Facial Aesthetics Procedures

A qualified dentist has extensive training in the oral and maxillofacial areas (this means the whole face from chin to forehead, extending ear-to-ear) as well as cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Their expertise and capabilities include:

• Relevant technical knowledge of the oral and facial anatomy which includes the underlying muscles, nerves, vascular system and skeletal system surrounding the face.
• A thorough understanding of facial structure and facial aesthetics, including ideal facial proportion and symmetry.
• Highly competent in administering injections.
• Possess a high level of dexterity when performing treatments.

Dentists also have the training, supplies and equipment to deliver effective anaesthesia prior to your treatment being performed.

In addition, having treatment completed in our state-of-the-art surgical practice provides you with a professional and sterile clinical environment.

Dr Elizabeth Kerr’s training:

Dr Kerr completed her training through, and is a certified member of, the respected Australasian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics (AADFA).

What are muscle relaxant injections?

Muscle relaxant injections, also called anti-wrinkle injections, are made from a purified natural protein.

This minimally invasive treatment is administered through the skin to the underlying muscles of the face.

The treatment works by temporarily blocking the signal between the nerve and the targeted muscle (the nerve impulses of muscles). This releases tension in the specific area and can prevent the muscle from contracting, or reduce the strength of muscular contractions.

Muscle relaxant injections have both dental and cosmetic applications.

In dental application they can be used in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to treat pain from TMJ disorder or to help prevent night grinding, by relaxing over-active muscles. They can also be used to relax the muscles in the upper lip to treat excessive gingival display (a ‘gummy smile’) to create a more even and aesthetic smile.

In cosmetic application they can be used to soften and smooth facial lines and wrinkles. Over years of repetitive and sometimes hyperactive contraction, facial muscles cause wrinkles in the overlying skin. By relaxing the muscles, lines and wrinkles can be reduced or eliminated. Areas that can be treated include the forehead, between the eyebrows, sides of the nose, around the eyes, around the lips and the neck.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are minimally invasive, temporary cosmetic injectables.

They add volume to the treatment area, and provide immediate structural support and improved skin conditioning. 

Our dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a type of complex sugar (polysaccharide) that is naturally present in body tissues such as the skin and cartilage. HA is an essential component of skin tissue that provides the skin with moisture, volume and elasticity.

As we age, the levels of naturally occurring HA are depleted, which can result in a loss of volume and skin support, creating grooves, lines and sagging across the face.

Dermal fillers are administered into the dermis of the skin via a small injection. The fillers are in the form of a concentrated gel, which is able to combine with water and swell to provide a filling and smoothing effect. Once injected, the HA gel acts like a sponge to attract water into the skin which results in the area being ‘plumped’ up.

The treatment works by replenishing the areas where natural HA has diminished, restoring volume to the area and smoothing out lines and grooves. 

The HA gel is biocompatible meaning it is completely absorbed by your body in a natural process. It is hypo-allergenic and does not contain any harmful chemicals.

Research shows that HA injections also boost the skin’s own production of collagen⁴.

Dermal fillers have both dental and cosmetic applications.

In dental application they can be administered into lip and gum tissue to address aesthetic concerns such as asymmetrical lips, or to fill papillary deficiencies (gaps between gums and teeth).

In cosmetic application they can be used to add volume to thin or poorly defined lips to make them fuller and smoother, and to prevent lipstick bleeding. They can also treat nasolabial folds (laugh lines), vertical lines (smoker’s lines), a reverse lip line (‘mouth frown’), and poorly defined cheek or chin areas.

Gummy smile (excessive gingival display):

A gummy smile, technically known as ‘excessive gingival display’, is when too much gum tissue shows above the top front teeth when you smile.

If this is caused due to a hyperactive upper lip, muscle relaxant injections are a treatment consideration.

In the case of a hyperactive upper lip, the lip may be of normal/average length when resting, but when smiling the muscles that control the skin beneath the nose raise the lip up too far, exposing more of the gums. Some patients with a hyperactive upper lip are also unable to close their mouth completely.

The muscle relaxant injections are administered in the upper lip to reduce the strength of muscular contractions, and therefore preventing the lip from rising up too far when smiling.

The injections will not affect the patient’s ability to chew or speak.

The aim of this treatment is to improve the overall proportion and balance of the smile.

Papillary deficiencies (gaps between gum tissue and teeth):

Note this image is for explanatory purposes only. It is not a before-and-after image of an actual patient.

Teeth grinding (bruxism):

Muscle relaxant injections can be used as a treatment for bruxism.

Bruxism (commonly referred to as teeth grinding) is characterised by involuntary clenching, grinding, grating and gnashing of the teeth. Bruxism is a parafunctional habit, which is the habitual exercise of a body part in a way that is different to the most common use of that body part.

Bruxism is caused by excessive activation of the masseter muscle. Consequences can include damaged tooth surfaces, sensitive teeth, jaw pain, headaches and migraines.

Although muscle relaxant injections are not a cure for bruxism, they may effectively control the symptoms by blocking the nerve endings connected to muscle fibres.

The treatment is injected directly into the masseter muscles (the large muscles that move the jaw) on each side of the face. This relaxes the muscles and may either eliminate the grinding and clenching, or reduce the frequency and force of the habit. It will also provide relief from jaw pain, headaches and migraines.

Voluntary movements, such as chewing and facial expressions, will not be affected by the treatment.

TMJ-D (Temporomandibular joint disorder):

Muscle relaxant injections can be used as a treatment for TMJ disorder.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located at the base of the skull. It acts as a sliding hinge connecting the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone (the side of the skull). There is one joint located on each side of the jaw. The TMJ allows for the moment required for chewing and talking.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ-D), also called TMJ dysfunction, affects the jaw joint, muscles and nerves. It can be caused by a range of factors and commonly results in mild to chronic jaw joint pain, jaw muscle tension, jaw muscle pain and facial pain.

Muscle relaxant injections can provide relief from the pain caused by TMJ disorder. The treatment is injected into the masseter muscles (the large muscles that move the jaw) and temporalis muscles (two of the main chewing muscles, located in the temple area) on each side of the face. The treatment helps relax the muscles and reduce the strength of muscular contractions, by blocking the nerve endings connected to muscle fibres.

Interested in facial aesthetics procedures? Book a FREE consultation

If you are interested in facial rejuvenation procedures, we offer free consultations with our qualified dental practitioner Dr Elizabeth Kerr to see if this treatment could be suitable for you.

Please note, any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should obtain personal advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Whilst these are before-and-after images of actual patients, individual results may vary.