Masseter and jaw Botox (for TMJ)

Botox injected into the masseter, the large chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw, relaxes the muscle. For selected patients it can ease jaw clenching and teeth grinding, and over a few months it can slim a wide or square-looking jaw.

We start by talking through your symptoms and examining how your jaw moves, so we can tell you whether this treatment is a good fit.

Who it is for

• People who clench their jaw or grind their teeth, during the day or at night
• Jaw tension, tightness or tired chewing muscles
• A wide or square jaw from strong chewing muscles

What to expect

Before your visit

Tell us about your jaw symptoms, any dental work or night guard, and any medications. If you have ongoing jaw pain, clicking or locking, a dentist or TMJ specialist may also need to take a look.

During the treatment

Your provider feels for the muscle while you clench, then places a few small injections on each side. It takes about 15 minutes.

After the treatment

Most people go straight back to their day. Avoid rubbing or massaging the area for the rest of the day.

Results

Clenching often starts to ease within 1 to 2 weeks. Jaw slimming builds more slowly, over 1 to 3 months. Results usually last 3 to 6 months, and many people repeat treatment to keep them.

Safety

Masseter Botox is not FDA-approved for TMJ, clenching or jaw slimming. Possible side effects include tenderness, bruising, temporary chewing weakness, smile changes and asymmetry. Your provider will go over the risks, alternatives and what results to expect before you decide.

Where it is offered

Not every treatment is offered at every office. Send us a question and we will tell you where it is available.

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