Botox for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

For patients who grind or clench their teeth, botulinum toxin can be injected into the strong masseter muscles at the angle of the jaw to reduce the force of clenching. This may help relieve associated jaw tension and protect the teeth and dental work from the wear that grinding causes. As a dental practice, OrtoImplant Clinic can combine this with a custom relaxation splint as part of a broader approach.

Bruxism — habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth, often during sleep — can wear down tooth surfaces, chip fillings, crowns and veneers, and contribute to jaw muscle tension, soreness and headaches. One management option is to inject botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles, the powerful muscles at the angle of the jaw that drive clenching. By partially relaxing these muscles, the treatment reduces the force they can generate, which may ease muscle tension and limit the damage that heavy grinding does to the teeth and to dental restorations. At OrtoImplant Clinic this is offered within the clinic's aesthetic-medicine and dental care, which means it can be considered as part of a complete picture alongside the condition of the teeth themselves. The injections take only a few minutes; the effect builds over the following one to two weeks and typically lasts a number of months before a repeat may be considered. Because the masseter is also a muscle of facial shape, some patients notice a subtle softening of a very square jawline as a secondary effect. Botulinum toxin treats the muscle activity rather than the underlying habit, so the clinic often combines or compares it with a custom-made relaxation splint (a night guard) that protects the teeth while you sleep, and addresses any worn or damaged teeth directly. The treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A clinician assesses the pattern of grinding, the state of the teeth and overall suitability, and explains expected benefits and limitations before treatment.