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When you think about Botox, your first thought might be “wrinkles.” But did you know it can also be an effective treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders?
Botox for TMJ is an effective treatment option that many people don’t know about. Or, they may know about it, but are afraid to try it because they are worried it will change the shape of their face.
In this blog, we explain how this injectable treatment works, how it affects your facial appearance, and if it’s right for you.
Table of Contents
- How Botox for TMJ Works
- Can Botox Change the Shape of Your Face?
- What to Expect After Treatment
- FAQs
- Find Relief at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists
Key Takeaway
Botox is injected into the masseter muscles which control the TM joint. In an individual with TMJD, the masseter muscles are overworked, leading to facial pain and inflammation in the TM joint. When these muscles are injected with Botox, they become paralyzed, resulting in less stress on the joint. This period of relaxation may cause the masseter muscle to shrink because it is not being used as much, causing a slight change in face shape.
How Botox for TMJ Works
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles. Joint disorders can cause your masseter muscles (the main muscles used for chewing) to become tense or contract too much, even when you’re not using them to chew.
This can cause constant strain, leading to jaw pain, tension headaches, and difficulty chewing because the muscles are fatigued or sore from being overworked. Botox works by relaxing these muscles. When injected into the temporomandibular joint, Botox reduces muscle tension and helps relieve pain.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter muscles, and acts as a muscle relaxant.
- This reduces tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles like the temporalis muscles.
- Over time, jaw clenching and teeth grinding (especially at night) decrease, leading to fewer painful symptoms.
Can Botox Change the Shape of Your Face?
The masseter muscles are located on the sides of your face, just below your cheekbones. When these muscles are constantly overworked (due to TMJ), they can get bigger, giving your face a square or bulky appearance.
By relaxing these facial muscles with Botox, the muscle volume decreases over time, resulting in a more slimmed-down face. This effect is particularly noticeable in individuals with a more pronounced square jawline.
Though facial slimming is a common positive effect, other facial changes can occur. These include:
- Facial wrinkles might appear less pronounced due to muscle relaxation.
- A more relaxed jaw can soften the look of facial expressions related to jaw tension and clenching.
Is Botox for TMJ The Right Treatment For You?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for this treatment. If you suspect you have TMJ or experience frequent jaw pain, masseter Botox could be a good option, but here are a few things to consider:
- Severity of symptoms: If you have severe jaw pain or tension headaches due to TMJ, Botox itself will not be enough to relieve your symptoms. Masseter Botox should be used in combination with other treatments such as an occlusal guard (night guard) and physical therapy.
- Medical conditions: If you have certain neuromuscular disorders, Botox may not be the right treatment for you.
- Cost: Because the masseter is such a big muscle, it requires many units of Botox which makes it a more expensive treatment. However, some insurance companies will cover portions of the cost. Check with your insurance provider before booking an appointment.
- Frequency of treatment: Botox is not a permanent solution. The effects will wear off after 2 to 3 months. Because the masseter muscle is used a lot, the effects don’t last as long as they do in other parts of the face.
What to Expect After Treatment
The treatment is very straightforward and doesn’t take long to perform. Here is what you can expect post-treatment:
- The day of treatment: You might experience mild swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection sites. Use a cold pack to minimize discomfort.
- First few days: It usually takes about 2 weeks for the botulinum toxin to start working. Don’t expect immediate results, but by the end of the first week, you should start to feel some relief in your jaw muscles.
- Two to four weeks: This is when you’ll notice a significant improvement in jaw tension. Over time you may notice a difference in your face shape, but this should be fairly sublte.
- Follow-up treatments: Botox for TMJ isn’t a one-time fix. You’ll need follow-up treatments every three to four months to maintain the benefits.
FAQs
The number of units depends on the size of your masseter muscle and the severity of your symptoms. A typical range is 20 to 50 units of Botox per side.
Once Botox is injected, it cannot be reversed. Because the muscles are paralyzed, you will not have as much strength in your jaw muscles and may find it hard to chew tougher foods. However, this isn’t usually a major problem and doesn’t affect daily life. If injected incorrectly, it could also lead to a crooked smile.
In some cases, masseter Botox can lead to the appearance of jowls, particularly if the jawline loses muscular definition along with volume reduction in the masseter muscles. Choose an experienced provider that is well-versed in Botox for TMJ.
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or vigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours post-treatment to prevent the Botox from migrating. Don’t massage or apply pressure to the treatment area for a few days, as this can alter the intended effects.
Alcohol consumption and excessive heat exposure (such as saunas or hot tubs) should also be avoided within the first 24 to 48 hours to minimize the risk of swelling or bruising.
Find Relief at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists
If you have been wondering about Botox for TMJ, we hope this article has quelled any concerns you may have. Check out the other articles we’ve written on this topic in our blog:
- What Causes a TMJ Flare Up?
- Your Guide to Non-Invasive TMD Treatment Options
- Botox for TMJ: Efficacy and Considerations
If you would like to book an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Thompson or Dr. Martin at our office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online inquiry form. Relief from TMJ pain is just a phone call away!
