Jaw clenching and teeth grinding are bad habits that many people unknowingly develop when they face extreme stress. Traditional treatments like mouthguards can help ease the symptoms, but it’s better to try Botox cosmetic injections if you think nothing else is working for you.
So how many units of Botox does it take to treat jaw clenching? The typical Botox dosage for reducing the symptoms of jaw clenching is about 20 to 30 units of each side of the jaw. The exact number of units varies per patient because of the different factors to consider like the strength of the masseter muscle in treatment areas.
Aesthetica can assist you with all your beauty needs, helping you achieve your maximum beauty and aesthetic potential. Call or contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic services.
Jaw clenching or teeth grinding is normal but when it happens too often, you might want to consult a doctor to find out if you’re suffering from bruxism. This common condition affects around 8% of the general population, most of whom also experience other associated symptoms like chronic headaches, facial pain, tooth damage, enlarged jaw muscle, square jawline, and restricted range of motion in severe cases.
Doctors often recommend using night guards to mitigate the damage caused by bruxism and protect their teeth at night but these devices don’t really stop the grinding. Depending on the symptoms felt by the patient, other treatments may be recommended like muscle relaxing medications, behavioral strategies, and Botox injections.
Botox is usually used as an anti-aging cosmetic treatment option since it relaxes the facial muscles underneath the dynamic wrinkles. When injected into the jaw muscle of a bruxism patient, Botox effectively relaxes the chewing muscles and reduces the symptoms of bruxism.
Most patients need a total of about 40 to 60 units of Botox to experience pain relief from bruxism, but there are also other important things to know about this effective treatment before trying it out.
Masseter Botox (or jaw Botox) is a type of Botox treatment in which the botulinum toxin injection is administered into the masseter muscle, the one responsible for chewing found on the sides of the face that connects the cheek to the lower jawbone.
The typical dose of masseter Botox takes about 20 to 30 units of the neurotoxin injection for each side of the face to temporarily block the nerve signals and relax the masseter muscle. The exact number of Botox doses for each patient depends on the size of their masseter muscle.
Providers usually just administer the least possible units of Botox that are most effective to relax the chewing muscles, as well as prevent a frozen look and other potential side effects during the initial dose.
The cost of masseter Botox procedures for jaw clenching or teeth grinding varies per patient because of several factors: the location of the clinic, the experience of the provider, and the number of Botox units needed. Since most patients need a total of about 40 to 60 units (or 20 to 30 units per one side), the average cost of a masseter Botox procedure is at least $400 to $600.
Unfortunately, most insurance providers don’t include jaw Botox in their coverage of insurance plans so patients need to shoulder everything out of pocket. Make sure to call your insurance company about medical Botox treatments to learn more about what you might need to pay for.
Although it’s tempting to get Botox from a provider that offers it at a lower rate than normal, don’t forget to check their experience and credibility first to avoid side effects and complications. It’s still better to get an alternative treatment like Botox for jaw reduction and teeth clenching from board-certified doctors, medical professionals, and experienced providers.
The results of the masseter Botox usually take several days up to a few weeks to show. Some providers also ask patients to return to the clinic about 2 to 4 weeks after the initial treatment session to monitor its progress, ensure that the dosage is optimal, and confirm that the alternative treatment for bruxism is working.
Aside from helping patients manage teeth grinding and jaw clenching, masseter Botox also helps reduce other symptoms associated with bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) like jaw pain, migraine, tension headaches, face pain, limited range of motion, and jaw tension. It also helps reshape the face and contour the square jaw while providing pain relief for bruxism patients.
Although Botox shows results quickly compared to other jaw clenching treatments, it’s important to remember that Botox only takes only a few months before the body starts metabolizing the neurotoxin. The good news is that patients may consult their provider about getting maintenance treatments every few months to keep their results for longer.
Like other Botox treatments, masseter Botox is also generally safe for patients with good overall health. However, they may still experience common but mild side effects including:
These symptoms usually subside after a few days, but make sure to contact the provider or a primary care physician immediately if they persist or worsen. One of the best ways to minimize the risk of developing these complications is to get Botox treatment from a trusted provider or medical spa.
Jaw Botox for patients suffering from bruxism, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), and other similar disorders isn’t approved by the FDA yet, but the off-label use doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to try the treatment. According to a small study published in 2012, Botox injections significantly reduced pain and increased mouth movements of the participants for about 3 months.
Earlier studies that date back to 2003 and 2008 also show similar results. About 90% of the participants from the 2003 study didn’t respond to conservative treatments but experienced improvements after their Botox injections instead.
Following the Botox provider’s aftercare instructions is extremely important because it ensures that the patient achieves the best jaw slimming results while reducing the risk of developing complications or side effects. Here are some common Botox post-treatment tips you should follow:
At Aesthetica, we offer high-quality Botox treatments to help patients achieve their maximum potential. Our team of highly-qualified doctors and providers perform Botox and other anti-aging procedures inside state-of-the-art facilities to keep you safe and comfortable during the treatment session.
We also offer Botox treatments to help patients contour a slim jawline without the need for plastic surgery. Reach out to us today to know more about our jaw Botox and other affordable treatment options.
Aesthetica can assist you with all your beauty needs, helping you achieve your maximum beauty and aesthetic potential. Call or contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic services.
