Botox For TMJ? What are some of the downsides to this treatment? How long do results last? (photo)

Question

I recently turned 21 and have been interested in getting botox for my TMJ. What are some of the downsides to this treatment? How long do results last? What is the approximate price for this treatment? Any answers are much appreciated. Thank you!

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Botox can be very effective for TMJ-related jaw pain, teeth grinding, and muscle tension. Here's what to expect:
1. How long results last:Typically 3-6 months for TMJ symptomsSome patients experience relief for up to 6-8 months with repeated treatmentsResults tend to improve with subsequent sessions
Potential downsides and risks:Temporary weakness in chewing muscles - you might find it harder to chew tough foods initiallyAsymmetry if not injected precisely, which can affect your smile or facial expressionsDifficulty with certain facial movements like whistling or using strawsBruising and swelling at injection sitesHeadaches (though Botox often helps with TMJ-related headaches)Rare but serious complications like difficulty swallowing if the injection spreads
Important considerations:
The masseter muscles being treated are large and close to important structuresOver-treatment can lead to facial hollowing or an overly narrow appearanceSome insurance plans may cover Botox for medical TMJ treatment
Critical point: Going to a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or oral surgeon who specializes in TMJ treatment significantly reduces your risk of complications. They understand the precise anatomy and proper injection techniques.At 21, you're dealing with this early, which is great for preventing long-term joint damage. Make sure to discuss your full medical history and get a thorough evaluation to confirm TMJ is the correct diagnosis before treatment.

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

Hello! I’m Lauren, the aesthetic injector here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center.  Botox for TMJ can help relieve jaw tension and pain, and many people see results within a few days to a week. The effects typically last 3–4 months. Downsides may include temporary bruising, weakness in nearby muscles, or limited jaw movement. Costs vary, but it usually ranges from $300–$600 per session, depending on location and how many units are needed.

Erin Smith, MD · Answer

Hi Nicole,

Thanks for your question. TMJ Botox can help with TMJ related pain and can also help to slim the masseter muscle, which contributes to fullness along the posterior jawline in some patients. Side effects are rare withbut may include facial asymmetry, oral dryness, and difficulty chewing and may be related to the total dose used. As always, I recommened seeing a board certificied physician in-person for further treatment evaluation. Hope this helpful!

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Masseter Botox is a great treatment for those struggling with TMJ issues like clenching and grinding. Relaxing the masseter muscle helps control these bad habits that may attribute to grinding your teeth and causing tension headaches. The treatment lasts about 4-6 months at which time you'll need to be re-injected. A nice side effect that people love is a narrowing appearance of the jaw,  providing a more gentle heart shape appearance. There's really no better treatment. People thinking about masseter Botox also look into Traptox and Nefertiti BOTOX.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox is increasingly being used as a treatment for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders to help alleviate symptoms such as jaw tension, pain, and headaches. Here’s some information on the potential downsides, duration of results, and costs:

Downsides:

Temporary Muscle Weakness: Botox can lead to temporary weakness in the muscles around the injection site, which might affect chewing or facial expressions.
Asymmetry: There is a possibility of facial asymmetry if the Botox spreads to unintended areas.
Bruising and Swelling: Some patients experience bruising or swelling at the injection sites.
Limited Relief: Botox does not address the underlying causes of TMJ disorders and primarily focuses on symptom relief.
Frequency of Treatments: Regular treatments are required to maintain results, which can be inconvenient and costly over time.
Duration of Results: The effects of Botox for TMJ usually last between 3 to 6 months. Patients will need to undergo repeat treatments to maintain the benefits.

Cost: The cost of Botox for TMJ can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the expertise of the healthcare provider, and the amount of Botox required. On average, treatments can range from $500 to $1,500 per session.

It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider experienced in treating TMJ disorders with Botox to discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for you and to review all potential risks and benefits.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When treated by an experienced injector Botox can help ease the symptoms of TMJ.  A side benefit is that the treatment can also slim the jawline.  The treatment is done in the office with final results seen after two weeks.  The product effects wear off gradually typically over three to four months.  See an expert injector near you to learn more.

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