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    Guide to Masseter Botox

    Posted on December 21, 2024
    by Beacon Derm

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Masseter Botox treats bruxism (teeth grinding) with the use of Botulinum Toxin Type A, reducing pain and discomfort while also helping to protect the teeth.
    2. The process involves using Botox injections into the masseter muscle grouping, which helps to reduce symptoms for up to six months with few side effects.
    3. Additionally, this Botox treatment offers a facial slimming effect, helping to create the cosmetic benefits of jaw reduction.
    4. Our team offers comprehensive Botox injections for both the treatment of teeth grinding and for cosmetic benefits.

    What Is Masseter Botox?

    The masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body. It's located along the jawline and helps you chew and speak by moving the jaw. In some situations, this muscle can become too tight, but masseter muscle Botox helps relax it. The process is done with an injection of Botulinum Toxin Type A, which is very safe to use for most people, especially when done by licensed professionals.

    Anatomical illustration of the masseter muscle, highlighting its deep and superficial layers along the mandible and skull.

    In addition, this type of Botox treatment has the secondary benefit of creating a slimmed-down, squared jawline. This can provide what looks like jaw reduction in a non-surgical manner for many people.

    What Is Botox Toxin Type A?

    An important starting point is to understand what Botox injections are and why they work. Botulinum toxin Type A is a type of neurotoxin. When your doctor injects it into a specific muscle, the toxin interacts with the function of that muscle. Injecting Botulinum Toxin Type A into the masseter and temporalis muscles can alleviate pain and decrease muscle activity, making it beneficial for conditions like mandibular fractures and nocturnal bruxism. This can offer numerous benefits to various areas of your body.

    For example, Botox can help to stop the overactivity in facial muscles that can cause muscle spasms. For those who have migraines, Botox has been shown to be one of the most effective prevention tools for chronic pain sufferers. It can also be used for other conditions, including treating facial wrinkles and lines.

    What Is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

    For some people with jaw pain and jaw clenching, a condition called bruxism occurs. This condition, more readily known as teeth grinding, happens when a person clenches their teeth, grinds them with a back-and-forth movement, or gnashes their teeth. Many people who engage in this type of jaw-clenching do not know they are doing it. It can be brought on by stress, poor oral hygiene habits, infections, or for unknown reasons.

    Bruxism can lead to overactive jaw muscles, and masseter botox can help relax these muscles, providing relief from jaw tension and other symptoms.

    The most common symptoms of bruxism include:

    • Teeth grinding and clenching that's loud even for others to hear or to wake up a sleeping partner
    • Flattened, damaged, or fractured teeth
    • Worn tooth enamel
    • Tooth pain and sensitivity
    • Tired or painful jaw muscles

    If you believe you have bruxism, reach out to our team for a one-on-one consultation. 

    The Benefits of Masseter Botox

    If you've heard about Masseter Botox, you may already know how effective it can be. If not, consider some of the benefits of using Botox for masseter muscles.

    • Relief from pain: With the injection of Botox, teeth clenching and grinding associated with Bruxism as well as TMJ disorder can be improved nearly instantly.
    • Reduction in tooth wear: Bruxism is painful and uncomfortable, but it's also damaging to the teeth. Jaw clenching wears down the surface of the teeth, which can cause dental concerns over time.
    • Jaw reduction improvements: Many people see a reduction in the size and skin in the Botox injections area. That could mean creating a slimmer-looking profile and enhanced jawline. If you have them, it may also help with wrinkle reduction in the treatment area.
    • Tension improvement: For those suffering from muscle spasms, the pain may radiate throughout this area, and over time, it may lead to tension headaches and TMJ pain (pain in the temporomandibular joint). Botox treatments can alleviate much of that discomfort.
    • Slimming appearance of the face: Not only does the procedure improve your jawline, but it also works to create a more slim look to your face. That means you may get closer to the sculpted V-shape you desire with your jawline but also improved cheekbones and a thinner profile. This can book facial symmetry.
    • It's non-surgical: For many people, one of the best reasons to use Botox injections for the masseter muscle is that it can be a quick injection without any need for invasive surgery. There's no downtime in getting back to your day.

    For most people, the botulinum toxin applied in this manner is very safe. If you are concerned about this, turn to our team to discuss the best options for managing teeth grinding.

    Is the Masseter Botox Procedure Right for You?

    The best way to find out if our Calgary Botox treatment is the best option for your needs is to come in for a consultation. We encourage you to learn more about how Botox treatments or other methods we offer can work for your needs. There are several factors to consider to determine if Botox treatments, and specifically masseter Botox, are a good fit for your needs.

    • You suffer from teeth grinding. Other methods have not worked to treat it.
    • Your dentist indicates there is damage to the surface of your teeth, likely due to teeth grinding.
    • You have pain in your jaw. This could be associated with the temporomandibular joint with TMJ pain, or it may be a fatigue-like pain that is caused by TMJ dysfunction.
    • You do not know of an allergy to Botox injections.
    • You want to create a slimmer look to your jawline and improve overall facial aesthetics while you do so.

