Teeth Grinding and Masseter Botox in Bursa
What is teeth clenching (bruxism)?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. It can occur during sleep, as well as during the day, especially in moments of stress and intense concentration. When it lasts a long time, wear on tooth surfaces, tooth sensitivity, fractures in fillings and crowns, pain or clicking in the jaw joint (TMJ), morning headaches around the temples and prominence of the jaw muscles may develop.
Dental evaluation first
The first step in diagnosing and following up bruxism is an examination by a dentist. Tooth wear, bite problems and the condition of the jaw joint are examined by the dentist. Commonly used treatment options are:
- Night guard (occlusal splint): a transparent appliance made to measure by the dentist that protects the teeth against wear.
- Stress management and sleep routine: reducing caffeine and alcohol, relaxation exercises.
- Physical therapy and jaw exercises: especially for those with jaw joint complaints.
- Investigating the underlying condition: sleep apnea, certain medications and anxiety disorders may be associated with bruxism.
Masseter Botox does not replace these options; after a dental evaluation, it is considered as an additional option in selected patients with prominent muscle-related complaints. In many countries, its use for bruxism is off-label (outside the licensed indications); this is discussed openly at the examination.
What is masseter Botox?
The masseter is a powerful chewing muscle located in the lower part of the cheeks, near the angle of the jaw. When botulinum toxin is given into this muscle at specific points, its excessive contraction is temporarily reduced. The aim is not to prevent chewing but to lessen the clenching force. As the muscle becomes smaller, slight slimming at the angle of the jaw may also be seen.
Who is it suitable for, and who is it not suitable for?
It is considered for adults who have been diagnosed with bruxism by a dentist, who have muscle-related pain or marked enlargement of the masseter muscle, and who have not obtained sufficient relief with other methods. Situations in which the application is not performed or is postponed:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- Myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular diseases,
- Allergy to botulinum toxin,
- Infection at the injection site,
- If the source of the pain is a dental, joint or nerve disease (that condition is treated first).
How is it performed?
The person is asked to clench their teeth, and the borders of the muscle are identified by hand. After the skin is cleaned, the product is given with a fine needle at several points on each side. The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes; afterwards, the person returns to daily life. The dose is planned according to the thickness of the muscle and the severity of the complaint.
When does the effect begin, and how long does it last?
A reduction in clenching force is usually felt within 1–2 weeks; the reduction in muscle volume develops more slowly and becomes noticeable over several weeks. The effect usually lasts 3–6 months, after which muscle strength increases again. Whether a repeat application is needed is evaluated together with your dentist according to the course of the complaint. Night guard use can be continued after Botox as well.
Possible side effects
Tenderness, mild swelling and bruising may occur at the injection site. In the first weeks, fatigue may be felt when chewing hard foods. Less commonly, due to the product spreading to neighboring muscles, temporary asymmetry when smiling, prominence of part of the muscle at the angle of the jaw after the application, or slight hollowing of the cheek may be seen. These effects resolve as the product's effect wears off. The long-term effect of frequent, high-dose repeated applications on the jawbone is being studied; for this reason, unnecessary repeats are not performed.
Points to note after the application
- For the first 4 hours, do not massage or press on the area.
- On the same day, avoid strenuous exercise and saunas/Turkish baths.
- In the first days, limit very hard foods and those that require prolonged chewing.
- Continue using the night guard recommended by your dentist.
Teeth grinding Botox in Bursa
At our private practice in Nilüfer, masseter Botox is planned taking your dentist's evaluation into account. The use of the same active substance for facial expression lines is described on the Botox page, and its use in chronic migraine on the migraine Botox page.
Treatments are performed by a physician holding a medical aesthetics certificate approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist.
This content is for information purposes only; a physician's examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does teeth grinding Botox completely end teeth clenching?
No, it does not eliminate the cause of bruxism. Masseter Botox is aimed at temporarily reducing excessive contraction of the chewing muscle; the clenching force and related pain may lessen. As long as causes such as stress or sleep disorders persist, the clenching habit may continue; this is why dental follow-up and measures such as a night guard are important.
Night guard or Botox?
The two serve different purposes. A night guard protects the teeth against wear but does not reduce muscle contraction; Botox reduces contraction but does not protect the teeth. In bruxism, the initial evaluation is done by a dentist; Botox is considered as an additional option together with the guard in suitable patients.
When does the effect of masseter Botox begin?
A reduction in clenching force is usually felt within 1–2 weeks. Slimming of the muscle at the angle of the jaw develops more slowly and becomes noticeable over several weeks. To evaluate the result, a follow-up visit is planned about 2–4 weeks after the application.
How long does masseter Botox last?
The effect usually lasts 3–6 months; the duration varies with the thickness of the muscle, the dose and the person's clenching habit. The effect is temporary, and muscle strength returns over time. Whether a repeat is needed is evaluated according to the course of the complaint.
Does masseter Botox make chewing difficult?
In the first weeks, the muscles may feel fatigued with foods that are hard or require prolonged chewing. Everyday eating is usually not affected; the muscle adapts to this over time. If there is marked difficulty chewing, it should be evaluated at the follow-up visit.
Does masseter Botox slim the face?
In people whose muscle is overdeveloped, slight slimming at the angle of the jaw may be seen as muscle volume decreases. This is not the primary aim of the application, and its extent varies from person to person. If the width of the facial contour comes from bone structure or fatty tissue, Botox has no effect on this area.
What is the fee for teeth grinding Botox?
The fee depends on the area to be treated, the amount of product to be used and the plan determined at the examination. For this reason, no figures are given on the website; the fee is determined after the examination. For information, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72 or send a message on WhatsApp.
Where in Bursa is teeth grinding Botox performed?
Teeth grinding Botox evaluation and application take place in the procedure room of Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer's private practice in the İhsaniye neighborhood of Nilüfer (Bulvar 224). Consultation hours are Monday–Saturday 08:00–19:30; to book an appointment, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72.
Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist. He completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences (SBÜ) Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital; since 2024 he has been seeing patients for pregnancy follow-up, gynecological conditions and aesthetic gynecology at his private practice in Nilüfer, Bursa. The articles on this website are for informational purposes.
This website is for information only and is not advertising. Its content does not replace an examination by a physician. The information on this page is not personal medical advice; the decision on any procedure is made together with the doctor after an examination.