Botox and dermal filler therapy - The next big thing in cosmetic dentistry

Now that cosmetic dentistry has evolved to become a staple in every dental practice, you really have to ask yourself, “What is coming up next in the cosmetic dental field?”

Another question to think about is, Where else is there to go? We can’t possibly get teeth any whiter without patients looking like they are from Mars. We can’t get teeth any straighter once they are straight. What is the next thing on the horizon when it comes to esthetic dentistry?

It’s time to think outside the mouth!
When you look at a middle-aged woman with beautiful veneers and a thin, colorless upper lip with many smokers’lines, it tends to dampen the cosmetic effect.
As a matter of fact, when you start planning those veneers, you should be taking into account the effect the veneers will have on lip support, as well as incisal show, both in relaxed and animated positions. Then, when you enhance her lip, you have to take into account the proper lip outline and volume, as well as incisal show. In other words, both the procedures go hand in hand. Which medical professional could possibly understand this better than a dentist?

Surely, the dentist is better prepared, better trained and has more experience in the peri-oral and facial arena than other specialties.

The ADA definition of dentistry is defined as “the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (non-surgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body.”

What Is Botox (Botulinum Toxin)?
Botox, is a trade name for commercially available botulinum toxin, is the purified exotoxin of the anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. Seven types of botulinum toxin have been isolated but only two, types A and B, have been made commercially available. Initially, only botulinum toxin A was available commercially on prescription but more recently, type B also came on the market. The Food and Drug Administration (US) has only approved botulinum toxin type A for treatment of cervical dystonia (severe neck muscle spasm), severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive axillary sweating), blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids) and temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (wrinkles). Type B botulinum toxin has approval for cervical dystonia.

The most publicized application has been for the elimination of facial wrinkling.
The toxin acts by preventing the release of acetylcholine from presynaptic vesicles at the neuromuscular junction resulting in an inhibition of muscular contraction. This blockade is temporary, varying from three to four months, after which sprouting of new axon terminals result in a return of neuromuscular function. Therefore, treatment with botulinum toxin cannot be considered curative but a palliative and symptomatic approach to the management of a problem. The toxin has also been shown to block acetylcholine release at parasympathetic nerve terminals.

The use of botulinum toxin in Dentistry. Are We Serious?
Botox is also used to complement esthetic dentistry cases, as a minimally invasive alternative to surgically treating Gummy Smiles, asymmetric Smiles, denture patients who have trouble adjusting to new dentures, adjunct to healing during immediate Implant Placement ,orthodontic cases where retraining of the facial muscles is necessary.
Therapeutic uses of Botox include adjunct treatment of Temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, clenching, masseter hypertrophy and many more.

What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers increase and volumize creases and folds in the face in areas that have lost fat and collagen as we age. After age 30, we all lose approximately 1% of hyaluronic acid from our bodies. Hyaluronic acid is the natural filler substance in your body. The face starts to lack volume and appears aged with deeper nasolabial folds, unaesthetic marionette lines, a deeper mentalis fold, the lips start to thin, and turning down the corners of the lips. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are then injected extraorally right underneath these folds to replace the volume lost which creates a younger look in the face.

The use of derma fillers in the field of dentistry.
Dermal fillers can be used for high lip line cases, asymmetrical lips around the mouth, lip augmentation, and completing cosmetic dentistry cases by creating a beautiful, young-looking frame around the teeth.Also the latest research is on treating cases of black triangle in the mouth.

Did you Know?
Botox and dermal filler procedures usually take just over 15 to 20 minutes. It’s not a huge Investment. If you want to add Botox & Dermal Filler therapy to your practice, all it takes is buying the product you’re going to deliver and taking the necessary training.

Why Should Dentists Offer Botox & Dermal Fillers?
• Smile Makeover Expert
• More training and knowledge of oral and oral facial areas than any other health care professionals
• Comprehensive knowledge of facial muscle expression dynamics
• Highly experienced with injections and aesthetic options comfortable treatments
• Consideration of dental and facial proportions before augmentations for optimal results
• Can offer quick and convenient treatments during routine dental visits.

What are you waiting for?
Interestingly, as my experiences have grown in this field and in speaking with other healthcare professional colleagues, cosmetic dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons often ask why it has taken so long for dentists to get into this field, seeing that it is a totally natural fit and complements everything we are trying to accomplish in total esthetic dentistry. They appreciate that general dentists have the natural skill set to accomplish dermal filler therapy.

But just don't jump in!
Training is the key to developing the skill to perform this exciting treatment for patients. There is a very short learning curve because dentists already are well trained in injections. What you need to learn is competency in understanding the mechanisms of these materials, reviewing the facial expression muscles, indications as well as the risks and benefits of these treatments. Hands-on training in placing these materials, as well as preventing and managing complications, is another important part of training. With some practice, you can be well on your way to performing these procedures.

Take the Step.
Implementing Botox and dermal filler therapy in your practice is a natural progression of where we are going in the cosmetic dental industry. These procedures are easy to accomplish by general dentists with proper training. Patients are motivated to accept these therapies and would be excited to have it done under local dental anesthesia, again making the dentist the healthcare professional of choice to deliver these procedures. This is the perfect complement and the next step in complete cosmetic dentistry.

So let’s Pioneer the approach of Complete Dentofacial Aesthetics.