Relief from Botox injections in Masseter muscles last only 3-4 weeks, between 15 and 25 units per side. How can I make it last?

Question

I am a senior citizen and I have been struggling with bruxism/tmj for the last 5 years, ever since I got braces for a short time. An orthodontist told me recently that the mandibular condyle on my right side has deteriorated. Since June, I have been getting Botox in the masseter muscles but after 3 weeks, the relief has all but disappeared. This is fairly expensive. Is there a way to have my medical insurance cover it?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Some insurance companies do pay for the cost of the Botox product to be injected but this is insurance carrier to insurance carrier dependent and plan to plan dependent.  I would reach out to your specific company to discuss your policy's coverage options.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

First of all the dose you are getting is extremely small and increasing it will have a longer lasting effect but also increases the cost. Insurance companies are totally unpredictable as to what they really will pay but ask and see

Relief from Botox injections in Masseter muscles last only 3-4 weeks, between 15 and 25 units per side. How can I make it last?

Answers (2)

More Botox for TMJ Questions

Relief from Botox injections in Masseter muscles last only 3-4 weeks, between 15 and 25 units per side. How can I make it last?

Answers (2)

More Botox for TMJ Questions

Would Botox in masseter cause accelerated ageing?

I got Botox for TMJ. Is it possible for the tech to have missed my masseter muscles?

Should I go to a dentist or cosmetic dermatologist for Botox to treat masseter muscle hypertrophy?