Beyond the Smile: The Role of Facial Aesthetics in Modern Dentistry
The terms aesthetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are often used to describe cosmetic interventions that directly involve the teeth and gums. These are the areas dental professionals traditionally focus on, after all.
But, as Dr. Jalpesh Patel observed a few years back (and many other dentists have before and since), aesthetic dentistry can and maybe should go “beyond the smile.” Dentists are trained medical professionals who are just as capable of safely and effectively treating common cosmetic complaints as board-certified non-dentists.
In fact, many dentists and oral surgeons have branched out into facial aesthetics as patient demand grows for Botox®, dermal fillers, and other minimally invasive interventions.
Facial Aesthetics in Dentistry: Who Can Participate
The most important question for dentists thinking about moving “beyond the smile” is, “Am I allowed to inject Botox and dermal fillers?”
The answer, most of the time, is yes. Dentists can administer Botox and other minimally invasive injectable treatments in most states. The rules for dental hygienists are less predictable, so dentists and oral surgeons often add nurse practitioners (or other authorized providers) if they can’t personally administer every treatment.
Dentists do need to be properly trained for whatever services they offer. Accredited dermal filler training for dentists is increasingly popular, as is Botox and lip augmentation training. Providers should always mind the initial and continuing medical education requirements in their states of practice.
Modern Aesthetic Dentistry Services
Now for the fun part: what aesthetic services can dentists and oral surgeons offer? We’ve already discussed the big ones; see below for more.
Botulinum Toxin Treatments (Botox & Alternatives)
Botox® is the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment in the United States right now, and it continues to grow in popularity. Alternatives like Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau® are gaining traction as well.
Dentists might specialize in the mouth, but as long as they’re properly certified, they can perform Botox injections anywhere on the head and face. Popular Botox treatment areas include:
- The corners of the eyes (crow’s feet area)
- Frown line area (between the eyes)
- Forehead line area (above the eyes)
- Brow lift area (immediately above the eyebrows)
- Jawline area (for TMJ and bruxism treatments)
- Chin area (for chin dimpling and related complaints)
Some dentists and oral surgeons offer therapeutic Botox treatments as well, most often for chronic migraine.
Dermal Filler Injections
Many dentists and oral surgeons offer dermal filler injections. Popular formulations include Restylane® and Juvederm® (both hyaluronic acid fillers), as well as Radiesse® (calcium hydroxylapatite filler). Again, as long as the provider is properly certified, there’s no limitation on scope of practice.
Popular dermal filler injection areas include:
- Nasolabial fold area (between the bridge of the nose and the corners of the mouth)
- Marionette line area (either side of the chin)
- Tear trough area (immediately under the eyes)
- Upper and lower lip areas
- Cheekbone areas (for cheek fillers)
Like Botox, dermal filler treatment occurs in an outpatient setting with minimal recovery time. There’s no need to keep patients for observation, and many treatments can be booked in a standard double appointment block for efficient scheduling.
Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is a broader scope of aesthetic practice that overlaps with dentists’ main aesthetic charge: ensuring every patient maintains a beautiful smile.
Modern lip augmentation procedures rely on temporary dermal fillers, most often special formulations of hyaluronic acid. Some dentists and oral surgeons also offer lip implants, which have longer-lasting and more striking results.
“Traditional” Cosmetic Dental Services
Many dentists are most comfortable working inside the mouth. There, nonsurgical and minor-surgical cosmetic treatments include removable teeth straighteners (Invisalign), commercial whitening, gum grafting, and filing. But there’s a whole world of opportunities for mouth specialists looking to expand and diversify their practices.
