Botox in Manchester – The (Not So) Secret Weapon in Dentistry’s Arsenal

25 September 2023

Botox in Manchester – The (Not So) Secret Weapon in Dentistry’s Arsenal

When we think of Botox we tend to associate it with celebrities looking to turn back the clock on their appearance and it’s true; since 1989, this treatment has been smoothing out the fine lines and wrinkles of everyone from Sharon Osbourne to Cindy Crawford.

However, aside from rolling back the years, did you know that facial injectables like botulinum toxin (Botox) are also used in dentistry? In fact, dental Botox has been a real game-changer for the dental industry and one that is revolutionising the way that dentists approach patient care.

Here at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics, for example, we use Botox in Manchester for many roles. So take a trip with me and explore the fascinating world of Botox and how it came to be a (not so) secret weapon in dentistry’s arsenal.

So, what is Botox?

Botox is essentially derived from a bacterium known as Clostridium Botulinum – the same bacteria that cause foodborne diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), botulism toxins are some of the world’s most lethal substances.

Botulinum toxins such as Botox are purified and heavily diluted versions of a type known as botulinum neurotoxin type A. As such, after much testing, they were passed safe to use by most health administrations across the world.

When injected, the product temporarily paralyses or relaxes the muscles by blocking chemical signals to the nerves which would otherwise cause them to contract. When muscles are relaxed, they soften the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, making a person appear younger than their years.

So, how did we go from beauty treatments to dentistry?

While facial injectables have been used by beauty clinics and medical spas since the 1980s, the late 1990s saw a paradigm shift in the way that patients viewed dental treatments. The ongoing quest for beauty meant a move away from tooth-centred dental treatment and instead, towards treatment that incorporated full-smile enhancement.

As a result, many dentists opted to take a multidisciplinary approach to patient treatment and Botox sits right at the heart of that.

The multiple roles of Botox here in Manchester

Most people are familiar with botulinum toxin as a cosmetic treatment that reduces wrinkles but Botox has many other roles too. Here are some of them:

Therapeutic care

Many dentists now embrace the therapeutic potential of Botox to provide patients with enhanced dental care and improved quality of life.

For example, one of the primary uses of Botox is pain management. Patients who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) often experience prolonged bouts of chronic neck pain, headaches, and jaw discomfort. When Botox is skilfully injected into specific facial muscles, it relaxes those muscles and by default, reduces tension and pain.

Similarly, those who suffer from severe bruxism (teeth grinding) often experience the same jaw joint pain and headaches. However, when Botox is injected into either the temporalis, masseter or medial pterygoid muscles, it relaxes the muscle group and reduces jaw clenching. Effects can typically last 3-6 months.

Aside from pain and discomfort management, there are other important uses for botulinum toxin which include:

Complementary roles

While cosmetic dentistry focuses on aesthetic smile enhancement, dental Botox plays an important complementary role. It’s used, for instance, with great success, to target overactive muscles on one side of the face, thus restoring facial parity.

So why is this important?

Anthropological studies found that when faces were symmetrical they were perceived to be more attractive, and it’s true: when people are presented with a picture of the same face, one being asymmetrical, and the other, a symmetrical representation, the symmetrical version is preferred in nine out of ten cases.

But that’s not all. Botox can also be used in conjunction with cosmetic dentistry to soften the appearance of a gummy smile, create a more rounded look, and enhance the appearance of the mouth.

Moreover, when the product is injected into the levator labii superioris muscle just above the upper lip, for example, it relaxes the muscle causing the lip to roll outwards and appear more defined and voluminous.

In these cases, Botox works to ‘frame’ a new smile and enhance any cosmetic dental treatments performed on the teeth and gums.

But what about other reasons?

Orthodontics

As more people understand the health benefits of straighter teeth, orthodontics plays a growing part in cosmetic dentistry.

However, despite the obvious benefits of braces, some patients struggle with certain appliances like Inman Aligners. The cost to UK wearers is increased discomfort.

When Botox is injected into facial muscles, it helps those muscles to relax, so wearing an orthodontic appliance like the Inman aligner immediately becomes more comfortable.

In addition, Botox can assist in the same way when braces rely on manual adjustments to improve the alignment of teeth. Normally, patients can expect to feel some degree of discomfort for a few days after an adjustment until the teeth get used to the new position. In some cases, it can become quite uncomfortable. In these instances, Botox can help relax the area, reducing any discomfort in the interim.

The versatility of Botox in Manchester

Perhaps the best thing about dental Botox is that it can be customised to address every patient’s unique needs. Whether that’s pain relief from a dental condition, complementary enhancement after cosmetic treatments or to aid the use of orthodontic treatments like braces, Botox is way more than just an anti-ageing treatment. It’s a (not so) secret weapon in the dentist’s arsenal and an invaluable tool for use in modern-day dentistry.

If you want to know more about how facial injectables like Botox can help you, talk to the team at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. As a private dentist in Manchester, we take the time to ensure you leave us with the best smile possible, both functionally and aesthetically.

Are you ready to take your smile in a different direction? Book a smile consultation today!