Masseter Botox - what is the aim for the muscles? (photo)

Question

I suffer from teeth grinding and tensing my jaw, and I can feel knots in the muscles when I press along my jaw - a bit like you might feel if you had a knot in your back. Is one of the aims of masseter Botox to reduce/ get rid of the knots? Or just to make the muscles weaker?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @greedycat! Neuromodulators in the masseters work to weaken the muscle leading to atrophy which helps reduce the knots. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your good question. Botox can be used to treat the symptoms of clenching and grinding by relaxing the masseter muscle. This process also narrows the jawline, as the muscle also becomes smaller as it relaxes. You would likely see relief from the "knot" you describe, as well as any accompanying symptoms like headaches or jaw soreness. This procedure should only be performed by a very experienced, board-certified injector who has the expertise to ensure the best result both functionally and cosmetically.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Masseter Botox may result in jawline slimming and relief of many TMJ symptoms. I'm not sure about the "knots". Most people who clench may require a total of 75-100 u of Botox for a desired outcome. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Botox's aim is to reduce the muscle strength of the masseters, leading to some atrophy which will also help to reduce the knots that you experience.  Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you can use botox to help the TMJ and to slim the lower face, but you will get lower face sagging.  I suggest morpheus tightening, at home dermarolling (see link) and fillers to your chin/cheeks to balance your face when you get slimming.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

You may be feeling knots because your masseters are strong. Botox will relax the muscle and may also result in less knots. Be sure to consult with your doctor to confirm that botox is the right option for you!

Darice W. Fadeyi, MD · Answer

The goal of injecting neuromodulators (Botox, xeomin and Dysport) in the masseters is to weaken the muscles and, in the process, cause them to atrophy. This takes a couple of months to see a difference unlike when neuromodulators are used in places like the forehead or frown lines where improvement can be seen a week after treatment. Neuromodulators in the masseters can help with bruxism (grinding), TMJ pain and yes it will help soften those knots. The aesthetic piece is that it also helps slim the jaw line, leading to a more feminine lower face silhouette. See a board certified dermatologist for this treatment as poorly placed injections can affect your best asset - your smile. Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Botox will help alleviate your TMJ and weaken the masseter muscle, which allows you to grind your teeth. During the period of time when the muscle is "frozen", the muscle gets smaller, facial slimming is in effect, and there is less of a "knot" as the muscle is weakened. For the best results, please consult an expert in masseter injections. Best, Dr. Green

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear GD,
Botox (or any of the neuromodulators) would work very well for your issues.  Botox weakens the muscles ability to contract as strongly so you will find it difficult to clench or grind your teeth.  The 'knots' will slowly resolve over several days/weeks.  Botox is used for TMJ issues, clenching/grinding teeth and even for thinning out the jawline.  It generally works for 3-4 months.
Best wishes.
Dr. T

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello greedycat:

The intent of injecting Botox (or Jeuveau, Xeomin or Dysport) in the masseter muscles in people who grind their teeth is to allow the muscles to relax enough that one will not be able to clench and grind. In the process of relaxing the muscles, the muscles will become smaller slowly and the knots should resolve. My patients have found this to be an effective, easy-to-tolerate treatment.