Botox is a neuroparalyzer that is used to relax or soften the function of muscles, usually the facial muscles of expression which results in the fine lines between these muscles getting less reinforced and smoothing out, sometimes completely depending on how deep they were prior to treatment. Fillers are a completely different modality. These are hyaluronic acid-based gels (naturally occurring in the skin) that treat sunken or thinned out parts of the face that have lost collagen, most commonly the lips and nasolabial folds or "parentheses" on either side of the mouth.
UNDERSTANDING BOTOX & FILLERS
Using a small 1cc tuberculin syringe, Botox is injected with and a very short and narrow 32 gauge needle. It works only where it is injected so treating an upper forehead zone, for example, might require 8 tiny injections while the lower forehead and frown lines between the eyebrows might require 6. There is no preoperative preparation needed and the patient can resume normal activities right away. The effect of the Botox can be seen in 5-7 days and usually last around 3-4 months. The sooner a patient starts, the more likely that the areas being treated with be wrinkle free.
Once a deep wrinkle has been established, Botox alone will not be able to eradicate it. Fillers require local anesthetic because otherwise, the injections would be too uncomfortable. A local anesthetic is placed around the relevant nerves and once the area is numb the filler is placed and smoothed out. The area injected can sometimes swell the night of and the day after so we advise patients to plan accordingly. Filler placement is effective for around 6 months and because HLA is naturally occurring in the skin, it actually recruits the body's own collagen to the area injected do the treated areas look better and better over time.
A CUSTOMIZED APPROACH SETS DR. STANTON APART
We are not and never will be a "dental spa". We believe in being the best at what we do and not trying to gift wrap or dress it up with irrelevant services. There are many qualified dermatologists and plastic surgeons performing botox and fillers in Fort Lauderdale.
We have performed Botox and fillers since 2007 and do so every day. This is not some adjunctive procedure that we do once in a while like a lot of other dentists. Because we perform more painless injections than doctors of any other type and because we study facial muscle and lip anatomy to the same or greater extent than other specialties, we are actually perfectly suited to perform Botox and fillers and this is why we think this component of our practice has grown so much over the years. Patients consistently report that our Botox and filler treatment is less painful and more effective than the treatment they have had in the past.
In 2007, a few of Dr. Stanton's patients were requesting that he do their Botox because they were happy with the fact that his dental shots were painless and wanted a "one-stop shop". Dr. Stanton resisted initially because of his "no gimmicks" approach to dental medicine but as his TMJ training progressed, he started using Botox to treat TMD patients and found it effective when used properly. Since it only made sense to use it for esthetic use as well, he started performing Botox and fillers around the mouth and it has now become a daily procedure in the office after years of satisfied patients referring patients for Botox and fillers in addition to their dental needs.
Botox & Fillers: Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox relaxes the muscles that create expression lines, so wrinkles caused by movement soften. Fillers are hyaluronic acid gels that restore volume where it's been lost, such as the lips or the folds beside the mouth.
Can Botox and fillers be used together?
Yes, and they often are. Botox handles lines that form when you move, and filler softens creases that remain when your face is at rest.
Can Botox help with jaw pain, clenching, or grinding?
For some patients with TMJ-related muscle pain or heavy clenching, Botox in the chewing muscles can ease tension, jaw soreness, and related headaches. It works best as part of a full evaluation of your bite and jaw joint.
Can Botox help a gummy smile?
Often, yes. If your upper lip lifts high when you smile, a small amount of Botox in the muscle that raises it can lower the lip line without surgery. Like all Botox results, it's temporary.
What about lines around the mouth?
Botox can soften lip lines and relax muscles that turn the corners of the mouth down, while filler can restore lost lip and cheek support. Many patients pair these treatments with new veneers, implants, or dentures.
What are the side effects?
The most common are mild swelling, redness, tenderness, or bruising that fade within days. Occasionally Botox affects a nearby muscle and causes a temporary droop. Fillers carry rare but serious risks such as infection, lumps, or blocked blood flow, which is why careful technique matters. Let us know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a nerve or muscle condition.
Why choose a dentist for these treatments?
Dentists work with the muscles and tissues of the mouth and lower face every day and give injections routinely. Treatment here is also coordinated with your dental care.