Patient handout · Neuromodulators
You’ve probably heard of Botox® for cosmetic purposes, but did you know it is also used for other indications, including bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)?
Botox reduces the activity of facial muscles. Since its primary function is to relax facial muscles, it can help relieve pain from tight jaws and other facial muscles that cause tension and headaches.
Your temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge for your mouth, letting you eat and talk freely. When you have TMJ disorder, the muscles around your jaw are often in a state of hypertrophy (strong and tense) due to grinding during your sleep. As a result, you may experience:
Botox can reduce activity in the jaw muscles and may reduce muscle-related pain or clenching in selected patients. It’s typically recommended as a complementary treatment to other TMJ disorder therapy, but Botox may be all you need for specific symptoms!
The effect is temporary and commonly lasts several months, although duration varies between patients.
Botox for TMJ disorder may change your face shape – in a positive way, of course!
When your jaw muscles are tensed and overworked, it may cause your face to look wider. Botox helps to lessen the appearance of your jaw muscles and simultaneously alleviate pain from clenching! In turn, it slims your face and restores youthfulness. Many would consider this a cosmetic bonus on top of therapeutic relief.
Some extended health plans may contribute to Botox used for TMJ pain or bruxism, but coverage varies and is less predictable because this use is off-label. Coverage and expected costs are reviewed as part of the assessment before treatment is scheduled.
Contact one of the clinics for more information regarding a assessment about this therapeutic treatment.
Assessments for therapeutic Botox are available at Hillside Medical Clinic in Victoria and Kensington Medical Clinic in Burnaby. Treatment is scheduled separately if you decide to proceed.