Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching can cause debilitating headaches, chronic jaw pain, tooth damage, and facial tension. Many people grind unconsciously during sleep, waking with pain they can't explain. At Forever Facial Aesthetics, we offer an effective treatment using anti-wrinkle injections to relax overactive jaw muscles, providing relief from pain and protecting your teeth from further damage.
- Reduces teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Relieves TMJ pain and tension headaches
- Prevents tooth wear and damage
- Can slim enlarged masseter muscles
- Quick treatment with lasting results
- Improves sleep quality and reduces facial tension
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism is the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep but sometimes during waking hours. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and bite misalignment can all contribute. Over time, the masseter muscles—your main chewing muscles—become hypertrophied (enlarged) from constant use. This creates a cycle of stronger clenching, more pain, and progressive tooth damage.
Symptoms and Consequences
Bruxism manifests in multiple ways. Morning headaches, especially around the temples. Jaw pain and stiffness. Tooth sensitivity and visible wear. Earache without ear problems. Disrupted sleep—yours or your partner's. Over years, grinding causes significant tooth damage, TMJ disorders, and chronic pain. The enlarged jaw muscles may also change facial appearance, creating a square, heavy jaw.
How Treatment Works
Anti-wrinkle injections into the masseter muscles reduce their ability to clench forcefully. This doesn't prevent normal chewing—you'll eat comfortably—but it reduces the excessive grinding force that causes damage and pain. As the muscles relax and weaken slightly, headaches diminish, jaw pain resolves, and tooth damage is prevented. The treatment also slims enlarged masseters, refining facial contour.
Treatment and Results
Treatment takes 15-20 minutes. Dr. Phillips injects small amounts into the masseter muscles on both sides of the jaw. You may feel mild discomfort but no anaesthesia is needed. Results develop over 1-2 weeks as muscles gradually relax. Most patients notice significant reduction in grinding, less jaw pain, fewer headaches, and improved sleep. Results last 3-6 months with regular maintenance.
Recommended Treatments
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Relaxes overactive masseter muscles to reduce grinding force, relieve pain, and slim enlarged jaw muscles.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The treatment reduces excessive clenching force but doesn't impair normal chewing function. You'll eat all foods comfortably. The masseter muscles are very strong—even partially relaxed, they're more than capable of normal chewing. The goal is reducing the excessive, unconscious grinding force that causes problems—not eliminating normal muscle function.
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Most patients notice significant improvement within 1-2 weeks as the muscles gradually relax. Headache frequency and intensity typically reduce first, followed by jaw pain relief. The full benefit develops over 2-3 weeks. Many patients describe finally getting relief from chronic pain they've suffered for years—a genuinely life-improving change.
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Treatment significantly reduces grinding and protects teeth, but we typically recommend continuing night guard use for maximum protection—the two approaches complement each other. The injections reduce grinding force while the guard provides a physical barrier. Discuss your specific situation with Dr. Phillips and your dentist to determine the best combined approach.
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If you have enlarged masseter muscles from chronic grinding, treatment can slim your jaw over time, creating a softer, more feminine or V-shaped facial contour. This is often seen as a welcome cosmetic benefit alongside pain relief. If your masseter muscles aren't significantly enlarged, facial shape changes will be minimal. Dr. Phillips will assess this during consultation.
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Results typically last 3-6 months. Most patients return every 4-6 months for maintenance. Some find that with regular treatment, the muscles become conditioned to relax and results last longer over time. Consistent treatment prevents return of severe grinding patterns and maintains pain relief. We'll establish a schedule that keeps you comfortable.