Teeth grinding is common among all ages and typically occurs at night during sleep. Known as bruxism, it is often related to stress, but most people are unaware they are doing it. Over time, it can cause headaches, jaw tenderness, and thickening of the masseters, or chewing muscles. Enlarged masseter muscles can lend a masculine or square appearance to the face.
Treatments for bruxism were traditionally limited to mouth guards or cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce stress. However, Botox injections have been a game-changer in recent years, offering patients a quick and effective way to stop teeth grinding. Dallas Dermatology Partners is proud to offer TMJ Botox treatment, which relaxes muscles and alleviates pain, jaw tenderness, and headaches.
How Does Botox stop teeth grinding?
Botox for teeth grinding has two essential functions. First, it stops the muscles from involuntarily contracting. This relieves the pain from tooth grinding and temporomandibular joint disorder. The second function is aesthetic. Botox injections relax the masseter muscle, helping to soften and improve the contours of the lower face. The dosage is precisely calibrated to weaken the chewing muscles so that it does not impair speaking, chewing, facial expressions, or other vital functions.
What is the procedure like?
Botox for grinding teeth is a simple 15-minute procedure. The treatment is minimally invasive and well-tolerated without the need for numbing cream. Injections are placed on both sides of the face, directly into the masseter muscle. Some patients may also benefit from Botox injections in the temporalis muscle near the temple. This approach should expect pain relief from teeth grinding within 7 to 10 days.
The cosmetic effect takes a bit longer to appear, but most people notice a softer jawline within 6 weeks of their Botox treatment in Dallas.
How long do results last?
While Botox is very effective, the results are not permanent. Our dermatologists recommend that patients return every 4 to 6 months for repeat injections. The frequency of Botox injections for bruxism is determined on an individual basis. Some patients metabolize the neuromodulator faster than others. In some cases, patients can wait 9 months before needing a touch-up.
Are you a good candidate?
Our board-certified dermatologists carefully evaluate your symptoms to determine if Botox for teeth grinding is appropriate for you. We examine common signs of bruxism and TMJ dysfunction such as jaw pain, chronic tension headaches, ear pain, unusual tooth wear, and hypertrophy of the masseter muscle. Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care and help our patients find relief from painful conditions.
Botox for jaw clenching in Dallas
Botox is a safe and clinically proven treatment for those who suffer from teeth grinding and TMJ disorder. To find out if Botox can help stop your teeth grinding and jaw clenching, schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment.