Botox treatments have become increasingly popular for their cosmetic and anti-aging benefits. While it’s often associated with beauty clinics and medical spas, there’s another group that can provide Botox: dentists. But why should you see a dentist for Botox instead of another clinic?
Dentists are trained in the complex anatomy of the face, which is essential for safely administering Botox injections. Their expertise in facial structures makes them excellent providers of Botox. It’s also very convenient to plan your Botox treatment during a regular dental checkup—saving you an additional appointment!
What Is Botox?
Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. When used in small doses, it can be used to paralyze muscles temporarily, making it effective for medical conditions like:
- Migraines
- Excessive sweating
- Some eye disorders
- Muscles spasms
But it isn’t just medical uses that can be helped with Botox. This injectable is now widely known for its cosmetic applications and ability to provide a more youthful, smooth appearance.
Dysport vs Botox
Dysport and Botox are both brand names for injectable neurotoxins that are commonly used for cosmetic and medical purposes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and treat certain medical conditions. While they are similar in many ways, there are some differences between the 2:
Active Ingredient:
Dysport: The active ingredient in Dysport is botulinum toxin type A, specifically the form known as abobotulinumtoxinA.
Botox: Botox is also based on botulinum toxin type A but uses onabotulinumtoxinA as its active ingredient.
Onset of Action:
Dysport may have a slightly faster onset of action compared to Botox, with results becoming noticeable within a day or 2.
Botox typically takes a few days longer to show its full effects, usually within 3 to 5 days.
Duration:
Both Dysport and Botox provide temporary results, and the duration of their effects is generally similar, typically lasting around 3 to 6 months. However, individual responses can vary.
Dosage Equivalency:
Dysport and Botox are not directly interchangeable in terms of dosage. The units used to measure them are different. For example, it may take more units of Dysport to achieve the same effect as Botox, or vice versa. Healthcare professionals must be familiar with the dosing conversions if they switch between the 2 products.
Both products have a proven track record of safety and effectiveness when administered by skilled practitioners. The team at Hometown Dental offers Dysport and can guide you through the process.
What Does Botox Do?
When injected into specific muscles, Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing them from contracting, resulting in temporary relaxation of the muscles and a reduction in facial wrinkles and lines.
The smoothed look of wrinkles gives people a younger appearance since they recede as the toxin affects the desired areas. However, these results are temporary, typically lasting between 4–6 months.
Botox is considered a toxin. While it’s safe if administered by a trained and qualified professional, it can cause:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Muscle weakness in the injected area
When performed by a trained professional, these symptoms are rare. Typically, people may experience mild tightness or irritation while Botox takes hold, but this passes quickly. It’s essential to receive cosmetic injectables from qualified professionals to avoid serious symptoms.
Who Can Administer Botox?
Botox treatments should only be administered by a trained, qualified professional, including:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dermatologists
- Cosmetic surgeons
And in many situations, you can even get Botox from a dentist!
Why Choose a Dentist for Botox?
The idea of receiving Botox treatments at a dental office might initially seem unusual. However, dentists have a deep understanding of facial anatomy, which is crucial for achieving safe and natural-looking results.
They know where the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are located, ensuring the Botox is injected accurately and safely. They’re skilled at administering facial injections with minimal discomfort since they often use local anesthesia for dental treatments.
And remember—Botox isn’t just a cosmetic treatment. Many dentists use it (or another similar paralytic) to treat dental issues like bruxism or a high lip line. So, many dentists are already experienced in using these injections, so they’ve already received complex, in-depth training to perform them safely.
However, please remember that only some dentists are trained in Botox injections. Botox should only be performed by a qualified professional, so contact your dentist before deciding. They can even perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether or not Botox is appropriate for you.
Cosmetic Injections in Alberta
At Hometown Dental in Alberta, we offer Dysport, a product similar to Botox. The primary difference between the compounds is the carrier molecule used to transport the toxin to the facial nerves. This difference causes Dysport® to spread out more than Botox® and the onset is faster. When performed by our skilled and experienced dental professionals, Dysport provides a more youthful, smooth appearance. Book an appointment with us today if you’re thinking about cosmetic injections. We’re committed to providing safe, effective, and convenient care for all our patients.
