Botox and Filler at Boulder Canyon Dental
Hi, I'm Dr. Amy from Boulder Canyon Dental. I get a lot of questions about what the difference is between Botox and filler, as well as common questions about Botox in dentistry. So today I wanted to take some time to go over what the difference is and what they both can accomplish to give you a better understanding of how you can meet your own personal goals.
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
The biggest difference between Botox and fillers is what they're going to treat. Botox is a great tool to prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles from active movement, whereas filler is what we utilize if we've lost volume over time. Say you've heard of that sunken or fallen face look; that would be a filler treatment. Botox is a great tool to prevent signs of aging, while filler is a great tool to turn back the clock. I like that line: Botox is a great tool to prevent the signs of aging, whereas filler is a great tool to turn back the clock.
Are all dentists licensed to administer Botox?
Not all dentists are licensed to perform Botox treatments unless they attend additional training. This includes specific hands-on training as well as scientific journal article studies, ensuring we can safely administer Botox and fully understand the mechanism of action.
Is it safe to receive Botox from a dental professional?
It is absolutely safe to receive Botox from a dental professional. We inject faces all day long, so we know how to do it comfortably.
What is the difference between getting Botox at a dental office versus a dermatologist?
The biggest difference between getting Botox done at a dental office versus a dermatologist or medical spa is that a doctor will be the one injecting you. We have undergone extensive training in head and neck anatomy, see all those muscles daily, and inject patients regularly, so we know how to do it comfortably and spot the small changes in your face that are causing issues.
Will I look different when I get it?
A lot of patients ask, "Will I look different after I get Botox or fillers?" and the answer is really: do you want to look different? In general, Botox prevents a lot of facial expression, so patients don't typically look different after we complete that treatment. Whereas with a filler, if you come in and you want to restore volume that has been lost, we can make you look more like you did, say, 5 years ago. Whereas if you come in and say, "I've never had full lips; I want them to be huge and plump," you absolutely will look different after that treatment.
If you're sick of staring at those lines or crow's feet, then Botox will not change the look of your face or the appearance of those lines.
What dental or facial concerns can Botox address?
There are many dental or facial concerns that Botox can address, all depending on the patient's goals. Whether it's a gummy smile, unwanted wrinkles, facial asymmetry, or clenching and grinding, Botox can be utilized for all of these.
How does Botox help with TMJ disorders?
Botox for TMJ disorders works by reducing the pull of the muscle on the joint. The TMJ is a specific joint that should not be yanked on or traumatized with clenching or grinding without eventually causing symptoms. Through Botox, we can slowly partially atrophy those muscles to prevent them from turning on and firing as easily, thus reducing the extent of the forces they exert. Most patients notice relief from TMJ disorders within 3 days of a Botox injection, with maximum results seen after 6 months following two separate treatments, where muscle size decreases.
What do patients experience after Botox for TMJ?
Most of my patients will tell me what I experienced myself, which is that they didn't realize how much pain they were in until it was gone.
How can Botox complement cosmetic dental procedures?
Botox can complement many cosmetic dental procedures regarding facial asymmetry. Most of us have little things about our face that bother us, like a gummy smile, a crooked smile, or unwanted wrinkles around the mouth. Eliminating these issues allows your dental care to shine.
How can Botox be used alongside other dental treatments?
Botox can be used in dentistry alongside other treatments, like bite adjustments, crown work, and orthodontics, to provide a fully symmetrical look. Most patients don't notice, especially if they've been clenching or grinding for years, that one side is always stronger and that muscle becomes larger. This leads to more wear on those teeth, and the face becomes asymmetrical. With Botox, we can prevent unwanted grinding, restore symmetry by reducing muscle size, and then restore all the teeth to proper function for a comfortable bite.
How long do Botox results last when administered by a dentist?
Results from Botox treatments by a dentist typically last 3 months, but can vary between 2 and 4 months depending on the patient.
How much do I need?
How much Botox and filler you need is dependent on the goals of the patient. That's something that we would discuss whenever you're in the chair. Do you want to freeze your face and completely make all these lines disappear, or do you want to just slow that aging process so they're not as noticeable? I'm happy to give you a comprehensive understanding of exactly what we can and can't do and then dial that down to what your specific goals are. Personally, I hate lines, so I like to completely freeze my face.
What can I expect from a Botox appointment with my dentist?
A Botox appointment with your dentist is centered around your goals and needs. We aren't here to sell you things you don't want or need. I start every Botox appointment by asking what the patient's concern is and how much movement they still want in their face after the treatment.
I think I want filler, but I'm not sure.
If you've been toying with the idea of filler but aren't sure if you want to commit, we offer ABC biologic filler in our office. What that means is I'm utilizing your own cells to create that filler. You don't have to worry about things like filler migration or bad side effects because it's your body reacting to its own cells that were already there; we're just adjusting where we're placing it. It also has a shorter-lasting effect, so if you think, "I want these full lips, I want these big cheeks that I've never had," we can do that for you, give you that one to two-month trial run, and then you can decide if you want to stick with that kind of natural low investment or if you want to move on to something a little bit longer-lasting, such as a Juvederm filler.
For anyone who has utilized filler in the past and likes to continue their treatment, we use the full range of Juvederm products here in our office, which typically last 9 to 12 months. These have been proven safe for decades.
What should I consider when choosing a dentist for Botox?
When choosing a dentist for Botox, it's important to look at their before and after photos. It's also beneficial to talk to friends and family who have been to that dentist to see how they feel. Most dentists, like our office, offer a free consultation, so you can come in and ensure you're comfortable with the person injecting you. Avoid getting injected by someone who makes you nervous or doesn't listen to your goals, as this won't lead to the desired result.
Allergan Allē Rewards Program
Here at Boulder Canyon Dental, we utilize the Allergan line of products because that benefits our patients with the Allē Rewards program. That means every time you come in to get any treatment, you're earning points, which you can trade in directly for cash with our office. There are no coupons to print out, no things to sign up for; it's a quick QR code. Come and tell us, "I'm going to use my points today," and we discount your treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you'd like to learn more about what Botox and fillers can do specifically for your needs, please give us a call at (970) 514-0662. We're happy to complete a free consultation so you can figure out what your options are.