Reflections for Botox injections.
The teeth are sometimes the first body part to show signs of aging, especially for smokers or red wine-drinkers. They can become discolored, unevenly worn or chipped, leading many people to seek veneers or other forms of cosmetic dentistry.
However, a new set of shiny, white teeth may look out of place when surrounded by laugh lines or fine wrinkles around the lips. Pankaj Singh, D.D.S., recently spoke at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s Annual Scientific Meeting and said that restoring facial volume is an important part of completing a look following a cosmetic dental procedure.
“Besides creating beautiful smiles, we like to create harmony between the dento-facial complex by addressing the deep lines and wrinkles in the face that can prevent our patients from looking their best,” said Singh. “Soft tissues that ring the mouth are as important as perfectly restored teeth for an attractive and confident smile.”
Botox injections work by blocking nerve impulses, thereby relaxing facial muscles and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Fillers, on the other hand, can help restore volume loss with the help of hyaluronic acid, a compound naturally found in the skin. Treatments like Restylane contain this ingredient and have been shown to result in a more youthful appearance.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recently conducted a survey that revealed 99.7 percent of people in the U.S. believe that a nice-looking smile is key in attaining friends and a business network. Moreover, three-fourths said that a person has a lower chance of attaining professional success if they have an unattractive smile.
These statistics may be the reason that rates of teeth-whitening procedures have grown 300 percent over the past five years, and that the number of people getting porcelain veneers has increased by 250 percent, according to the survey.
While it has been reported that 8 percent of dentists in North America are now offering Botox and other filler procedures at their office, it may be a good idea to seek out a specialist. There are risks that come along with these treatments, and choosing an experienced professional is integral in obtaining a natural-looking outcome.
Women and men seeking a more youthful smile should consider doing research to look for the best cosmetic dentist they can find, and follow up that appointment by visiting an extensively-trained Botox or cosmetic specialist.
