Botox and Orthodontics: When Health and Aesthetics Meet

Botox in orthodontics? Far more than just an aesthetic treatment, Botox has become a valuable therapeutic tool for relieving jaw pain, treating bruxism, and perfecting the aesthetics of your smile.

Since June 2025, dentists and orthodontists in Quebec are officially authorized to administer both therapeutic and aesthetic Botox treatments. This major advancement allows for a holistic and integrated approach to your oral health and smile aesthetics.

In this comprehensive guide, discover how Botox can transform your orthodontic experience and relieve your jaw pain.

🔬 What is Botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is a purified natural substance that works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction. When used in a targeted and controlled manner by trained professionals, it offers remarkable results both therapeutically and aesthetically.

A Recognized Medical Treatment

Botox is approved by Health Canada and has been used for decades in the medical field to treat various muscular conditions. Its use in dentistry and orthodontics represents a natural evolution of its therapeutic application.

How It Works

When injected into specific jaw or facial muscles, Botox:

• 🔹 Relaxes overactive or tense muscles
• 🔹 Reduces the force of involuntary muscle contractions
• 🔹 Decreases pain signal transmission
• 🔹 Allows for progressive muscle rebalancing

The effects are temporary and reversible, generally lasting 3 to 6 months, which allows treatment adjustments according to your needs.

🏥 Therapeutic Botox in Orthodontics

One of the most important applications of Botox in orthodontics concerns the treatment of medical conditions affecting the jaw and masticatory muscles.

1. Treatment of TMJ Disorders (Temporomandibular Joint)

TMJ disorders affect thousands of people in Quebec and can cause significant chronic pain. Symptoms include:

• 💢 Jaw pain, especially during chewing
• 💢 Clicking or popping when opening/closing the mouth
• 💢 Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• 💢 Frequent headaches, particularly upon waking
• 💢 Pain radiating to the neck and shoulders
• 💢 Tinnitus (ear ringing)

How Botox Relieves TMJ Disorders:

Botox injections target the masseter, temporal, and pterygoid muscles, which are often hypertrophied and tense in patients suffering from TMJ disorders. By relaxing these muscles:

• ✅ Pressure on the joint decreases significantly
• ✅ Joint pain gradually subsides
• ✅ Jaw mobility improves
• ✅ Associated headaches are reduced

Clinical Results: Patients generally report a notable reduction in pain within 5 to 10 days following injection, with optimal relief after 2 weeks.

2. Treatment of Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Bruxism is a condition where you clench or grind your teeth involuntarily, most often during sleep. This habit can have serious consequences on your dental health.

Consequences of Untreated Bruxism:

• ⚠️ Premature enamel wear
• ⚠️ Tooth fractures and cracks
• ⚠️ Chronic muscle pain
• ⚠️ Frequent migraines
• ⚠️ Damage to dental restorations (fillings, crowns)
• ⚠️ Gum recession
• ⚠️ Sleep disorders

Botox Solution for Bruxism:

Botox injections in the masseter muscles (the main chewing muscles) allow to:

• ✅ Reduce muscle contraction force by 30 to 50%
• ✅ Significantly decrease nocturnal grinding episodes
• ✅ Protect your teeth against excessive wear
• ✅ Relieve muscle tension and headaches
• ✅ Improve your sleep quality

Major Advantage: Unlike night guards that can be uncomfortable, Botox works directly on the problem's cause - muscle hyperactivity.

Duration of Effects:

For bruxism, Botox benefits appear after a few days and generally last 4 to 6 months. Regular maintenance injections maintain results and protect your dentition long-term.

3. Masseter Hypertrophy

Masseter muscle hypertrophy (excessive enlargement of jaw muscles) can result from chronic bruxism or genetic factors. This condition creates a square face appearance that concerns many patients.

Botox offers an elegant solution by:

• ✅ Gradually reducing muscle volume
• ✅ Slimming the facial contour
• ✅ Creating a more harmonious profile

Results are visible after 1 month and optimal from 3 to 9 months after injection.

