Loading ...

General Dentistry

More Than Just For Wrinkles

General Dentistry2023-12-01T05:35:04+00:00

Your SW Calgary choice for Botox and other neuromodulator injection therapies.

What you want to know about Botox (and the others)

Let’s talk a little bit about a wonderful little protein that most people know as “Botox”.

Botox is in fact the brand name for a product developed by Allergan, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. It is a naturally derived, highly purified protein that acts as modulators to relax and smooth unwanted muscle contractions. While Botox is the most widely recognized brand name often used colloquially as an umbrella term to represent the treatment, it is only one of four brands approved for use by Health Canada. The others are Dysport, Xeomin, and Nuceiva.

Botox as the first product of its kind to hit the market undoubtedly holds the brand name recognition, but that does not necessarily mean it is superior. Each of the four different brands have slight variations in their molecular size and composition, as well as onset of action and peak time. The trained dentists of Chinook Smiles will suggest the most appropriate product to suit your needs and design an injection plan exclusively for you.

Not just a “vanity drug”

Before being known as the “vanity drug”, Botox was actually originally developed to treat diseases associated with unwanted or uncontrollable muscle contraction, for example muscle spasm in patients with cerebral palsy, or the condition known as strabismus (cross eyes), due to its actions in blocking nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract.

Later, researcher realized that it can also be applied to treat a variety of different conditions, from sweaty armpits, to migraines and TMJ disorders, and perhaps its most well-known indication, to smooth lines and wrinkles. Currently, this family of protein stands as the most widely utilized injectable in the world.

At Chinook Smiles, we primarily utilize this family of products on patients to relieve symptoms related to parafunctional clenching and grinding habits, TMJ issues, and migraines or tension headaches. But if you are feeling bothered by those 11 lines, we can definitely help too!

Some more info

  • Botox is administered with ultra-thin insulin needles, and most patients barely feel the prick.
  • Initial effects will take 5 to 7 days to appear for Botox, and 3 to 4 days for Dysport.
  • Visible effects typically last for four to six months before wearing off, therefore repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the results.
  • Rubbing of treatment area and strenuous actvities are strictly prohibited after treatment, otherwise unwanted migration of products may occur, leading to undesirable side effects.
  • Botox treatment is highly technique sensitive and should only be administered by licensed and qualified healthcare professionals experienced in facial anatomy.
  • For cosmetic intentions, results will still look natural, allowing you to express yourself.
  • When administered by trained professionals, Botox is extremely safe.

Fun facts

  • If you are a candidate for Botox treatment to help with parafunctional clenching and grinding (bruxism), you should also wear a night guard to protect your teeth from the damages from bruxism.
  • Did you know that Botox will also reduce oil production in your skin? Many people who had Botox treatment for their forehead lines find that their shiny forehead is well, less shiny!
  • Now this is a really good one: research has shown that people who received Botox treatment for their frown lines felt happier, and the effect on relieving depression was comparable to major anti-depressant drugs! This may sound completely crazy, but think about it: our body produces emotional feedback from our facial expressions. Essentially, the more you smile, the happier you will feel, and the reverse is true when you frown. By inhibiting your sad muscles, you will actually feel happier!

 

FAQs

What costs will my insurance company cover?2023-10-22T19:23:52+00:00

Each policy differs drastically, and your benefits may change from time to time. Please provide our administrative staff with your latest insurance information and we are happy to help you check the parameters of your coverage, such as annual maximums, frequencies, renewal dates, and other limitations. Remember, your dental benefits are intended to help cover some but not all of the cost of your dental care.

Do you offer direct billing?2023-10-22T18:05:25+00:00

Yes we do! Chinook Smiles is an assignment office, so we will bill your insurance carriers directly on your behalf.

Do you follow the Alberta dental fee guide?2023-10-22T18:04:26+00:00

Yes we do!

Title

Go to Top