Botox treatments at Newport Beach Dental Center can help reduce fine lines around your mouth and eyes, providing a natural, refreshed result that complements your dental work. For patients who have invested in veneers, whitening, or smile makeovers, Botox addresses the surrounding facial aesthetics that dental work alone cannot — creating cohesion between your smile and your overall appearance.
Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, combines extensive knowledge of facial anatomy with her dental training to administer Botox with the precision that the perioral region demands. Her approach is conservative: the goal is to look refreshed and natural, not to eliminate all expression.
Achieve your dream smile with cosmetic dentistry and flexible financing that makes transformation affordable.
Your appointment begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and desired outcomes. Dr. Sharbash examines your facial structure, recommends the appropriate treatment areas and dosage, and explains the procedure in detail. The injections themselves take 10–15 minutes, using a very fine needle — most patients describe it as a brief pinching sensation.
After treatment, mild redness or swelling at the injection sites typically resolves within a few hours. Here is what to expect in the days that follow:
For patients dealing with chronic jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), or clenching, Botox offers a therapeutic path that goes well beyond cosmetics. When injected into the masseter muscles — the powerful chewing muscles on either side of the jaw — Botox temporarily reduces their force output, relieving the tension and pain that builds up from habitual clenching.
Patients often notice a meaningful reduction in jaw soreness, morning headaches, and facial tension within the first week. For patients who already wear a night guard for TMJ, Botox can serve as a complementary treatment — the guard protects teeth from grinding while Botox reduces the underlying muscle activity driving it. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive, and Dr. Sharbash evaluates which combination makes the most sense for each patient.
Using Botox specifically for TMJ disorders and bruxism is considered an off-label application — meaning the FDA has approved Botox for other uses (including cosmetic wrinkle treatment and chronic migraine prevention) but has not issued a specific approval for jaw-muscle TMD treatment. Off-label use is common in medicine and dentistry, and a substantial body of clinical research supports Botox’s effectiveness for jaw-related muscle pain. Dr. Sharbash evaluates each patient individually and will discuss candidacy, realistic expectations, and whether Botox is an appropriate option for your specific situation before recommending it.
Botox has an established safety profile with millions of treatments performed annually. When administered by a trained provider with clinical knowledge of facial anatomy, complications are rare. The most common side effects are minor and temporary:
Botox may not be appropriate for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking certain medications that interact with neuromuscular function, or who have specific neuromuscular conditions. Dr. Sharbash reviews your full health history before any treatment to confirm Botox is a safe and appropriate option for you.
Yes — dentists have extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and are highly skilled in administering injections as part of their core clinical training. Dr. Sharbash has received specialized training in dental Botox applications and follows strict protocols to ensure safe, precise treatment.
The injections themselves take about 10–15 minutes and can often be added to an existing dental appointment. Including consultation, most visits run under 30 minutes.
Results typically last 3–4 months. Duration varies based on metabolism, the area treated, and individual factors. Follow-up treatments are recommended as the effects begin to fade. Many patients find results last progressively longer with consistent treatment cycles.
Yes — Botox is highly effective for TMJ disorders and bruxism. By relaxing the masseter muscles (the powerful chewing muscles), Botox reduces jaw tension, alleviates pain, and protects teeth from clenching and grinding damage. Many patients experience significant relief within days of treatment. This is an off-label use of Botox that is well-supported by clinical research.
Not when properly administered. Dr. Sharbash takes a conservative approach — the goal is to soften lines while preserving natural expression. Patients look refreshed, not frozen. The amount and placement of Botox is carefully calibrated to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Coverage for therapeutic Botox varies widely by plan. Some medical insurance plans provide partial coverage when Botox is prescribed for documented jaw pain or TMD — particularly when other conservative treatments have been tried first. Dental insurance rarely covers Botox. Our team reviews your benefits during your consultation so you understand your options before committing to treatment. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for costs not covered by insurance.
Botox is typically priced per unit, and the number of units needed depends on the treatment area and your individual anatomy. Cosmetic treatments for crow’s feet or forehead lines generally require fewer units than therapeutic masseter injections for TMJ. Dr. Sharbash provides a personalized quote during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect before any treatment begins.
Whether you are looking to soften fine lines around the mouth and eyes or find lasting relief from jaw pain and clenching, Dr. Sharbash brings the anatomical precision of dental training to every Botox treatment. For patients also served as a cosmetic dentist serving Newport Beach, the same standard of conservative, anatomy-informed technique applies across both cosmetic and therapeutic treatments.
Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from getting the care you need. Schedule a sedation dentistry consultation with Dr. Sharbash today.
