Many dentists offer a variety of aesthetic services to help enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. For example, if you want to brighten your smile, they can offer professional-grade teeth whitening solutions or place porcelain veneers to lighten your enamel.
But did you know that some providers also offer cosmetic BOTOX® injections to address facial wrinkles? Unfortunately, some patients avoid this procedure because they’ve heard misinformation about what’s involved. Continue reading to learn about 3 BOTOX® myths you shouldn’t believe!
Myth #1: You Can’t Emote With BOTOX®
BOTOX® is the brand name of a purified protein that’s injected into your muscles to block nerve signals to the area. This prevents them from contracting, which allows the skin resting on top of them to become smoother.
But many people assume that this treatment leads to a ‘frozen face’ or prevents them from forming different facial expressions. If you’re worried it will hinder your ability to emote, you can thankfully set your concerns aside.
Your dentist is a trained professional and knows how and where to apply this medication for optimal results. You should still be able to display a full range of emotions as long as your procedure is administered by a licensed provider.
Myth #2: BOTOX® Injections Are Unsafe
BOTOX® is derived a neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which, in larger doses, can cause paralysis or become fatal. As a result, many people mistakenly assume that this service will inevitably harm their general health.
However, your dentist only uses a small, safe dosage in these FDA- approved injections, so they’re considered safe for most people. You might experience temporary side effects, such as headache, flu-like symptoms, or muscle weakness at the injection site, but these often fade on their own after a few days.
Myth #3: BOTOX® Can Permanently Erase Wrinkles
This cosmetic service can be used to address several aesthetic concerns, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, or frown lines, to restore a more youthful visage. But, unfortunately, the results of these injections don’t last forever.
Most people can expect them to last between 3 and 6 months before they start to fade. Eventually, your body metabolizes and breaks down the protein that makes BOTOX® effective, which allows your muscles to expand and contract more normally again. You might help extend the outcome by avoiding direct sunlight exposure, which can damage collagen.
If you’re still unsure if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic BOTOX® injections, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jayson Voto enjoys helping patients improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and today, is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Spear Study Club, to stay current with contemporary treatments and technology. He offers a variety of services, including BOTOX®, to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (918) 272-5381.