Also known as bruxism, jaw clenching is a common condition affecting around 10% of Americans. It causes people to clench or grind their teeth unconsciously. While many people with this condition experience it at night (sleep bruxism), some experience it during the day (awake bruxism), depending on the causes.
The most common causes include sleep-related issues, stress, certain personalities like aggressiveness or competitiveness, anxiety, certain medications, and nervous tension like anger, frustration, or pain. Research has also indicated that some people may clench their teeth because of brain neurotransmitter imbalances.
Sometimes it can be challenging to detect jaw clenching, especially if it happens at night. However, you can help detect it by looking for symptoms like abraded teeth, facial pain, cracked or chipped teeth, overly sensitive teeth, locked jaw, worn-out enamel, headaches, tense jaw, and facial muscles, clicking or cracking of your TMJ, and inner cheek damage.
There are different approaches to treating bruxism depending on your age, symptoms, and severity of the issue. However, jaw Botox has become a widely used medication method, and you can get it from a dentist or cosmetic dentist.
However, before considering it as an option, there are things you must know to know whether it suits you.
How Does It Work?
The specialist usually injects Botox into your masseter muscle responsible for jaw movement. Depending on your symptoms and severity, the specialist might also inject it into the temporalis and frontalis muscles.
Botox works by temporarily relaxing the target muscles and minimizing the nerve signals responsible for clenching or grinding. That helps reduce the constant involuntary jaw movements.
The procedure can last 10 to 30 minutes, but that can increase depending on how many injections you need. The injections also determine the costs, so you must ask your specialist before the procedure starts.
Benefits Of Botox
While there are numerous treatment options for clenching your jaw, Botox has numerous benefits.
- It is non-invasive– This is the most significant benefit because it cuts down the procedure and recovery period. It also ensures you don’t have scars.
- Cost-effectiveness– While the cost differs depending on how many Botox vials you need, the price is significantly lower than surgical treatments.
- Less pain– The injections are usually brief, causing only a tiny tingling feeling, which many patients relate to an insect bite.
- Helps reshape your face– Excessively clenching your jaw could make your masseter muscles bulky, giving you a wider face. Botox has an added advantage because it can help slim your face giving you a more balanced face.
Results
The jaw Botox results start showing after one to three days, but it can take up to two weeks to see the full results. The results can last around three and six months, depending on how your body metabolizes Botox. Therefore, you should have a repeat treatment after four to six months.
Side Effects
While the procedure is generally safe, you might experience some of the following minor side effects.
- Pain and bruising at the injection site
- Temporary cockeyed eyebrows or droopy eyelids
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Temporary crooked smile
Contact Toothbar Today
Toothbar is a modern, state-of-the-art dental facility in downtown Austin. We have a team of well-trained, experienced, professional, and hospitable cosmetic dentists. We also invest in the latest technology equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Contact us today at 512-949-8202 or https://toothbar.com/contact to book your jaw Botox appointment or learn more about the procedure from a trusted cosmetic dentist.