BOTOX® FOR TMD, BRUXISM AND IMPROVEMENT OF DENTAL AESTHETICS

 

An Estimated 10 Million People Suffer from TMD

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is a flexible joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows you to move your mouth as you chew or speak. While the main cause of TMJ disorder (TMD) is unknown, it has been linked to teeth grinding or clenching, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

 

Without diagnosis, over time, the effects of TMD can become debilitating for patients as they consistently struggle with:

 

• Limited jaw and mouth mobility

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth

• Frequent headaches or neck pain

• Jaw getting stuck or locked in the open or closed position

• Pain or tenderness around the ear, neck, shoulder or jaw areas

• Facial asymmetry as a result of excessive teeth grinding. 

 

Botox® is used as an alternative treatment for TMJ disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. It may help treat the following TMJ disorder symptoms:

 

• jaw tension

• headaches due to teeth grinding

• lockjaw in cases of severe stress

• chronic headaches/ migraines 

• facial asymmetry as a result of bruxism

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be an ideal candidate for Therapeutic Dental Botox injections administered by Dr. Olivia Moran, AAFE Botox certified.

 

In addition to alleviation of TMD related symptoms, Botox may be used to enhance dental aesthetics by improving gummy smiles and black triangles in between teeth.

 

 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

 

 

WHAT IS BOTOX TREATMENT FOR TMJ AND JAW TREATMENT? 

Botox® is a neurotoxin protein that may help treat symptoms of TMD. You may benefit most from this treatment if other methods haven’t worked for you.

This alternative treatment for TMJ disorders and jaw tension is usually quick, straightforward, and effective.

Botox® is injected into your facial muscles. This may provide immediate relief from TMJ disorder symptoms of pain and jaw tension. The injections can also be effective in eliminating headaches caused by teeth grinding and can minimize lock jaw.

Most patients experience noticeable improvement within one or two days of their first treatment, although relief can take up to a week.

 

 

HOW EFFECTIVE IS BOTOX FOR TMJ?

Botox is one of the most effective treatments for TMJ disorders associated with myofascial pain. It also relieves the frequent headaches associated with TMJ 

and, over time, it can reverse the physical changes caused by chronic TMJ.

 

 

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST FOR TMJ?

Botox injections for TMJ pain can last for three to five months. Some cases even longer

 

CAN TMJ DISORDER CHANGE YOUR FACE SHAPE?

Yes, TMJ disorder can alter the shape of your face over time. Facial symmetry can be lost, your teeth may change the way they meet together in your mouth, and over-activity in the masseter muscle can cause the jaw to take on a swollen, square appearance.

 

HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK AS TREATMENT FOR TMJ AND JAW TENSION?

Botox® injections are non-surgical and can be administered in your doctor’s office. There’s no need to stay at a hospital.

The length of time of the procedure will depend on the number of injections you will need as determined by your doctor. But the whole procedure usually just takes about 10 to 30 minutes.

Your doctor will inject Botox® into your facial muscles. They may also inject into other areas depending on your symptoms. You doctor will decide how many injections you need. Swelling and bruising have occurred at the injection site for very few patients. But most patients don’t experience visible marks.

When injected into your facial muscles, Botox causes a partial paralysis to those muscles. It relaxes the muscles involved and relieves pain.

Botox injection treatments must be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

 

IS THE BOTOX® TREATMENT PAINFUL?

Pain due to the injections itself is associated with Botox® treatment for TMJ disorders. But it is generally minimal and doesn’t last. Some patients describe the feeling at the injection site like that of a “bug bite” or a “prick.” Ice packs or anesthetic creams are recommended at the injection site to help relieve the pain.

 

WHAT ARE THE AREAS AFFECTED BY BOTOX® INJECTIONS?

The muscles that were injected with the toxin will be affected. No other body part will be affected.

The injections might be in the temporalis, frontalis, and/or masseter muscles. However, additional sites may be injected as well depending on what your symptoms are, and the severity of those symptoms.

 

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER A BOTOX® PROCEDURE?

Seek your doctor’s advice regarding your physical activities after the procedure.

Botox® treatment for TMJ disorders is non-invasive, non-surgical, that doesn’t require a hospital stay. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately.

It is recommended that you do not massage or rub the injection sites to prevent the toxin from spreading. Your doctor might also ask you to remain in an upright position and limit your physical activities for a specific period of time.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT AFTER YOUR BOTOX PROCEDURE?

Relief from muscle tenderness will begin within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

You may continue to see wrinkles diminish up to one week after the Botox® treatment procedure. Although there are a small number of patients who had the treatment who reported no noticeable difference in the reduction of their wrinkles.

There may be mild and temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites.

 

DO DENTAL GUARDS HELP TMJ?

Mouth guards can help many patients who have TMJ pain, but not all. If your TMJ  is caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching, a night guard can reposition your jaw and physically prevent you from wearing away your teeth, BUT unless you are able to reduce the forces exerted you may still experience TMD related pain. When you’re not grinding or clenching, your jaw muscles will begin to relax, providing relief from TMJ pain.

 

IS BOTOX® FOR TMJ COVERED BY INSURANCE?

This treatment may be effective in providing relief for some TMJ disorder sufferers. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Botox® for use as treatment in TMJ disorders.

Call your insurance provider to find out if they cover TMD treatments, including Botox® injections. Unfortunately, they will most likely not cover the treatment because FDA hasn’t approved Botox® for this use. But it’s worth asking just in case.

The cost of this treatment will depend on the number of injections needed, which your doctor will determine upon examination. Also, different geographic locations will have different pricing for the same treatment.