    If this sounds like you, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your Botox treatment options. Many of our clients find that this is one of the most effective methods for improving not only their TMJ disorder pain and teeth grinding but also to improve their facial appearance.

    What to Expect from the Masseter Muscle Botox Treatment

    The first step in treating the masseter jaw muscle is a full consultation. Our team will examine the masseter muscles, discuss any muscle pain or tenderness, and discuss any other concerns you may have, such as TMJ dysfunction. For those with bruxism, we may recommend our Calgary Botox if it is likely to be an effective option based on the underlying cause of your pain.

    Prior to Treatment

    Your consultation will include a physical and discussion of the area and pain you have. We will then talk to you about the use of Botox for masseter muscles, including getting some insight into any previous experience you have had with Botox treatments. In some situations, it may also be beneficial to see your dentist at the same time to ensure your oral health is maintained.

    We will answer all of your questions and provide X-rays when needed. The more information we have about the condition and the experience you are having, the better. We encourage you to be open about all that you are experiencing, including teeth grinding, jaw pain, jaw clenching, and any concerns you have about facial aesthetics.

    During the Treatment

    Once you come in for masseter reduction and Botox treatment, you will be seated and relaxed. A topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to help you feel more at ease. Then, a very fine needle is injected into the masseter muscle, right into the target area for treatment.

    The process only takes a few minutes. Most people do not suffer any additional discomfort or complications. There is virtually no downtime after this procedure, and some of the benefits are evident right away.

    After the Treatment

    After your procedure, you will be able to go home. You should be able to get back to your daily activities with no significant downtime. Your doctor will discuss some things not to do, such as rubbing the area, sleeping on the area, putting pressure on the area, or exercising for the next 24 hours. 

    Potential Results from Masseter Botox

    For those with teeth grinding and jaw pain, masseter Botox can be very effective at offering significant improvement in your quality of life. Many people will have very little discomfort from the procedure, and improvement in discomfort and pain will be evident right away. However, the most noticeable results generally take about two weeks.

    You may notice facial aesthetics right away and well into the next several months. Some results can take much longer, even as long as two months.

    In some situations, especially when you have ongoing TMJ pain or teeth grinding, your doctor may recommend ongoing treatment every few months. Most people see benefits from this procedure at least three to four months before treatment needs to be repeated.

    Potential Side Effects from Masseter Botox

    There are a variety of potential side effects some people have when they have masseter Botox. Consider the following:

    • Some people experience pain and discomfort at the location of the injection. This is not uncommon but should not lead to any discharge or swelling.
    • Bruises at the injection site are somewhat common but often will fade within a few days.
    • Some people also experience headaches or may feel tired after the procedure. This is not uncommon, nor does it limit your quality of life.
    • Drooling or a crooked face is a potential but very rare side effect that can occur. This may be due to the effect of the toxin on the muscles closed near the masseter, which should improve within a day or so.
    • Some people with looser skin along the jawline may see their skin look more pronounced with jowls present. This can improve over time.

    Should You Have Masseter Botox?

    If you're unsure what type of treatment option may be right for you, consider how Botox is being used today for a wide range of treatments. From headaches and joint pain to eliminating excessive sweating and reducing jaw clenching, Botox is a very powerful tool that can improve your quality of life and facial aesthetics. 

    Beacon Derm’s experience in the use of facial fillers and Botox is exceptional. When you are ready to see an enhanced look to your face or you want to stop teeth grinding from interrupting your sleep, reach out to us for a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals. When you do, you'll learn how Masseter Botox can help you with all of your jaw pain and teeth grinding needs.

    FAQs

    How does masseter Botox work?

    Masseter Botox is the injection of Botox into the masseter muscle to cause this muscle to relax. Doing so allows for relaxed muscles and, for many people, a slimming of the jawline.

    Can anyone get Botox for masseter muscle facial slimming?

    Men and women may benefit from the use of masseter Botox if they are qualified to take the injection. It is a non-surgical remedy that is highly effective and noninvasive, making it one of the best options for many people. 

    How long does masseter Botox last?

    Most of the time, people see results that last from 2 to 4 months, though this is dependent on numerous factors, including how fast your body breaks down the toxin.

    Does OHIP cover masseter Botox?

    No, OHIP does not cover Botox for masseter muscle pain and discomfort in most situations. However, it may be covered if there is a demonstrated need for a medical intervention for individuals. Let our team help you to find this out.

    Is Masseter Botox the same as TMJ Botox?

    The two are in different locations, but they use the same type of toxin to create results. Like all face fillers and Botox solutions, they can be used for cosmetic reasons in various treatment-targeted areas, including the TMJ joint.

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