There are a number of health conditions that stem from tightened masseter muscles. These conditions can include teeth grinding, teeth clenching, jaw pain, and headaches. Luckily, BOTOX® Cosmetic can provide relief from these conditions through the use of Masseter Botox.
At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, Dr. Chong Lee and our team of dental professionals are proud to offer Masseter Botox to patients who experience pain or discomfort related to their masseter muscles and jaw.
What Is Masseter Botox?
BOTOX Cosmetic injectables are designed to relax the muscles and prevent movement when injected into a certain area of the face. When injected into the masseter muscles, the muscles become temporarily paralyzed, which can lead to improvements in your face shape and jawline and bring relief to ongoing facial pain.
What Health Conditions Can Masseter Botox Treat?
BOTOX Cosmetic injections are most commonly used to eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and prevent them. However, Masseter Botox can also improve the following health conditions, including:
- Teeth grinding
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaw tension and pain
- Teeth clenching
- TMJ
- Sleep apnea
Patients may also receive Masseter Botox to:
- Enhance your facial shape
- Achieve a facial balancing
- Slimming down a square, prominent jawline
- Aesthetically improve your side profile
Who Is a Candidate for Masseter Botox?
Ideal candidates for Masseter Botox are patients who experience pain or discomfort from tightened masseter muscles or jaw issues. Anyone with trouble sleeping due to teeth grinding and clenching or sleep apnea can also benefit from Masseter Botox. Patients with TMJ or persistent jaw pain can also find relief from these injectables.
While BOTOX Cosmetic injectables are safe and effective, patients who are or may be allergic to any ingredients within these injectables should not receive Masseter Botox.
Are There Any Risks with Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is generally considered safe. However, the following side effects are common:
- Swelling
- Slight pain
- Tenderness
- Bruising
More rare risks from Master Botox injections include:
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Crooked smile
- Facial asymmetry
- Infection
How Long Will Masseter Botox Last?
Masseter Botox is designed to last between four to six months, and it will provide pain relief for this amount of time. BOTOX Cosmetic injections can eventually lead to a gradual loss of tooth-grinding and tooth-clenching habits. After six months, you may receive another set of Masseter Botox injections to maintain results.
What Are the Benefits of Masseter Botox?
In addition to providing pain relief from conditions like TMJ and other masseter muscle issues, Masseter Botox can provide patients with many other benefits. These benefits include:
- Pain relief from tooth sensitivity or pain
- Preventing tooth damage
- Pain relief and prevention of ear pain
- Encourages the loss of damaging habits like bruxism
- Improves ability to sleep
How Can I Prepare to Receive Masseter Botox?
The best way to prepare for receiving Masseter Botox is to schedule a consultation at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to determine your candidacy for this treatment. Meeting with Dr. Lee or any one of our other qualified cosmetic dentists will allow you to address your concerns and issues and understand exactly how Masseter Botox can benefit you.
During your consultation, you may discuss the following:
- Your jaw pain
- Sleeping habits
- Eating habits
- Past injuries
- Dental history
- The shape of your face
- Examination of your jawline and masseter muscles
- The benefits of BOTOX
Your consultation is the perfect time to ask your dentist any questions you may have about Masseter Botox.
What Is Recovery Like After Masseter Botox?
The recovery experience after receiving BOTOX Cosmetic injectables can vary from patient to patient. However, it will likely not require any downtime at all. After treatment, many patients are able to return to their normal routines. During the next 24 hours, you will be advised to avoid:
- Touching or rubbing your jawline
- Placing pressure on your jawline
- Participating in strenuous physical activity (including high-intensity workouts) which can increase your risk of injury
Within one week, common side effects like swelling and bruising will independently subside, and you will begin to visibly notice the changes within your masseter muscles and jawline.
Schedule a Consultation for Masseter Botox Today
If you are interested in Masseter Botox, contact Dr. Chong Lee at Galleria Aesthetics today by clicking here or calling 703.448.1020 to reach our office in McLean, VA.