Botox for Bruxism & TMJ Disorder

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Botox for TMJ & Bruxism

achieve freedom from jaw pain

Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort of Bruxism or TMJ disorder? You don’t have to suffer in silence any longer! Botox injections can be a game changer, helping to alleviate jaw pain caused by clenching while also giving you a slimmer jawline by relaxing those tight muscles.

If you suspect you might be dealing with Bruxism or TMJ or are looking for a personalized treatment plan, our skilled Botox practitioners at La Vie are ready to guide you on your journey to relief and renewed confidence. Let's take the first step together!

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How do I know I have TMJ or Bruxism?

Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are on either side of the face and assist with chewing and speaking. A TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when the surrounding muscles and ligaments become inflamed, leading to varying levels of pain.

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding of teeth, typically at night but can also occur during the day, often due to stress. Both conditions can affect mouth function, with each potentially exacerbating the other.

Treatment options include night guards, muscle relaxants, and botulinum toxin injections for pain relief. La Vie offers Botox injections to help manage discomfort from these conditions.

Appointment Expectations:

Botox can be an effective solution for individuals suffering from Bruxism and TMJ disorder, which can cause pain and dental issues.

What the procedure involves:

  • A small amount of Botox is injected into the jaw muscles, particularly the masseter, to reduce clenching and relieve tension and headaches. Depending on your specific needs, it may also be injected into the frontalis and temporalis muscles.

  • Effects typically begin within 1 to 3 days and can last between 3 and 6 months, without affecting voluntary movements like chewing and facial expressions.

While it doesn’t cure bruxism, Botox can help manage its uncomfortable symptoms. La Vie offers these injections, performed by experienced practitioners, to provide relief.

  • We use Jeaveau and Xeomin for Bruxism and TMJ Disorder treatments.

  • A small amount of neurotoxin will be injected into the muscles responsible for moving your jaw – the masseter muscle, which is responsible for chewing. It may also be injected into the frontalis and temporalis muscles according to your specific needs. The botulinum toxin will reduce clenching, and it will also help with any accompanying tension and headaches that you may be experiencing. Botulinum toxin usually kicks in about 1 to 3 days after injection (but can take up to two weeks), and the effects could last 3 to 6 months.

  • Yes! Botox is an effective treatment for bruxism that works by relaxing the muscles responsible for the tension along the jaw. This relaxing of the masseter muscle prevents the tension in the facial muscles that are responsible for the pain and damage caused by bruxism. The effects of botulinum toxin treatment can last up to nine months but the treatment can be repeated for continued relief from aches, pain, and damage to the teeth.

  • The number of units an individual will need for jaw clenching varies based on each individual. Some individuals have much stronger masseter muscles which will require more units of Botox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you wondering if Botox injections for Bruxism and TMJ disorder are right for you?

Dr. Lisa Smaldone answers frequently asked questions below. Reach out to us with any other questions you may have.

  • The great thing about jawline Botox is that it starts working right after your treatment. It may take up to a week to begin to see a real difference in your jawline and relief from symptoms of TMJ disorders or bruxism.

  • A 2012 study found Botox to be an effective treatment for TMJ, with effects lasting three months after the initial injection. Botox for TMJ disorder is typically recommended to be used in conjunction with other therapies such as night guards, prescribed muscle relaxants, or physical therapy.

  • There are, however, a few possible short-term side effects, like

    • Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site

    • Headache or muscle tightness

    • Eye dryness, or excessive tearing

    In very rare circumstances, botulinum toxin can spread into other parts of the body. If you notice any of these effects (hours after your injection), be sure to call your doctor right away:

    • Severe muscle weakness

    • Vision problems

    • Trouble speaking or swallowing