Bruxism Treatment (Masseter Botulinum Toxin)

Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter (jaw) muscles to ease the involuntary clenching and grinding of bruxism. By relaxing these powerful muscles, the treatment is associated with reduced jaw tension and can give the lower face a slightly slimmer, softer line. At Dermamed it is performed by a physician after assessing jaw strength and the pattern of clenching, with the dose tailored to the individual.

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth, often at night, which can lead to jaw tension, tooth wear and an over-developed, square jawline. Injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles — the strong muscles at the angle of the jaw — temporarily reduces how forcefully they contract, which is associated with relief from clenching-related tension and a gradual softening of the lower-face contour as the muscle bulk reduces with treatment over time. At Dermamed the procedure begins with a doctor palpating the masseter muscles while you clench, to gauge their strength and decide on the dose. The injections take only a few minutes using a fine needle, with no anaesthetic usually needed and essentially no downtime beyond possible mild tenderness. Onset is gradual: the clenching effect typically eases over one to two weeks, while any slimming of the jaw becomes apparent over the following weeks as the muscle adapts, and the result generally lasts several months before a top-up is considered. The dose is reviewed at follow-up and adjusted as needed. The treatment is used both for functional relief of clenching tension and for aesthetic jaw softening. Suitability, your dental history and any contraindications are reviewed at consultation, and it is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding.