In today’s cosmetically driven society, most people have heard of neuromodulators like Botox ,Xeomin and Dysport. Their applications are widespread and varied, ranging from medical treatments for spastic limbs and excessive sweating, to cosmetic treatments aimed at reducing wrinkles . In dentistry, we commonly use Botox type products to treat TMJ “problems” - typically  muscle pain arising from overworked jaw muscles. What makes these muscles overworked you ask? Most of the time , it’s what is commonly referred to as  “grinding”. The clinical term for tooth grinding is Bruxism, and as a dentist I can bet on seeing several patients every day who suffer from this. Symptoms range from tooth wear and cracks, to painful muscles and “jaw joints” (ie your temporomandibular joint or TMJ). Neuromodulator products like Botox are a fabulous adjunct to help decrease and debulk overactive chewing muscles in patients with symptomatic Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction ( aka TMD).

What is Botox and How Does it Work?

Neuromodulator products like Botox, Xeomin and Dysport bind to the underlying muscle, paralyzing small portions of it and subsequently decreasing its ability to move. In cosmetics, this muscle paralysis keeps us from being able to move the targeted area (for instance our forehead), which in turn smoothes out the skin and prevents wrinkles. Voila! No more pesky 11’s or horizontal lines. In dentistry, the concept is the same, but the use is slightly different. If we can paralyze a portion of the Masseter muscle ( in the cheek) , the main culprit in all that furious clenching and grinding , we can decrease the activity of that muscle and the resulting force with which we can clench and grind. The result? Less pain, less grinding and happier patients. The unintended cosmetic upside is a slimmer looking face. Again…. Voila!

What is the BOTOX Procedure like?

The procedure for doing TMJ Botox and cosmetic Botox are essentially the same. After consulting with your dentist, we clean the treatment area with alcohol, put a numbing cream on your face and mark the injection sites with a pen. The injections themselves are quick- and the whole process takes only minutes. Afterwards you can go about your day, however no exercising, laying down or rubbing the area for about 4 hours after the appointment. It takes that long for the neuromodulator to fully bind to the muscle.

Now for the exciting part!! (Drum roll please)....Introducing Daxxify!

Typically, Neuromodulators like Botox, Xeomin and Dysport take 10-14 days to fully take effect, and the results last around 3 months.  The newest product to hit the market is called Daxxify. It contains a proprietary peptide that prolongs the effect of the neuromodulator for up to 6 months. I repeat …. 6 months! That translates to a longer time between injections, and longer lasting results (cosmetic and TMJ). Additionally, Daxxify promises an improvement in skin texture of the treated areas that makes skin look more youthful and supple. Win win! If you would like to get more info about dental or cosmetic Botox/Xeomin or Daxxify, please contact our office for a consultation. At Chicago Smile Design our goal is to keep our patients healthy and educated. Book your appointment today by texting or calling our office at #312-664-2100. We are excited to see you soon!  

Best, Dr Martin

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