When you hear the word Botox, your first thought might be of smoother foreheads and wrinkle-free smiles. While that’s certainly one benefit, there’s much more to Botox than cosmetic enhancement. At Nixa Dental in Nixa, MO, Dr. Emily Sutherland offers Botox® and Xeomin® not only for aesthetic purposes but also as part of comprehensive dental treatment.
These injectable therapies are becoming increasingly popular in dentistry—not just for their ability to rejuvenate your appearance, but for their power to relieve pain and improve function. In this blog, we’ll explore how Botox and Xeomin work, the key differences between them, and how they’re used in modern dental care.
What Are Botox and Xeomin?
Both Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) are FDA-approved neuromodulators derived from botulinum toxin. They temporarily block nerve signals to muscles, causing them to relax. This effect can smooth out facial wrinkles, but it also helps reduce muscle tension in other areas—like the jaw.
While they serve the same general function, the main difference lies in their formulation:
- Botox contains accessory proteins along with the active ingredient.
- Xeomin is a “naked” form, containing only the pure active botulinum toxin, which may reduce the risk of developing resistance over time.
At Nixa Dental, both options are available depending on the patient’s goals and medical history.
Therapeutic Uses of Botox and Xeomin in Dentistry
1. TMJ Disorder Relief
One of the most common non-cosmetic uses of Botox and Xeomin in dentistry is the management of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ). This condition occurs when the jaw muscles or joints become inflamed, tight, or overworked, often leading to:
- Jaw pain
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Limited jaw movement
Botox or Xeomin can be injected into the masseter and temporalis muscles to reduce tension, relax the muscles, and alleviate associated pain. For many patients, this can provide lasting relief and reduce the need for more invasive treatments.
2. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause tooth wear, jaw soreness, and even cracked teeth. Botox and Xeomin can reduce the force of grinding by partially relaxing the overactive muscles responsible—particularly the masseter muscles—without affecting your ability to chew or speak.
This treatment is especially helpful for patients who grind their teeth at night and haven’t found relief with mouthguards or splints.
3. Migraine and Headache Management
Many people don’t realize that chronic migraines and tension headaches can be linked to dental or muscular issues in the head and neck. Botox injections can help prevent migraines by targeting specific trigger points that cause tension and pain.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, especially in combination with TMJ symptoms, you may be a candidate for therapeutic Botox treatment at our Nixa, MO dental office.
4. Adjusting High Lip Lines (“Gummy Smile” Treatment)
A “gummy smile” occurs when a patient’s upper lip rises too far above the teeth when smiling, exposing excess gum tissue. In these cases, Botox or Xeomin can be used to gently relax the upper lip muscles, creating a more balanced, confident smile—without surgery.
Cosmetic Benefits That Complement Dental Work
While the therapeutic applications are remarkable on their own, the cosmetic benefits of Botox and Xeomin are also worth noting—especially when paired with cosmetic or restorative dentistry. A bright, straight smile is even more striking when it’s framed by smooth, youthful facial features.
Dr. Sutherland often integrates Botox or Xeomin into smile makeover plans to complete the transformation, ensuring patients walk out of our office looking and feeling their best.
Why Choose a Dentist for Botox or Xeomin?
It might surprise some patients to learn that dentists are uniquely qualified to administer Botox and Xeomin. Dentists:
- Have extensive training in facial anatomy
- Understand the functional dynamics of muscles used for chewing and expression
- Are skilled at using precision injections for oral and facial procedures
At Nixa Dental, Dr. Sutherland combines this expertise with a personalized, patient-centered approach—whether you’re here for pain relief, cosmetic improvements, or both.
Safe, Effective, and Minimally Invasive
One of the biggest advantages of Botox and Xeomin is their non-surgical, low-downtime nature. Most procedures take just 10–15 minutes, and you can return to normal activities the same day. Results typically appear within a few days and can last 3–6 months depending on the area treated.
Discover the Benefits of Botox and Xeomin in Nixa, MO
Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, chronic headaches, or looking to refine your appearance, Botox and Xeomin offer a safe, modern solution. At Nixa Dental, we believe in delivering dentistry that goes beyond your teeth—helping you feel healthier, more comfortable, and more confident every day.
Ready to learn if Botox or Xeomin is right for you?
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Emily Sutherland and experience comprehensive care in Nixa, MO.
