Botox for jaw clenching/slimming - What kind of doctor should I see and how long before I notice a difference?

Question

I've been grinding my teeth for years, to the point where I have cracked fillings even with a mouth guard. I also have noticed my jaw is starting to look more masculine which I believe is related to the grinding. My main questions are: What type of Dr do I see for the botox, any recommendations in Connecticut? Does this actually help with grinding or is it mainly cosmetic? And, how long does it take before noticing a slimmer face/grinding to subside? Thank you in advance!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  For most patients results will be seen within a few days as the masseter muscles weaken, improving the pain and headaches that accompany clenching and grinding.  As for any slimming effects this may take 3-4 weeks to be seen.  Hope this helps.

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi Caroline899

Botox has the ability to relax the myofascial pain associated with an abnormal TMJ joint.  There are many muscles that affect the TMJ joint including the masseter, the temporalis, and the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles.  These muscles normally assist in the opening and closing of the jaw. To learn more about this procedure, please visit our website.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Clenching your jaw can cause headaches, swelling, wide jaw, and tooth injury.  Botulinum (e.g. botox) to the masseter muscles can be done quickly an easily.  A facial plastic surgeon or dentist who does botulinum will be your best resource.  The effects appear in a few days!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The condition you describe is a very common one. People with teeth grinding (bruxism) develop hypertrophy of the masseter muscles (the main chewing muscle) located to the rear of the jawbone. Botox, which quiets muscular overactivity, has proven an excellent treatment for this problem, and the beneficial effects of this therapy typically may last up to nine months following one treatment. By coincidence, my last patient of my morning session was a young Asian woman with Bruxism who was treated Botox. Additionally, masseter muscle hypertrophy is not uncommon among Asian women who seek aesthetic treatment to slim and contour the masseter so as to create a more heart-shaped, less bottom-heavy face. I personally do not know of anyone in Connecticut who I feel comfortable recommending However, in doing your due diligence, make sure that you consult a board certified aesthetic physician. Best of luck.

Edwin Kwon, MD, FACS · Answer

You can see any doctor who does botox to the masseter muscles either for TMJ or for cosmetic purposes as they both yield the same results. It will help with grinding as it weakens the masseter muscles which are used when clenching/grinding as well as a cosmetic change of slimming the lower face. You should notice some improvement with clenching/grinding in approximately one week but the slimming will not begin until approximately 2 weeks. Your lower face will continue to become slimmer until about 2 months, where it will be at its slimmest. It will stay that way for a couple months and then slowly build back up again.

On average, I would say patients require repeat treatments every 6 months.

On average, I would say patients require repeat treatments every 6 months.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Over the past 3 months, I have more than quadrupled the amount of Botox treatments for jaw clenching and dental issues associated with stress grinding (most likely due to Covid).  Botox is an excellent treatment for both thinning the lateral jawline as well as to reduce grinding in most individuals.  The treatment only takes 2 minutes and lasts for months.
Dr T

Mona Stone, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi! I don't have any specific recommendations in your area but an OMFS could help you with that. The results depends on amount: for grinding within the first month you should see a reduction.,

Botox for jaw clenching/slimming - What kind of doctor should I see and how long before I notice a difference?

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