Teeth Grinders, Rejoice!

Teeth Grinders, Rejoice!
Julie Hancock

Who would have thought there is any overlap between the fields of dermatology and dentistry? Surprisingly, there is! If you are part of the 10 to 15 percent of Americans who grind their teeth, masseter Botox may be for you. Botox in the masseter is “off label” meaning it is not FDA approved for this indication. Masseter Botox also provides a non-surgical technique for facial reshaping. Do you want a slimmer-looking face? Keep reading.

The masseter muscle is located on either side of the lower jaw and is used for chewing. For a vast array of reasons, some people have the tendency to clench this muscle, which can lead to teeth grinding and/or a square jaw. Grinding is dangerous for teeth, causing chipping, cracking, or even tooth loss. In addition, it also exacerbates jaw conditions such as TMD. Some people may wear mouth guards to minimize these effects, but guards can’t stop the actual clenching.

So how does Botox help? Botox, a brand name of botulinum toxin, works by inhibiting nerve signaling, thus relaxing the muscle it is injected into. This reduces clenching and is able to give many patients a slimmer, more oval shaped face. Botox may seem intimidating to some, but when performed by an accredited medical professional using genuine Botox, the likelihood of side effects is low. Slight bruising at the injection site may occur, but often resolves within a day or two. Chewing, smiling, talking, and even yawning aren’t affected by masseter Botox. And results are long lasting: typically about 6 months. This quick procedure involves nothing more than a few injections with a small needle, meaning no recovery time is needed for these incredible results. Whether you’re looking to stop grinding your teeth at night or slim your jawline, masseter Botox can help.

Want to learn more? Wondering if you’re a good candidate? Schedule a free cosmetic consultation at one of our offices located in Crystal Lake, Barrington, Elgin, or Arlington Heights!