Botox for Jaw Clenching Shellharbour

Jaw clenching, or bruxism, is a condition where an individual clenches their jaw tightly or grinds their teeth, often while sleeping. This can lead to various complications, such as tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. While stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders are some common triggers, jaw clenching can also be a result of an underlying medical condition or misaligned bite.

1. The primary benefit of injections for jaw clenching is the reduction of pain and discomfort associated with the condition. These injections can also help improve the quality of sleep for those who clench their jaw at night. Furthermore, they provide a non-invasive alternative to other dental treatments and can prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw.

At Secret Skin Shellharbour, we use botulinum toxin (Botox) injections as a treatment for jaw clenching. Botox is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which has been used for decades in cosmetic and medical treatments. When injected into the masseter muscle—the muscle responsible for jaw clenching—the botulinum toxin works to temporarily weaken or paralyse the muscle. As a result, the muscle relaxes and reduces the force of clenching, alleviating pain and discomfort.

1. Consultation: Before the treatment, you will have a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners. They will assess your medical history, discuss your concerns, and explain the procedure in detail.
2. Preparing for the treatment: To ensure the treatment area is clean and sterile, the practitioner will cleanse the injection site. They may also apply a topical numbing cream to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
3. Injection: Using a fine needle, the practitioner will administer the Botox injections into the masseter muscles on both sides of your jaw. The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes.
4. Post-treatment care: After the injections, you may experience some minor swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. These side effects are temporary and should subside within a few days. Your practitioner will provide you with aftercare instructions and may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress.
5. Results: Most patients start noticing the effects of the Botox injections within 5-7 days, with full results typically visible within 2 weeks. The effects of the treatment last around 3-6 months, after which you may need to schedule another appointment for maintenance.