In general, botox refers to a purified neourotoxin that is generally used as a muscle relaxant.  Specifically, Botox is a trade name owned by Allergan Pharmaceuticals for purified botulinum toxin type A.  There are also several other dermal fillers and muscle relaxants available such as Restylane, which is owned by Medicis and Juvederm, which is owned by Allergan.  Botox is a neurotoxin, meaning it works to paralyze the nerve, whereas Restalyne and Juvederm are not neurotoxins.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved Botox in 1989 to treat two specific ocular muscle disorders: strabismus (crossed eyes) and blephorospasm (chronic blinking).  In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for cervical dystonia (a muscle disorder that causes shoulder and neck spasms).  In 2004, the agency approved Botox to treat severe underarm sweating (hyperhydrosis).

As Botox and other dermal fillers use became more prevalent, dentists began to use them to treat dental problems. If you are considering such treatment ask your dentist if they have training in the use of Botox or other types of fillers.