Botox is still the dominant non-surgical aesthetic procedure, with plastic surgeons performing 6.2 million Botox procedures annually worldwide and 3.6 million in the US alone. The average cost of a single Botox procedure is $409, and regular Botox patients undergo the treatment every four months. Practitioners inject between 10 and 30 units of Botox per appointment, depending on the area and the patient’s age (¹).
The dental industry is gearing up for major technological progress, with trends like AI-powered imaging tools, tele dentistry, and 3D printing (²). These technologies are expected to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and convenience of dental care, as well as expand the scope of services that dentists can offer. For example, 3D printing can be used to create customized dental implants, crowns, and bridges, while AI can help with diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction.
The global botulinum toxin market size was valued at USD 7.23 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 10.62 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. The market growth is driven by the increasing demand for cosmetic and therapeutic applications of botulinum toxin, such as facial wrinkles, chronic migraine, cervical dystonia, and hyperhidrosis. The US is the largest market for botulinum toxin, accounting for more than 40% of the global share.

How does Botox work in dentistry?

Botox is a drug that relaxes muscles and, most often, is used to reduce wrinkles in the skin. It’s derived from a bacterium, clostridium botulinum, that can be found in many different natural substances. When receiving Botox injections in treatment, a small dose is given that lasts temporarily.

Botox works in dentistry by blocking nerve signals in specific muscles, leading to muscle relaxation. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in addressing various dental issues that are related to muscle tension and hyperactivity, such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), bruxism (teeth grinding), and cosmetic dental treatments (³).

Some of the benefits of Botox in dentistry are:

It can provide relief from pain and discomfort caused by TMJ disorders, bruxism, and headaches.
It can reduce the intensity and frequency of teeth clenching and grinding, protecting the teeth and dental restorations from wear and damage.
It can enhance the aesthetic results of cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers or dental implants, by relaxing specific facial muscles and creating a natural and harmonious smile.
It can also be used to treat other conditions, such as excessive gingival display (gummy smile), orthodontic relapse, sialorrhea (excessive salivation), trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain), and hemifacial spasms (⁴).

Botox in dentistry is not a stand-alone procedure, but rather a part of a comprehensive treatment plan within a dental scope of practice. The dental professional must have received appropriate education and training prior to administering Botox. Regulations for Botox for dentists and dental hygienists vary across States, so it is important to check with your state licensing board for the rules and laws that govern its use in your area.

Botox injections are generally safe and effective, but they may have some side effects, such as bruising, swelling, redness, pain, headache, flu-like symptoms, and drooping eyelids. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and can be minimized by following the post-treatment instructions given by your dental professional. However, in rare cases, Botox can cause serious complications, such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking, muscle weakness, vision problems, allergic reactions, and botulism-like symptoms. These complications can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

If you are interested in Botox in dentistry, you should consult with your dental professional to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment. Your dental professional will evaluate your medical history, dental condition, and aesthetic goals, and discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives of Botox with you. You should also inform your dental professional about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Botox and affect its safety and efficacy.

Botox in dentistry is a versatile and innovative treatment option that can help you achieve better oral health and a more confident smile.

What is the cost of Botox in dentistry?

Obviously, it varies depending on the provider, the amount of treatment, and the location. However here are some of the estimated prices for Botox in dentistry:

Average cost of Botox: The average cost of Botox ranges from $250 to $500 depending on how much treatment you’ll be receiving (⁵). Some dental providers can offer packages to provide you with ongoing treatments as well.
Cost per unit of Botox: Some dentists offer dental Botox on a per unit basis and it typically costs $12-$15 per unit. A typical session can cost between $350 and $600 depending on how many units are used and the coverage area that will be addressed (⁶).
Cost of Botox for TMJ: Botox can be used to treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), which cause pain and discomfort in the jaw. The cost of Botox for TMJ depends on the severity of the condition and the number of injections needed. Dr. Joseph Salim, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, says that, “On average, a person needs 20 units of botox on each side of the face, at a cost of 12 dollars per unit. In other words, it costs about 480 dollars to do this treatment.”

The difference between Botox and dermal fillers is that Botox is a neurotoxin that relaxes the muscles under the skin, while dermal fillers are substances that plump up the skin. Botox is usually used for dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by facial expressions, such as the forehead, frown, and crow’s feet lines. Dermal fillers are more suitable for static wrinkles, which are caused by sagging or loss of volume, such as the smile, lip, and cheek lines. Botox tends to last for 3 to 4 months, while dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type and amount of filler used. Botox is cheaper than dermal fillers, but the cost also depends on the provider and the location. Botox can also be used to treat other conditions, such as chronic migraine, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms, while dermal fillers can also be used to enhance the lips, cheeks, and chin. Both Botox and dermal fillers are minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that are given through injections, but they have different mechanisms and effects. You should consult with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment is best for you and your goals.

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Amy Hieatt

Executive VP – North American Health Care Practice Leader

Amy Hieatt is an Executive VP – North American Health Care Practice Leader at Inszone Insurance Services, joining Inszone in September 2023. In her role, Amy is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Inszone’s national healthcare liability vertical, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a customer-centric approach.

Over the past 20+ years, Amy has dedicated her career to the property and casualty insurance sector, focusing extensively on the Medical Professional Liability and Professional Liability sectors. Prior to her role at Inszone, she served as the Managing Director at Connected Risk Solutions (formerly ABRisk Solutions), a national wholesale brokerage. Before that, Amy led Business Development efforts for NORCAL Group’s Admitted and E&S business lines, managing teams across four regional offices nationwide. She initially entered the insurance field on the retail side, holding the position of Executive Vice President at a regional retail agency that specialized in healthcare liability insurance.

Amy’s remarkable journey in insurance, spanning over two decades, is marked by her commitment to servant leadership, her impressive track record of achieving growth and retention, and her dedication to mentoring high-performing collaborative teams. Her expertise in the medical professional liability sector has earned her the admiration of her peers, recognizing her as a visionary leader and expert in the field.

In her time off, Amy is passionate about outdoor activities, advocating for animal rights, and finds joy in traveling and reading.

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(480) 361-0047

Industry Report: Botox in Dentistry

How does Botox work in dentistry?

What is the cost of Botox in dentistry?

What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?

Amy Hieatt

Industry Report: Botox in Dentistry

How does Botox work in dentistry?

What is the cost of Botox in dentistry?

Amy Hieatt

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