💎 Aesthetic Botox and Orthodontics: The Perfect Alliance

Beyond therapeutic applications, our clinic also offers aesthetic Botox treatments to perfect the harmony of your smile and face. These treatments can be performed separately or in complement to therapeutic injections.

1. Gummy Smile Correction

A gummy smile is characterized by excessive gum exposure when smiling, which can create a significant aesthetic complex.

Causes of Gummy Smile:

• 🔸 Hyperactivity of the upper lip elevator muscle
• 🔸 Upper lip too short or too thin
• 🔸 Excess gum tissue
• 🔸 Dental malocclusion

Botox Solution for Gummy Smile:

When gummy smile is caused by muscle hyperactivity, Botox offers a non-surgical, quick, and effective solution:

• ✨ Targeted injection in the levator labii superioris muscle
• ✨ Reduction of excessive upper lip elevation
• ✨ Decreased gum exposure when smiling
• ✨ Natural and harmonious result

Procedure: Treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes, with 3 strategic injection points on either side of the nose. Results are visible between 5 and 15 days after injection.

Duration: Effects last 4 to 6 months, after which a maintenance treatment maintains results.

2. Lip and Smile Enhancement

Aesthetic Botox can also be used to:

• 💋 Slightly lift drooping mouth corners (commissure lift)
• 💋 Smooth perioral fine lines (small wrinkles around lips)
• 💋 Create a "lip flip" effect for a more voluminous upper lip without fillers
• 💋 Balance an asymmetric smile

3. Global Face Approach

As specialists in facial and smile aesthetics, we also offer Botox treatments for the upper face:

• ✨ Forehead lines (horizontal wrinkles)
• ✨ Glabellar lines (frown lines between eyebrows)
• ✨ Crow's feet (outer eye corners)

These treatments can be combined with your orthodontic care or administered independently according to your needs and aesthetic goals.

🌟 Therapeutic + Aesthetic Botox: An Innovative Combined Approach

One of the unique advantages of receiving your Botox treatments from an orthodontist is the possibility to combine therapeutic and aesthetic approaches in a single session.

Typical Combined Treatment Scenarios:

Scenario 1: Bruxism + Facial Slimming

Problem: Patient suffering from severe bruxism with masseter hypertrophy creating a square face.

Combined Solution: Botox injection in masseters to treat bruxism AND slim facial contour. Double therapeutic and aesthetic benefit with a single injection series.

Scenario 2: TMJ Pain + Gummy Smile

Problem: Patient with TMJ disorders and bothersome gummy smile.

Combined Solution: Injection in masseter/temporal muscles to relieve TMJ + injection in lip elevator to correct gummy smile. Complete treatment in a single visit.

Scenario 3: Post-Orthodontic Treatment

Problem: Patient who completed Invisalign treatment wishing to perfect overall smile aesthetics.

Combined Solution: Botox aesthetic touch-ups (gummy smile, perioral wrinkles, commissure lift) to complete smile transformation.

Advantages of Combined Approach:

• ✅ Time savings: One visit instead of two separate consultations
• ✅ Aesthetic consistency: Global approach to face and smile
• ✅ Specialized expertise: In-depth knowledge of facial anatomy by orthodontist
• ✅ Results synergy: Treatments complement each other
• ✅ Integrated follow-up: Continuity of care with the same professional

💉 What to Expect: Treatment Process

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation (30-45 minutes)

During your first visit, your orthodontist:

• ✓ Evaluates your symptoms and concerns
• ✓ Examines your jaw and occlusion
• ✓ Analyzes your masticatory muscle activity
• ✓ Discusses your therapeutic and/or aesthetic goals
• ✓ Explains the proposed Botox treatment
• ✓ Answers all your questions
• ✓ Provides a detailed quote

Step 2: Preparation (5 minutes)

