Botox is a muscle-relaxing agent that is injected by medical professionals for a variety of purposes. While many people associate Botox with the elimination of wrinkles and fine lines from the face and neck, it can also address serious medical issues, including muscle spasms, chronic migraines, “lazy” eyes, overactive bladders, and more. One type of Botox that can have multiple benefits is masseter Botox, also known as jaw botox.
If you would like to learn more about jaw Botox and how it can help you, reach out to the cosmetic dentistry professionals at Toothbar. We help with a wide range of procedures so our patients can be proud of their smiles and pain-free!
What is Jaw Botox?
Botox refers to botulinum toxin, which blocks nerve signals when injected into a muscle. Without these nerve signals, the muscle does not contract, which can achieve different cosmetic and medical goals.
Your jaw includes the masseter muscle, which connects your lower jawbone to your cheekbone and helps elevate your lower jaw. When you get Botox injected into your masseter, it is referred to as jaw Botox.
Potential Benefits of Jaw Botox
Some people use jaw Botox to change their appearance – specifically, the jawline – while others use the procedure for pain relief. The following are some reasons why you might consider getting jaw Botox.
Teeth Grinding
Known as bruxism, the grinding of your teeth while sleeping can have many adverse effects, such as:
- Tightness in your jaw
- A jaw or face pain
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Headaches or ear pain
- Damage to your teeth
If you have severe bruxism, it might not be enough to make lifestyle changes or wear a mouthguard while you sleep. In these instances, Botox injections into your masseter can work to relax the jaw and stop involuntary teeth clenching and grinding. Many people find relief from the above effects of teeth grinding through jaw Botox.
TMD
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) works with your masseter to facilitate chewing, and this joint occurs between your skull and lower jawbone. One common problem with this joint is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which some people refer to as “TMJ.” TMD can exist on its own or alongside other masseter problems, such as bruxism.
Botox injections can relax your masseter muscle, which can help improve the symptoms of TMD. You might find relief from:
- Pain in your jaw or face
- Damage to your temporomandibular joint
- Restricted range of motion in your jaw
- Headaches
- Locking up your jaw
- Ear pain
Relief from such symptoms can increase your quality of life, and jaw Botox helps to eliminate the need for painkillers, physical therapy, and other treatments.
Face Shape
Some people opt to get jaw Botox to help improve the overall shape of their jawline and face. Some people have masseter muscles that give their faces a square shape, often widening the lower face. Botox injections will weaken your masseters, which also reduces the size of these muscles. Smaller masseters can mean a slimmer face appearance and a jawline that is more V-shaped than square.
Are There Side Effects of Jaw Botox?
While Botox is generally safe, it can have possible side effects like any other type of dental or medical procedure. Some people report the following side effects from jaw Botox:
- Injection site swelling
- Injection site pain
- Headaches
- Having a crooked smile
- Bruising
- Drooling
- Flu-like symptoms
Many of these side effects are short-lived and relieved soon after the injection.
That said, some people should not receive Botox, and these might include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with allergies to cow’s milk protein
- People with unrealistic expectations or body dysmorphia
- People with keloid scarring
- People with neuromuscular disorders
The best way to know whether or not jaw Botox is safe for you is to consult with a professional who regularly performs this type of procedure.
What to Expect During Jaw Botox
Like any medical or dental procedure, you should know what to expect before you begin. The following is the general process for patients who opt to receive jaw Botox injections.
Initial consultations – You will first have a thorough consultation with our cosmetic dental professionals. We want to know about your concerns regarding your jaw – whether discomfort or its appearance – and your ultimate treatment goals. We will conduct a brief examination of your face and jaw, which helps us determine the extent of the injections necessary.
The procedure – You can receive the procedure right here at our Toothbar office, and you will not need to go to a hospital. You will receive a skin cleaning to prevent infection at the injection site, and some patients opt to receive topical anesthesia to make the injections more comfortable.
We will prepare the syringe, which has a thin needle, with the Botox and inject it into your masseter. As we inject the Botox, we slowly withdraw the needle. Some people need multiple syringes and injections depending on the specific treatment goals. Generally, this is a quick procedure that can last as little as 15 minutes.
Recovery – One of the benefits of Botox is that there is little to no recovery time. You will want to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours, as well as rubbing or putting pressure on the injection site(s), as this can spread the toxin across other areas of the face. Otherwise, you can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Results – Jaw Botox can bring noticeable results within a week, though many people report results in only one to three days. These results should last for three to four months, and you can repeat the procedure if you are satisfied and want to continue enjoying the effects of Jaw Botox.
Speak With Our Austin Jaw Botox Specialists About Your Options Today
Jaw Botox has many benefits for many patients, and you always want to make sure an experienced professional performs the injections. At Toothbar, we ensure that all Botox procedures are conducted properly and safely, which helps to lead to maximum results for our patients. Contact us for more information about how you can improve your jaw health and appearance today!
