Wait, why is my dentist asking me about wrinkles? (Image: Getty/)

Do you thread or brush regularly? Would you like to correct these wrinkles? ”

Once upon a time, it was thought strange for a dentist to ask for more than just teeth.

However, these days it is becoming more and more common to provide botox, fillers, and other cosmetology treatments at dental exams.

Why and is it a good idea to have your dentist treat not only molars but also anti-aging needs?

“In the last five years, I think people will go to the dentist for more cosmetic reasons, like fillings and Botox,” said Ashton Collins, director of SaveFace, a national registry of certified practitioners who offer non-surgical cosmetology treatments.

However, the dentist taking Botox is not new. “In fact, they were one of the first providers of this treatment,” says Ashton. This is because Botox and dermal fillers can relieve chronic jaw pain, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

“I’ve found it really helpful,” explains Glasgow singer Jona Fife, who has suffered from “excruciating” and “chronic” TMJ pain since 2016. She tried various other treatment options, but nothing relieved the pain. ..

In 2021, he “finally managed to access the NHS round of Botox”. After her first hospital treatment, she “opted to go to the dentist because there was no waiting list for 6 to 12 months.”

“I could afford it,” he says. “Getting it done at the dentist was expensive but convenient, but as a singer, the treatment was essential to my job, so I’m really happy to be there.”

Despite these medical reasons for the need for facial injections, what is known as cosmetic dentistry has also grown in recent years.

The template consists of several plastic disposable sterile syringes and a sealed vial of drug solution with shadows and light reflections on a pastel peach orange background.Ray style flat

Cosmetic dentistry is a full-fledged trend (Image: Getty Images)

“Dentists used to take Botox on a daily basis, but as cosmetic treatments became more widespread, it became a practical service,” Ashton said. He believes that dentists can make consumers feel more confident. “If you’re already a client of a dentist and have a trusting relationship with that person, it’s an easy step.”

Collins attributed the rise of cosmetic dentistry to three factors: public pressure, social media, and reality TV.

He said social media algorithms could be a kind of “rabbit hole” that says, “Once you start your teeth whitening journey, it’s only a matter of time before your lip filler and botox ads show up.” . Collins also believes that the stigma surrounding the treatment is diminishing. “There were a lot of decisions 10 years ago,” but now “people under 30 are much more open to discussing what’s being discussed.”

Lorraine Harry, a dentist in Wales and a councilor for the British Dental Association, says pandemics are also playing a role in growing demand. Present yourself. To the outside world.”

She believes this has made us even more determined to stop the signs of aging. Some people want to stay young, others want to return to their original form.”

This is the experience of my local dentist, who says: I decided on fillers and botox, but was worried about spending money on small differences and icy faces.

They say their dentist was “efficient and calm” and “clearly knew what he was doing.”

As with any cosmetology treatment, changing one’s appearance in any way is an individual choice, but are these steps safe for a dentist to perform? Does dentistry really give you forehead and lip fillers?

Indeed, yes, Carmel McHenry of the British Dental Association (BDA) explains:

A woman undergoes a dental examination at a dentist.

Your dentist is actually a pretty safe bet for cosmetology (Image: Getty Images)

His colleague Laura Harry agrees, explaining: We know the anatomy of the head and neck better than anyone.

Botox is a prescription drug and can only be prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse, or pharmacist.

However, Ashton explains that there is a “gap” in the law. This means that it is “widely ignored”.

but [Botox] It must be prescribed so that medical professionals can delegate control of this treatment to anyone,” he explains. “So they were able to prescribe this drug to patients and have a cosmetologist administer it. The problem is ‘prevalent,'” Collins said, calling on the government to abolish it.

Also, no prescription is required to use other dermal fillers. Illegal injections imported from abroad can also cause significant problems.

McHenry agrees that this lack of regulation means that “there is archetypal Old West territory” and states that the government must provide “not just promises, but the necessary guarantees.” This indicates that in February 2022 the Ministry of Health promised to introduce a licensing system for non-surgical cosmetology procedures, including dermal fillers, in the UK.

“We are committed to improving the safety of cosmetic procedures and helping consumers make informed and safe decisions,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health told us. Asked when a licensing system would be needed, the same spokesman said the government “will eventually decide on more details.”

It’s hard to tell if a medical Botox treatment like Jona’s has been done or if the growing demand for cosmetic treatments is behind the growing number of dentists offering Botox.

In any case, the average Briton these days can barely afford a triple-digit filling and the cost of treatment is £100-300, but dentist-provided modifications make a lot of money for many. It seems that he tends to stay here firmly.

Despite my initial skepticism, a study of this work showed me that a dentist might be the safest option if Botox or fillers are needed, but beforehand, beware of untrained people selling prescription or imported injections. And, like any other treatment, take time to reflect. Do not make impulsive decisions caused by looking at your face in the unwanted light of the test chair.

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