• ✓ Cleaning and disinfection of treatment area
• ✓ Possible application of numbing cream (optional)
• ✓ Precise marking of injection points

Step 3: Injection (10-20 minutes)

• ✓ Strategic injections in targeted muscles
• ✓ Use of ultra-fine needles to minimize discomfort
• ✓ Generally well tolerated, slight pinprick sensation
• ✓ No general anesthesia required

Step 4: Immediate Post-Treatment

• ✓ Post-injection care instructions
• ✓ No downtime - immediate return to activities
• ✓ Possible slight redness or small bruises (disappear in 24-48h)

Step 5: Results Follow-up

• ✓ First visible effects: 3 to 5 days
• ✓ Maximum effect: 10 to 14 days
• ✓ Follow-up appointment at 2 weeks to evaluate results
• ✓ Adjustments possible if necessary

⏰ Results Duration and Maintenance

Effects Duration by Treatment

• Bruxism and TMJ (therapeutic): 4 to 6 months
• Masseter slimming: 6 to 9 months (optimal results after several sessions)
• Gummy smile (aesthetic): 4 to 6 months
• Facial wrinkles (aesthetic): 3 to 4 months

Maintenance Treatments

To maintain results, maintenance injections are recommended every 4 to 6 months depending on your individual response. Good news: with regular treatments, muscles "learn" to relax, which can progressively extend intervals between injections.

💰 Botox Treatment Cost in Orthodontics

Quebec Price Range (2025)

Cost varies depending on treated area and number of Botox units needed:

• Bruxism treatment (masseters): $400 to $800 per session
• TMJ disorders treatment: $500 to $900 per session
• Gummy smile: $300 to $500 per session
• Upper face aesthetic areas: $300 to $600 per area

Note: These prices are indicative and may vary depending on your case complexity and number of units required.

Insurance Reimbursement

Therapeutic treatment: Some private insurances may partially cover Botox when prescribed for medical reasons (TMJ, severe bruxism). Check with your insurer.

Aesthetic treatment: Generally not covered by insurance, considered elective aesthetic care.

Tax deduction: Therapeutic treatments may be included in your deductible medical expenses.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Botox in Orthodontics

Is Botox safe?

Yes, Botox is approved by Health Canada and has been used for over 30 years in various medical applications. When administered by a trained professional, side effects are rare and generally minor.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients describe a slight pinprick or pressure sensation. Discomfort is minimal and short-lived. A numbing cream can be applied if you are particularly sensitive.

Are there side effects?

Side effects are rare and temporary: slight redness, small bruises at injection site, mild headaches. They generally disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

Who should NOT receive Botox injections?

Botox is contraindicated if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suffer from certain neuromuscular diseases (like myasthenia gravis), or are allergic to a product component. Always inform your orthodontist of your medical conditions.

When can I resume normal activities?

Immediately after treatment! There is no required downtime. Simply avoid intense exercise, facial massages, and lying completely flat for 4 hours following injection.

Can I combine Botox and orthodontic treatment (Invisalign, braces)?

Absolutely! Botox is perfectly compatible with all orthodontic treatments. It can even improve your results by reducing muscle tensions that affect dental alignment.

Does Botox permanently modify my appearance?

No, Botox effects are temporary (3-6 months). If you decide not to continue treatments, your muscles will progressively regain their normal activity without permanent consequences.

How long before an important event should I receive my injection?

Plan your injection at least 2 weeks before an important event (wedding, photo shoot, etc.) to allow results to fully stabilize.

🏆 Dr. David Benguira's Expertise

🏅 Pioneer in Therapeutic Botox

Dr. David Benguira has been practicing therapeutic Botox for several years, well before Quebec's 2025 general authorization. This experience gives him exceptional clinical expertise in treating TMJ disorders and bruxism, having successfully treated numerous patients suffering from chronic pain.

Since 2025, our clinic has expanded its offering to include Botox for aesthetic purposes (gummy smile, facial enhancement), allowing a complete and integrated approach to your health and smile aesthetics.

