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Teeth grinding, medically referred to as bruxism, can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, from jaw pain and facial pain to headaches and tooth damage.1 For patients, dealing with bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, neuromodulator injections like Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify® offer an innovative and effective treatment option that can alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Why Does Bruxism Occur?
- How Is Teeth Grinding Treated?
- Benefits of Teeth Grinding Treatment
- Masseter Injections for Facial Slimming
- Preparing for Injections to Treat Teeth Grinding
- What to Expect During Teeth Grinding Injections
- Teeth Grinding Injections Recovery
- FAQs About Teeth Grinding Injections
How Is Teeth Grinding Treated?
At Dermatology and Laser Center in Houston, we’re proud to provide neuromodulator injections as a practical solution that addresses the overactive jaw muscles causing teeth grinding. We offer a variety of neuromodulators, including Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify, that work by relaxing the jaw muscles responsible for clenching and grinding, reducing tension in the lower jaw and temporomandibular joint.
Benefits of Teeth Grinding Treatment
- Relief from Jaw Pain and TMJ Dysfunction: Relaxing the jaw muscles alleviates tension and reduces symptoms like facial pain and earaches.
Prevention of Tooth Damage: Protect your teeth from excessive wear, cracks, or loss caused by the grinding of teeth. - Improved Oral Health: Neuromodulators help preserve fillings, crowns, and other dental work by minimizing strain on the jaw.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced migraines, less jaw joint discomfort, and improved sleep patterns. - Non-Surgical Solution: Injections are minimally invasive and provide an effective treatment for severe cases of bruxism without the need for surgery.
Masseter Injections for Facial Slimming
In addition to alleviating symptoms of teeth grinding and TMJ disorders, neuromodulator injections can also contribute to facial slimming. Overactive jaw muscles, often due to bruxism, can cause the lower face to appear broader or more square-shaped. By relaxing these muscles, neuromodulators can help contour the jawline, creating a softer, more balanced facial appearance3 This dual benefit makes neuromodulator injections an excellent option for patients seeking functional relief and aesthetic improvement.
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What to Expect During Teeth Grinding Injections
Teeth grinding injections are a straightforward procedure performed to target the overactive muscles causing bruxism. Injections are placed directly into the masseter muscle on both sides of the face, primarily responsible for clenching and grinding.
Depending on your individualized treatment plan, the treatment typically lasts 15–30 minutes. While the injections are minimally invasive, they are strategically placed to maximize effectiveness in reducing jaw muscle activity and alleviating symptoms.
Teeth Grinding Injections Recovery
Recovery after injections to treat bruxism is straightforward. Some patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness at the injection site, but these symptoms subside within a day or two. Most patients experience noticeable pain relief and reduced grinding within 7 to 10 days. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and you can return to normal activities immediately after your appointment with minimal to no downtime.
To maintain results, you may need to repeat injections every 3–6 months, depending on the severity of your bruxism or TMJ disorder.
FAQs About Teeth Grinding Injections
How do neuromodulators help with bruxism?
They relax overactive jaw muscles, reducing tension in the jaw joint and minimizing the grinding of teeth. These injections are often combined with other TMJ treatments, including dentistry procedures, x-rays for diagnosis, and occlusal adjustments.
Are bruxism injections painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, similar to a light pinch.
Will I still need to use a mouth guard or night guard?
In severe cases or as part of a comprehensive TMJ treatment plan, your dentist may recommend continuing to use splints or mouth guards to prevent tooth damage.
How long do the effects of neuromodulators last?
Results typically last 3–6 months, with Daxxify providing potentially longer-lasting effects.
Is bruxism treatment safe?
When administered by trained professionals, neuromodulators are safe and effective treatments for bruxism and TMJ dysfunction.4
How do I find masseter injections near me?
If you’re in the Houston area and seeking relief from teeth grinding, TMJ pain, or bruxism—or if you’re interested in facial slimming with neuromodulator injections—contact the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center of Houston. Our expert team provides customized treatment plans to help you achieve effective results and improve your quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation in Houston
If you’re experiencing bruxism, jaw pain, or symptoms of TMJ disorder, our team at the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center of Houston is here to help. Our advanced teeth grinding treatments are tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options and start improving your quality of life.
Sources
1 Cleveland Clinic. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism. Accessed November 19, 2024.
2National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Bruxism. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/bruxism. Accessed November 19, 2024.
3Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. Botox facial slimming/facial sculpting: the role of botulinum toxin-A in the treatment of hypertrophic masseteric muscle and parotid enlargement to narrow the lower facial width. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20206096/. Accessed November 19, 2024.
4 Journal of Clinical Medicine. Bruxism and Botulinum Injection: Challenges and Insights. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10380379/#. Accessed November 19, 2024.