How many Botox units in masseter muscle if I only want 20% of my masseter strength/ability gone?

Question

I grind my teeth at night. Night guards don't work for me. I'm getting botox (or dysport) in my masseter muscle to help. How many units should I get in each side? As a percentage, I only want 20% of my masseter strength/ability gone. Also, should I get dysport, botox, or another type for this situation specifically?

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question—this is a great option for managing teeth grinding when night guards aren’t working (I struggle with teeth grinding & clenching myself!)

If you're looking to reduce your masseter muscle strength by only about 20%, aim for a lower dose than what’s typically used for full relaxation or slimming.
- For Botox or Jeuveau, that usually means around 5–10 units per side.
- For Dysport, which works a bit differently, we’d use about 25–30 units per side to achieve a similar effect.

Both Botox and Dysport are effective. If you want a quicker result or have a broader treatment area, Dysport might be a great choice. If you want more precision and minimal spread, Botox or Jeuveau is often preferred. Jeuveau usually kicks in a bit faster than Botox, but does not spread as much as Dysport does.

The injector should the dose based on how your masseter feels and your aesthetic or functional goals. Starting conservatively is smart to preserve function and tweak if needed in future treatments. You can always add more!

Best of luck! 
Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS 
Center for Classic Beauty
Boston & Danvers, MA

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question about using Botox or Dysport to reduce masseter muscle strength. Managing teeth grinding, or bruxism, with injectables can be an effective approach. Here’s some guidance on your inquiry:

Determining Units for Masseter Reduction:
The number of units required can vary based on individual factors such as muscle size and strength. A common starting point for masseter reduction is typically between 20 to 30 units of Botox per side, but this can vary.
Since you are aiming for only a 20% reduction in masseter strength, it’s essential to communicate this specific goal with your provider. They can tailor the dosage to meet your desired outcome, potentially starting with a lower dose and adjusting as needed.

Botox vs. Dysport:
Both Botox and Dysport are effective for reducing masseter muscle strength. The choice between them often depends on the provider’s experience and preference, as well as how your body responds to each product.
Dysport units are measured differently than Botox, typically requiring more units for the same effect, but this does not mean it is less effective. Your provider can recommend which product might be better suited for your needs.

Consultation and Assessment:
It is crucial to have a detailed consultation with a qualified professional who can assess your masseter muscle’s size and activity. They can provide a personalized treatment plan to achieve the desired reduction in strength.
Follow-up appointments can help assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

Best regards,

Miller Vieira Paula, DDS · Answer

To reduce only 20% of your masseter strength, you may need 10–15 units of Botox per side, depending on your muscle size and anatomy. Dysport can be a good alternative, but it typically requires about 2.5–3 times the Botox dose. Both Botox and Dysport work effectively for bruxism, so the choice often depends on your provider's experience with the product.
Start with a conservative dose and reassess in 4–6 weeks to see if adjustments are needed. Be sure to consult an experienced injector who understands facial muscle anatomy for the best results!
Best regards, Dr. Miller Vieira Paula.

How many Botox units in masseter muscle if I only want 20% of my masseter strength/ability gone?

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How many Botox units in masseter muscle if I only want 20% of my masseter strength/ability gone?

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