Masseter Botox help with teeth grinding
Many people suffer from chronic teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. This is an unconscious activity that can cause a host of problems, including jaw pain and tension, headaches and even migraines. Conventional treatment options such as medication or mouth guards may mitigate the discomfort and prevent tooth damage, but they don’t address the root causes of the problem. One of the most effective treatments for bruxism is masseter Botox, which can relax the jaw muscles and help contour a more attractive facial profile.
Masseter Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that has become well-known for its ability to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead area. However, it’s also used for non-cosmetic purposes, such as to relax muscles and relieve pain. The treatment uses onabotulinum toxin A to temporarily paralyze the muscle and reduce its movement, a process known as neuromodulation.
Using jaw Botox to treat bruxism is relatively new, but it’s quickly becoming a popular option. The injection targets the masseter muscle, which is responsible for chewing and biting. It’s possible that bruxism can lead to over-exertion of the muscle, causing it to become larger and more muscular than it should be. This can cause a square, unnatural-looking jawline that some patients find disconcerting.
Can Masseter Botox help with teeth grinding or TMJ issues?
To reduce the size of the masseter muscle and ease bruxism, a plastic surgeon can inject the botulinum toxin into the jaw area using electronic acupuncture or EMG (electrical monitoring). The injection will reduce the muscle’s contractions by blocking nerve signals that control them. The result is that the jaw muscles will shrink, and bruxism will be reduced or eliminated.
Injections of the masseter Botox are usually done on an outpatient basis in a medical professional’s office. First, the medical professional will clean and numb the jaw area to reduce the risk of infection. Then, they will use a small syringe to prepare the botulinum toxin and insert it into the jaw muscle. The amount of syringes needed will depend on the patient’s specific case and how large or small the masseter muscle is.
The masseter Botox will begin to take effect within a few days, and the results should last about three months. Repeat sessions can be necessary to maintain the effects. If you are interested in jaw Botox, speak with a qualified cosmetic physician who can develop a customized treatment plan for you.
The pandemic, a shaky economy and other factors have led to unprecedented levels of stress for many Americans. Often, these high levels of stress and anxiety can trigger teeth grinding and clenching, which is called bruxism. Conventional treatments like mouth guards and relaxation activities can mitigate the symptoms of bruxism, but they don’t address the root cause. If you’re tired of treating the symptoms and want to try something different, contact a board-certified dermatologist and ask about masseter Botox. This quick and affordable procedure can reduce the severity of your bruxism and help you enjoy a more natural-looking jawline.