Therapeutic Botox: Beyond Aesthetics

When most people hear the word “Botox,” they think almost exclusively of wrinkle correction. However, botulinum toxin type A is one of the most versatile and effective neuromodulators in modern medicine, with therapeutic applications that significantly improve patients' quality of life.

The principle of action of Botox is the same, whether for aesthetic or functional use: temporarily blocking the nerve signal at a specific point.

While in aesthetics the aim is to relax the facial muscles that cause expression wrinkles, in functional treatments this same property is used to solve medical problems caused by hyperactivity, whether muscular or glandular.

Two of the clearest examples of this therapeutic use are the treatment of bruxism and focal hyperhidrosis. Although they are very different problems, the solution lies in Botox's ability to "turn off the switch" that causes overstimulation.

  • For Bruxism (teeth grinding): Botox is used to relax overactive muscles. It is injected directly into the masseter muscles (the main chewing muscles in the jaw). The toxin does not prevent chewing or speaking, but it does reduce the involuntary and excessive force with which the patient clenches or grinds their teeth, relieving headaches, jaw pain, and protecting teeth from wear.
  • For Focal Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): Botox is used to block the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands. It is injected superficially into the skin of the affected areas (such as the armpits, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet). By not receiving the signal to produce sweat, the glands enter a resting state, stopping excessive sweating in that area for a period of 6 to 12 months.

Bruxism and Botox Treatment

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is an involuntary and often unconscious muscular activity that consists of clenching (centric bruxism) or grinding (eccentric bruxism) the teeth.

It can occur both during the day (daytime bruxism), commonly linked to stress or concentration, and at night (nighttime bruxism), while you sleep.

Main Symptoms and Consequences:

  • Tooth wear: This is the most obvious sign; teeth become flattened, cracked, or chipped.
  • Muscle pain: Tension and pain in the jaw muscles (masseters), face and temples.
  • Headache: Especially in the morning, tension type, originating in the temples.
  • Ear pain: Referred pain, even though there are no problems in the ear itself.
  • Limitation when opening the mouth: Sensation of jaw stiffness or fatigue.
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems: Clicking or pain in the temporomandibular joint.
  • Sleep disruption.

The causes are multifactorial, but the most common include stress, anxiety, incorrect alignment of the teeth (malocclusion), and certain lifestyle habits.

How does Botox treatment for bruxism work?

Botox (botulinum toxin type A) treatment has become a very effective option, especially for severe cases or when other treatments (such as occlusal splints) are not enough to relieve muscle pain.

1. Mechanism of Action: Muscle Relaxation

Botox does not cure bruxism itself (the neurological habit), but it treats its most harmful symptoms: excessive muscle force.

  • Blocking the nerve signal: Botox is a neurotoxin that, when injected in very small and controlled doses, acts as a muscle relaxant.
  • Prevents contraction: Temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that tells the muscle to contract.
  • Key muscles: It is mainly applied to the masseter muscles (the large cheek muscles we use for chewing) and sometimes to the temporal muscles (in the temples).
  • Result: By relaxing these muscles, you can drastically reduce the force with which you clench or grind your teeth, but without affecting normal functions such as speaking, chewing, or smiling.

2. The Procedure

It is a minimally invasive, quick treatment that is performed in the office:

  1. Evaluation: The professional (usually a dentist or specialized dentist, or an aesthetic physician) identifies and palpates the masseter muscles to determine the exact injection points.
  2. Application: Small punctures are made with a very fine needle to infiltrate the toxin directly into the muscle.
  3. Duration: The entire procedure usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. It is virtually painless; you may feel a slight prick.
  4. Post-treatment: No recovery time is required. You can return to normal activity immediately, although it is generally recommended not to massage the area or do strenuous exercise in the following hours.

3. Effectiveness and Duration

  • Onset of effects: Patients usually begin to notice a decrease in muscle tension and pain between 3 and 7 days after application. The maximum effect is reached at two weeks.
  • Duration of effect: Muscle relaxation lasts, on average, from 4 to 6 months.
  • Maintenance: As the effect wears off, the muscle gradually regains its strength. To maintain the results, the treatment should be repeated periodically.
  • Additional benefit: A common side effect is facial slimming. By relaxing the masseter muscle, it atrophies slightly (like any muscle that is used less), which can soften the jawline and slim the face.

Focal hyperhidrosis treated with BOTOX

Focal hyperhidrosis treated with BOTOX (Botulinum toxin) is a medical procedure used to control excessive sweating in specific areas of the body.

We explain in detail what each component is and how the treatment works:

What is Focal Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that is not related to heat or exercise. It is considered "focal" when it affects specific areas of the body.

The most common areas of focal hyperhidrosis are:

  • Armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis)
  • Palms of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
  • Soles of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
  • Face and head (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)

This condition can be bothersome and significantly affect a person's quality of life, social relationships, and confidence.

How does BOTOX treatment for hyperhidrosis work?

The treatment consists of temporarily blocking the chemical signal that activates the sweat glands.

  1. Nerve Blockade: Sweating occurs when nerves release a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which “tells” the sweat glands to produce sweat.
  2. BOTOX injection: A specialist doctor injects small doses of BOTOX directly into the skin of the affected area (for example, in the armpit).
  3. Signal Interruption: Botulinum toxin binds to nerve endings and prevents them from releasing acetylcholine.
  4. Sweat Reduction: By not receiving the nerve signal, the sweat glands in that specific area drastically reduce or completely stop sweat production.

Key Treatment Points

  • Procedure: This is an outpatient treatment (no hospitalization required). It is performed using multiple superficial microinjections in the area to be treated. In sensitive areas such as the palms, local anesthesia may be used.
  • Effectiveness: It is a very effective treatment. Patients usually notice a significant reduction in sweating within a few days of application.
  • Duration of Effect: The effect is not permanent. Generally, the reduction in sweating lasts between 6 and 12 months. After this time, the nerves regenerate their endings and sweating gradually returns, so the treatment must be repeated to maintain the results.
  • Safety: It is considered a safe and effective treatment when administered by a qualified medical professional. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as pain or minor bruising at the injection sites.

At G&B Smile we are ready to serve you.

At G&B Smile, we are experts in the application of Botox for therapeutic purposes. We use this advanced and safe solution to effectively relieve muscle tension from bruxism and control excessive sweating from hyperhidrosis.

Our focus is your comfort and well-being. Let us evaluate your case individually and answer all your questions.

Take the first step towards a life without pain or discomfort.

Contact G&B Smile today! Schedule your consultation appointment via Whatsapp.