice fine lines and wrinkles lessening even days or weeks after you’ve had treatment in our dental clinic.
How long does BOTOX last?
On average, cosmetic injectable treatments last between three to four months. And sometimes longer. However, the timeframe depends on several factors, including the reason you’re having treatment. Your dentist can give you a better idea about how long your results will last during your consultation. Additionally, repeat treatments often last longer than the initial course. So your dentist will also talk to you about how often you should repeat BOTOX during your first assessment for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about BOTOX Costs
Does my insurance cover BOTOX?
Your insurance plan may cover some or all of your BOTOX costs, depending on the language of your policy and reasons for treatment. Often, you’ll find coverage for pain-related issues like TMJ or migraines, but it is not common for insurance plans to cover cosmetic BOTOX.
Fortunately, your Fishers dentist accepts CareCredit financing. CareCredit is a third-party entity offering various programs to help offset monthly financing costs for medical and dental treatments. For example, CareCredit allows you to pay for treatment over time and sometimes provides interest-free options. It takes only minutes to learn whether you qualify for this financing. A member of our dental team can help you apply.
How much does BOTOX cost?
BOTOX costs vary based on the number of injections (or how much product you require) to address your specific needs. Fortunately, your initial consultation tells us more about costs and maintenance, and we will share the treatment plan with you, including costs.
About BOTOX Treatment in Fishers
BOTOX has helped many patients enjoy pain-free lives. It has also turned back the clock for many, addressing issues like wrinkles, crow’s feet, and smile lines. And it all starts with a consultation in our dental office. At this visit, you’ll learn whether you’re a candidate for treatment and how much it will cost. You’ll discover how often you need treatment to correct and benefit your specific issue.
At this visit, we’re also happy to answer any questions you might have about the cosmetic injectable.
Contact Our Dental Office for BOTOX Treatment Near Me
Reach out today if you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to arrange a visit with our BOTOX dentist. Not every dentist offers BOTOX, but we’re happy to provide it in our dental office. And don’t forget to ask about our exclusive Dentistry of Fishers Dental Package and how you might benefit.
We look forward to helping you enjoy your best life with BOTOX!