Relax the muscle, keep your expression. At Vigée Dental in Calgary, Botox is part of how we care for the whole face, not only the teeth. Dr. Nicole Robins, a University of Alberta dental graduate with additional training in esthetic and therapeutic Botox, uses it to soften expression lines, relax overworked jaw muscles, help prevent chronic migraine and ease tension in the upper shoulders. Every treatment starts with a consultation, a review of your health history and a plan built around how your muscles actually move.
Botox is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes the muscle it is placed in. It blocks the nerve signal that tells the muscle to contract, so the muscle works less for a few months. That one effect has two kinds of uses:
Results build over one to two weeks and usually last around three to four months.
Dentists work with the muscles of the face, lips and jaw every day. That knowledge matters with Botox, where the right dose in the right place is the difference between a natural result and a stiff one. Because we also look at your bite, your teeth and your airway, we can tell when jaw pain or headaches have a dental cause that Botox alone will not fix. Read about the signs of TMJ problems, or how Botox can soften a gummy smile.
Botox suits healthy adults who want to soften muscle-driven lines or calm muscles that cause pain. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding or with certain neuromuscular conditions, and some medications need to be reviewed first.
Good reasons to book a Botox consultation:
Yes. Dentists with the appropriate training can provide Botox. Dentists study the anatomy of the face, jaw, head and neck in detail, which is why many use Botox for both cosmetic and therapeutic reasons.
Many people notice a change within three to seven days. The full effect usually shows at about two weeks.
Usually about three to four months. A lip flip wears off sooner. In larger muscles such as the jaw and trapezius, results can last longer with repeat treatments as the muscle gets used to staying relaxed.
Many people describe a brief pinch. The needle is very fine and the appointment takes only a few minutes.
No. You can return to your day right away. For the first 24 hours, avoid rubbing the treated area and heavy exercise.
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: small bruises, tenderness or a brief headache near the injection points. Less often, a nearby muscle relaxes more than planned, for example a slightly heavy brow or eyelid, which fades as the Botox wears off. We review your health history and medications first to lower these risks.
It is the same medication used for different goals. Cosmetic Botox softens lines that form when muscles crease the skin. Therapeutic Botox calms muscles that cause pain or damage, such as clenching jaw muscles or the areas treated for chronic migraine. The dose and injection points differ for each.
Cosmetic Botox is not covered. Some private plans cover Botox used for therapeutic reasons, such as jaw pain or chronic migraine. Vigée Dental is fee for service: you pay at your visit and we provide the documentation you need to claim from your insurer.
