Abstract

Modern dental practice is expanding beyond the treatment of oral diseases to encompass both functional res- toration and esthetic enhancement. The clinical application of botulinum toxin is gaining attention not only for treating functional disorders such as temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and masseteric hypertrophy, but also for improving esthetic concerns including facial asymmetry, perioral wrinkles, and smile lines. This study systematically reviews the functional and esthetic applications of Botox in dental practice and proposes clinical guidelines for safe and effective practice. Based on the anatomical understanding of facial musculature, key target areas, injection techniques, appropriate dosages, and strategies for minimizing complications are discussed. Ad- ditionally, legal and ethical considerations surrounding Botox use by dental practitioners in Korea are reviewed based on the latest court rulings. This research aims to provide dental clinicians with evidence-based insights for utilizing Botox safely and effectively, enhancing both patient functionality and satisfaction. (J Korean Dent Assoc 2025; 63(6): 190-196)