BOTOX

 

What is Botulinum Toxin or Botox®?

 

Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, that blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscle, therefore the muscle is unable to contract.

It has been used in the last few years for treatment of different diseases of muscles and nerve system, as well as to block sweat glands in the cases of severe underarm sweating.

 

Botulinum Toxin usage in cosmetic medicine

 

In the cosmetic medicine Botox has been used recently and already is a widely accepted treatment option to treat face wrinkles.

Wrinkles are the result of normal facial movement as an expressions of emotions. Muscle contraction and relaxation is especially visible on the both sides of the nose, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. The result of the Botox injection is the blocade of the specific face muscle, resulting with reduction of non-estetic skin movement. The skin around the area which has been treated will look smooth and less wrinkled, giving the face more pleasant appearance. The upper third of the face is where the best treatment results are obtained, commonly for the reduction in crow's feet around the eyes and wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyebrows.
The results of the Botox application will be achieved in a short period, first effect after 24-48 hours and full effect is usually visible after a week. Since the effect of the Botox decreases after certain period of time, which depends of the individual and position on the face, the injection should be repeated every while. Repeating the treatment the muscles lose theit tonicity and become more flat.

 

Botulinum Toxin usage in dentistry

 

The application of Botulinum Toxin (Botox® or Dentox® for Dentistry) is a simple, non-surgical procedure. The doctor will administer several tiny injections directly into the muscle to “paralyze” it. Therefore, the benefit for TMJ/TMD patients is the reduction in the number of clenching events and their intensity. This will reduce the destruction of teeth, gums and jaw joint, thus leading to reduction of discomfort and pain in facial and chewing muscles. Another possible benefit is that the botulinum toxin does not stay in the body indefinitely, so if there is an adverse effect, or a mistake made, it is only temporary. There is also the likely possibility that with frequent treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing the patient to go longer and longer between treatments.