Skip to content 
Table of Contents
Explore how neurotoxin treatment helps with gummy smiles, TMJ pain, and more. Learn about neurotoxin in West Linn, OR, and schedule your consultation today.
If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about a gummy smile or noticed fine wrinkles appearing when scrunching your nose, these are common concerns that many adults begin to see with age or repeated facial expressions. These small facial movements—often tied to expressive habits—can create aesthetic concerns that aren’t always easy to address with skincare or traditional dental solutions. But more people in West Linn, OR, are turning to neurotoxin treatment to tackle these issues safely and effectively.
In this article, we’ll explain how neurotoxins like Botox are used not just for wrinkle reduction, but also in the dental setting, for concerns like TMJ pain, masseter tension, and cosmetic improvements like jawline contouring. We’ll also touch on how Salathe Dental integrates this treatment into modern cosmetic dentistry in West Linn to support function and appearance.
Why Neurotoxin Treatment Is Expanding Beyond Wrinkle Care
When most people hear neurotoxin, they think of wrinkle-smoothing treatments for the forehead or crow’s feet. While that’s a significant use, there’s more to the story. Neurotoxin injections work by relaxing targeted facial muscles. In dentistry and facial aesthetics, this muscle-calming effect can reduce pain, restore comfort, and improve how certain facial features look when you talk, smile, or chew.
Common Conditions Neurotoxins Can Address:
- Gummy smile (excessive gum show when smiling)
- Bunny lines (fine wrinkles along the sides of the nose)
- TMJ disorders (pain or tension in the jaw)
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (also called bruxism)
- Masseter hypertrophy (enlarged jaw muscles)
- Facial asymmetry caused by muscle overactivity
At Salathe Dental, these treatments are customized to support oral health and facial harmony.
A Closer Look at Gummy Smiles and Bunny Lines
Botox for Gummy Smiles
Gummy smiles occur when your upper lip rises too high when you smile, exposing more gum tissue than you’d like. This can be due to hyperactive muscles in the upper lip. Those muscles can gently relax with precise neurotoxin treatment in West Linn, OR. The result? The result is a more balanced smile with less gum showing, without changing your teeth or undergoing invasive surgery.
Benefits of treating a gummy smile with neurotoxins:
- Quick in-office procedure
- Minimal discomfort
- Results within a few days
- No downtime
- Natural-looking smile improvement
Smoothing Bunny Lines
Bunny lines are small diagonal wrinkles that appear on the sides of the nose, usually when you smile or squint. They can become more noticeable with age or frequent facial movement. Using neurotoxin in West Linn, OR, these muscles can be relaxed, softening the lines and creating a smoother appearance without affecting natural expressions.
How Neurotoxins Help with TMJ and Jaw Pain
Chronic jaw pain, especially related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is a common problem. If you experience jaw clicking, tension headaches, or soreness when chewing, it may be linked to muscle overuse or clenching.
TMJ Relief with Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins can significantly relieve TMJ-related symptoms by relaxing the jaw muscles involved in clenching or grinding. These treatments reduce tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles, allowing more comfortable jaw movement.
Key benefits of TMJ neurotoxin treatment:
- Reduces inflammation and soreness
- Minimizes nighttime grinding
- Lessens stress on the jaw joints
- May improve sleep quality
- Often reduces the need for oral appliances
Patients who have tried mouth guards or medications with little success often find TMJ relief with neurotoxins helpful to their treatment plan.
Aesthetic Benefits: Jawline Slimming and Facial Harmony
Some patients are concerned not just with function, but also with how their facial structure looks, particularly around the lower face. Enlarged jaw muscles from chronic clenching or genetic structure can make the jaw look wider or more masculine.
Cosmetic Use of Dental Neurotoxin Therapy
Dental neurotoxin therapy isn’t only about function. At Salathe Dental, we also use this approach to support cosmetic goals. For example, patients seeking a softer, more contoured lower face may benefit from jawline slimming via masseter muscle injections.
This technique is especially popular among men and women between the ages of 35 and 50, many seeking subtle but effective non-surgical changes to their facial appearance.
Results and Maintenance
The results of cosmetic neurotoxin treatments generally appear within 5–7 days and last approximately 3–4 months. For results to last, regular maintenance treatments are frequently advised.
What to Expect from a Neurotoxin Appointment at Salathe Dental
At Salathe Dental, your comfort and care are always prioritized. Whether you’re interested in wrinkle reduction in West Linn, relief from jaw pain, or aesthetic adjustments like a slimmer jawline, each appointment is tailored to your needs.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Consultation: We’ll assess your facial structure, discuss your concerns, and determine whether neurotoxin treatment is appropriate.
- Personalized Plan: Your provider will explain the areas to be treated and how much product will be used.
- Treatment: Injections take a few minutes, and a fine needle ensures minimal discomfort.
- Aftercare: Most patients return to their normal day immediately. You’ll receive simple instructions, such as avoiding rubbing the area or strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
If this is your first treatment, a follow-up may be scheduled to assess how your muscles have responded.
Is Neurotoxin Treatment Right for You?
This treatment is practical for adults seeking relief from dental-related tension or mild cosmetic improvements, without surgery. At Salathe Dental, we commonly see patients for:
- Botox for jaw pain
- Gummy smile correction
- Facial muscle imbalance
- Wrinkle reduction
- Preventive aging support
You don’t have to wait for severe pain or deep wrinkles to explore this therapy. Patients in their 30s and 40s often begin using neurotoxins proactively to maintain facial balance, reduce discomfort, and support long-term oral health.
FAQs About Dental Neurotoxin Therapy
How long does neurotoxin treatment last?
Most treatments last 3 to 4 months, though results vary slightly depending on the area treated and the muscles’ activity.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients describe the feeling as a light pinch. The needles used are tiny, and the procedure is quick.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are typically minimal. The injection site may swell or turn slightly red, but this goes away in a few hours.
Can I combine this with other cosmetic dentistry treatments?
Yes. Cosmetic dentistry in West Linn often includes whitening, veneers, and Invisalign, which pair well with neurotoxin treatments to support a comprehensive smile makeover.
Is this treatment only for women?
Not at all. While women have historically been the primary patients, more men are now turning to neurotoxin in West Linn, OR, especially for concerns like bruxism, square jawline, and TMJ relief.
Explore Other Services at Salathe Dental
- TMJ Pain Management to relieve discomfort, improve jaw function, and treat the underlying causes of TMJ disorders
- Digital Smile Design (DSD) which combines art, science & technology to create a confidently perfect smile
Ready for a More Comfortable, Balanced Look?
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic jaw tension or want to fine-tune your smile’s appearance, neurotoxin treatments offer a practical solution. From Botox for jaw pain to smoothing bunny lines or softening a gummy smile, Salathe Dental brings a thoughtful and medically informed approach to neurotoxin treatment in West Linn, OR.
The procedures are performed by trained professionals who understand the delicate balance between aesthetics and function. It may be time to talk with a provider if you’re ready to feel more comfortable and confident in your smile without invasive procedures.
For personalized care and expert guidance, contact Salathe Dental to discuss your options. Our team is here to answer your questions and help determine if neurotoxin treatment is proper for your needs. We welcome new and returning patients interested in both dental and aesthetic improvements.
Book your Neurotoxin consultation today to learn how Salathe Dental can support your goals for facial comfort, cosmetic enhancement, or both.
