People Are Getting Botox … From Their Dentists?

I can appreciate my crow’s feet and laugh lines, and I even find charm in the little furrow between my eyebrows that suggests I’ve spent time pondering life’s big questions. However, the vertical lines that have developed from my upper lip to my nostrils over the years are another story. I’ve avoided straws, used shea butter remedies, and even tried some exercises for my upper lip, but nothing seemed to help. Ultimately, I decided to try Botox.

I don’t regret that decision, and honestly, I might consider injectables again in the future. But after that initial experience, I didn’t return for a second treatment because (1) I had no idea that there are an overwhelming number of nerves where the skin of my philtrum meets the skin of my upper lip. I’d rather endure just about anything than go through that needle prick again; and (2) the pain in that area made it impossible for me to whistle, something I had no idea was so important to me at the time.

Many of my peers, however, have bravely ventured into the world of Botox. The key difference is that while I first tried Botox at a med spa, they are opting for treatments in a dentist’s chair.

At first, I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of getting a potentially painful yet ultimately rejuvenating procedure at the dentist’s office—the same place where people are often scolded for poor flossing habits and where teeth are extracted from stubborn jaws.

However, it turns out that dental Botox is not a new concept. Given dentists’ comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, they may be well-suited for these procedures. Botox has been effectively used to treat conditions such as lockjaw, teeth grinding, and even the associated headaches. Furthermore, it shows promise for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). A 2012 clinical trial found that at least one participant experienced a significant reduction in TMJ-related discomfort and could open their mouth more easily. Additionally, seventy percent of the patients reported less muscle tenderness.

Botox can also help ease the discomfort from new dentures and can be beneficial in orthodontics, serving as an excellent adjunct treatment for patients facing orthodontic relapse. Combining these benefits gives the dental community a powerful tool.

The more I read, the more it makes sense to me that a dentist could provide Botox treatments around the mouth. I can see why someone might brave the dental chair for expert care.

However, I genuinely can’t comprehend the trend of Botox Home Parties. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: too much wine, a charcuterie board, lively conversation, and the pressure to paralyze your facial muscles in a friend’s living room.

I am extremely skeptical of any medical professional who adopts a business model reminiscent of Mary Kay or Pampered Chef. While I don’t mind feeling compelled to purchase a fancy kitchen gadget, I definitely don’t want to feel pressured to let a tipsy dentist inject me with a syringe filled with botulinum while sipping Pinot Grigio.

Botox does present a range of potential risks—from muscle weakness to tinnitus. People often overlook the possibility of acute reactions like hives or even anaphylaxis. I could probably manage any immediate reactions if I were in a controlled environment with access to medical assistance. But if I were lounging on a sofa in someone’s living room and suddenly developed itchy welts, I wouldn’t feel so relaxed.

Relying on a room full of acquaintances to come to my aid seems like a risky venture. I can imagine the worst-case scenario: me gasping for air while a group of slightly inebriated friends scrambles to find a stray Benadryl or essential oil.

In conclusion, the next time I consider tackling those pesky lip lines, I’ll definitely think about my dentist, whom I already trust enough for dental work. But I can’t see myself inviting him to my home for a casual Botox session with friends. I doubt he’d agree anyway.

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In summary, as the trend of Botox treatments in dental offices grows, many find it a convenient option. While home parties for such procedures raise questions about safety and professionalism, consulting a trusted dentist remains a sound choice for many seeking aesthetic enhancements.

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