Jaw Botox for Masseter
Botox is a type of injectable muscle relaxer that makes use of botulinum toxin type A. This is a neurotoxin which relaxes the muscles temporarily. Botox injections are often used for making the forehead wrinkles less noticeable. However, if the injectable is used in the masseter muscles near cheekbones, it can manage facial pain and enhance facial contours.
This use is also known as jaw Botox or masseter Botox. The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides Botox injections for the jaw (masseter muscle) to stop teeth grinding for patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding locations.
What is Jaw Botox?
Botox, when injected in the masseter muscle is known as masseter Botox or jaw Botox. The treatment makes use of botulinum toxin for temporarily blocking the nerve signals to the masseter muscles. The muscle is not able to move as a result.
Use of Masseter Botox
Jaw Botox is typically used for:
Reducing jaw pain, clenching and tension Managing teeth grinding Relieving headaches Creating a balanced facial shape Contouring a square jaw
Benefits of Jaw Botox
Following benefits are offered by masseter Botox:
Reduced teeth grinding
Bruxism or teeth grinding is typically treated with lifestyle changes and mouthguards. Botox injections may prove to be effective if you have severe bruxism. Botulinum toxin relaxes the jaw by weakening the masseter. This stops the teeth and jaw from involuntary clenching, which reduces symptoms such as:
Tight jaw Tooth sensitivity or pain Pain in the neck, jaw or face Ear pain Tooth damage Dull headache Ear pain Tooth damage
Reduced TMD symptoms
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) like the masseter muscle helps with chewing. This is a hinge that connects the lower jawbone with the skull. A problem with the TMJ is called the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This disorder often coexists with masseter and bruxism pain. Botox can relax the muscle and relieve symptoms of TMJ, such as:
Headaches Jaw pain TMJ damage Jaw, ear and face pain Poor range of motion in the jaw Jaw locking
Slims the face
Masseter muscles can lend a square shape to the face. Masseter Botox may be a good option if you want your face to appear slimmer. Botox has a weakening effect on the muscles which reduces the size of the masseters. This creates a masseter reduction or jaw reduction.
How the Jaw Botox Treatment Works?
Jaw Botox works by weakening the muscles that cause the TMD symptoms. It relieves tension in the jaw on a temporary basis to help you speak, chew, and swallow. The treatment can also alleviate headache and prevent involuntary movements, such as clenching and grinding of the teeth.
Botox can be used functionally and cosmetically for weakening the masseter muscle. This is the main muscle for teeth grinding. Botox can improve the pain that comes from teeth grinding. It can also be used for taking away the squarish appearance of the jaw angle because of an overgrown or hypertrophied masseter muscle.
Cosmetic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for Botox injections for the jaw (masseter muscle) to stop teeth grinding.
