SPONSORED CONTENT Botox isn't just for wrinkles You're probably familiar with the use of Botox (the trade name for Botulinum toxin) for smoothing out forehead and facial lines. However, Botox is also increasingly being used in dentistry. As a minimally invasive muscle relaxant, Botox has several helpful dental applications. Eases pain of TMJ With temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, the joints on either side of the jaw "lock" painfully, making it hard for sufferers to eat and even to talk. TMJ has often been difficult to treat effectively. A Botox injection relaxes the joint to relieve the pain. Although the effects of Botox are temporary, relief typically lasts from 3 to 6 months, giving the joint time to heal. The Botox application also reduces the severe headaches that often accompany TMJ conditions. Reduces teeth grinding Many people are unaware that they clench their jaws and grind their teeth during their sleep, though they may awaken with headaches and jaw pain, and dentists notice the affected teeth being worn down. Botox relaxes the jaw muscles, preventing patients from clenching and grinding their teeth while sleeping. Botox can also be used to correct "gummy smiles" and other cosmetic issues. Dentists have extensive knowledge of facial anat- omy, making their use of Botox a natural skill exten- sion. However, they do need training to learn how to use Botox safely and effectively with their patients. To see how Botox might be an answer for you or any of your other dental needs we are here for you at Del Norte Dental Associates at (520) 625-7224. SPONSORED CONTENT Botox isn't just for wrinkles You're probably familiar with the use of Botox ( the trade name for Botulinum toxin ) for smoothing out forehead and facial lines . However , Botox is also increasingly being used in dentistry . As a minimally invasive muscle relaxant , Botox has several helpful dental applications . Eases pain of TMJ With temporomandibular joint ( TMJ ) pain , the joints on either side of the jaw " lock " painfully , making it hard for sufferers to eat and even to talk . TMJ has often been difficult to treat effectively . A Botox injection relaxes the joint to relieve the pain . Although the effects of Botox are temporary , relief typically lasts from 3 to 6 months , giving the joint time to heal . The Botox application also reduces the severe headaches that often accompany TMJ conditions . Reduces teeth grinding Many people are unaware that they clench their jaws and grind their teeth during their sleep , though they may awaken with headaches and jaw pain , and dentists notice the affected teeth being worn down . Botox relaxes the jaw muscles , preventing patients from clenching and grinding their teeth while sleeping . Botox can also be used to correct " gummy smiles " and other cosmetic issues . Dentists have extensive knowledge of facial anat- omy , making their use of Botox a natural skill exten- sion . However , they do need training to learn how to use Botox safely and effectively with their patients . To see how Botox might be an answer for you or any of your other dental needs we are here for you at Del Norte Dental Associates at ( 520 ) 625-7224 .