🎓 University Trainer

📅 This weekend (November 2025): 27 dentists trained at McGill University

Beyond his clinical excellence practice, Dr. Benguira is a university trainer, sharing his expertise with Quebec's dental community.

His teaching includes:

• 📖 Theoretical concepts: In-depth facial anatomy, botulinum toxin pharmacology, muscle physiology
• 💉 Injection techniques: Practical demonstrations, clinical supervision, safety protocols
• 🔬 Therapeutic and aesthetic applications: TMJ, bruxism, gummy smile, facial enhancement
• 👨‍⚕️ Clinical supervision: Training practitioner guidance

✨ Triple Guarantee of Excellence

When you choose Dr. Benguira for your Botox treatments, you benefit from:

1. Pioneer expertise — Several years of therapeutic Botox practice
2. Complete approach — Therapeutic AND aesthetic treatments
3. Pedagogical excellence — Recognized university trainer

Treatment administered by an expert who trains professionals in the field himself.

Holistic Approach and Personalized Care

We consider your oral health, masticatory function, and smile aesthetics as a coherent whole. Our Botox treatments integrate perfectly with your orthodontic care for harmonious results.

Advanced Technology and Professional Environment

We use Health Canada-approved premium products and latest generation injection techniques. Our two clinics offer a modern, comfortable, and confidential setting for your treatments.

Treatment Flexibility

Whether you seek purely therapeutic, only aesthetic, or a combined approach treatment, we customize our services according to your specific needs.

📞 Book Your Consultation Appointment

Interested in Botox treatments to relieve your jaw pain, treat your bruxism, or perfect your smile aesthetics? We offer a personalized consultation to evaluate your needs and propose the optimal treatment plan.

Your Consultation Includes:

• ✅ Complete jaw and occlusion evaluation
• ✅ Masticatory muscle analysis
• ✅ Discussion of your symptoms and goals
• ✅ Detailed explanation of proposed Botox treatment
• ✅ Personalized and transparent quote
• ✅ Answers to all your questions

Our Two Clinics at Your Service:

Centre Orthodontique Rive Nord (North Shore)

📍 Address:
464 rue du Parc, suite 122, St-Eustache

📞 Phone:
450 983-4233

🕐 Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-3:00pm

Centre Orthodontique Queen Mary

📍 Address:
3766 Queen Mary, Montreal

📞 Phone:
514 667-9498

🕐 Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-3:00pm

Book an Appointment for a Consultation

Personalized consultation • Customized treatment • Lasting results

🎯 Conclusion: A Modern Solution for Your Comfort and Aesthetics

Botox in orthodontics represents a major advancement in treating jaw disorders and optimizing smile aesthetics. Whether you suffer from chronic TMJ pain, nocturnal bruxism, or simply wish to perfect your smile harmony, Botox offers an effective, safe, and minimally invasive solution.

With the recent authorization (June 2025) for Quebec orthodontists to administer therapeutic and aesthetic Botox treatments, you can now benefit from an integrated and holistic approach to your oral health and facial aesthetics.

Don't wait any longer to relieve your pain and regain a harmonious smile. Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover how Botox can transform your quality of life.

Dr. David Benguira

Specialist Orthodontist DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)

Specialist Orthodontist DDS, MSc, FRCD(C) affiliated with CHU Sainte-Justine and member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Pioneer in therapeutic Botox and university trainer, Dr. Benguira combines clinical expertise of several years and pedagogical excellence.

💬 Questions about Botox in orthodontics? Contact us for a personalized consultation.

🔗 Related Articles

To learn more about our treatments and modern orthodontics, also consult:

• 📖 Invisalign for Adults: The Complete 2025 Guide - Discover the discreet orthodontic solution ideal for professionals
• 📖 At What Age Should You Consult an Orthodontist for Your Child? - The importance of early screening

🌟 Your smile deserves the best. Book your appointment today! 🌟