Botox®

Laytonsville, MD Dentist

At Sheila L. Brush, DDS, PC, in addition to cosmetic dental treatments, we offer our patients the benefits of Botox® Cosmetic dermal fillers. What better way to enhance your freshly whitened smile, beautiful veneers, or straighter teeth than with a newly refreshed and more youthful appearance? Men and women alike can enjoy the benefits of these procedures, completed in our office in less than an hour.

What is Botox® Cosmetic and how does it work?

Botox® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into your facial muscles. It is used to reduce the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and “crow’s feet” that develop around the eyes. It works by blocking the nerve impulses to the injected sites, reducing the muscle activity that causes these persistent lines to form. The effects are temporary, lasting up to 4 months.

Why should I consider Botox® Cosmetic?

You may have noticed frown lines between your brows or “crow’s feet” near your eyes, making you look tired or even older than you should. Ask Dr. Brush if Botox® is right for you. Real results, no surgery, and no recovery time necessary are a few of the reasons to choose treatment with Botox® Cosmetic.

Is there any medical reason to use Botox® Cosmetic?

Yes. Botox® Cosmetic may be used in treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD).  Botox® Cosmetic is injected into facial and jaw muscles to provide relief from jaw tension and soreness. Additionally, these injections can reduce bruxism (teeth grinding), minimize lockjaw, and eliminate bruxism headaches.

The Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joints

The joints on both sides of our jaw, located between the ear and the cheekbone, consist of three parts: the socket (part of the temporal bone), the ball (the top part of the jawbone), and a small, fibrous disk that acts as a cushion between the two. The ball and socket are covered in cartilage to help keep movement smooth and comfortable.

If the disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment, if the cartilage on the bone is worn away by arthritis, or if there is a traumatic injury to the joint, a TMJ disorder may be the result.

Symptoms of TMJ/TMD Disorders

Common symptoms of a TMJ disorder include:

  • Clicking or popping sounds in the joint when chewing, or a grating sensation
  • Pain or tenderness of the jaw
  • Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
  • Difficult or painful chewing
  • Aching pain around the face
  • Aching pain in and around the ear
  • Difficulty opening or closing the jaw due to locking of the joint

Tips for Relieving TMJ Pain

If you’re dealing with TMJ pain, there are a few things you can do to reduce it on your own:

  • Keep yawning and chewing to a minimum.
  • When possible, avoid extreme jaw movements like from singing or yelling.
  • If you have to yawn, control it by pressing a fist beneath your chin.
  • When resting, hold your teeth slightly apart rather than fully closed. This is the natural resting position for the jaw, even when the lips are closed.
  • Eat soft foods that require little to no chewing.

Treatment For TMJ Disorders

In most cases, TMJ pain is temporary and goes away on its own after a week or two, but not always. If it doesn’t, and especially if it gets worse, then it likely needs treatment, which varies depending on the cause.

These treatments include ice packs, exercise, moist heat, medication, and splints, but if none of them are enough, then measures like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound treatment, or trigger-point injections may be necessary. If all else fails, jaw surgery may be recommended. In some cases, we recommend Botox® for TMJ treatment.

Will I still be able to have facial expressions?

Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you’ve “had work done.” The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is temporarily reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised, just without the wrinkles and creases.

How long can I expect my results to last?

Visible results can last up to 4 months. Your own results may vary. Dr. Brush will discuss with you what you should expect and when you should schedule your next appointment.

*Pricing based on individual consultation.

Learn more at www.botoxcosmetic.com.