Bruxism Treatment (Botulinum Toxin)

Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter muscles of the jaw to ease the involuntary clenching and grinding of bruxism. By reducing how forcefully these chewing muscles contract, the treatment is associated with relief of jaw tension and, for many people, a slimmer lower-face contour as the muscle relaxes. It is performed by a physician after assessing the jaw, with effects that build over the following days and last several months.

Bruxism is the habitual, often unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, frequently most active during sleep, which can overload the jaw's powerful masseter muscles. Injecting botulinum toxin into these muscles temporarily reduces the strength of their contraction, which is associated with relief of jaw tension and clenching and, because the masseters gradually decrease in bulk when used less forcefully, can also soften and slim a heavy lower-face line. At Klinika dr Grażyny Bem the treatment begins with the physician examining the jaw and confirming the masseter is the appropriate target. The injections themselves take only a few minutes per side using a fine needle, with little downtime; you can return to normal activities the same day. The effect develops over one to two weeks as the muscle relaxes and typically lasts several months before the treatment is repeated. Chewing of normal food is preserved, as only the excessive force is reduced. The treatment is intended for adults whose grinding or clenching causes jaw tension or a noticeably square jaw; it is not a substitute for dental assessment of the teeth themselves, and a dentist-fitted night guard may also be advised. Suitability and any contraindications, including pregnancy and breastfeeding, are reviewed at a medical consultation before treatment.