Teeth Grinding, Bruxism and Jaw Slimming: Can Treatment Help?
Did you know that treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) can sometimes also change the shape of the face?
During a consultation for teeth grinding, we may identify that some of the jaw muscles responsible for chewing have become overdeveloped. This is particularly common in people who clench or grind their teeth regularly. When these muscles enlarge, they can create a wider or more square appearance to the lower face.
With appropriate assessment and your consent, Botulinum Toxin treatment (commonly known as Botox®) can be used to relax these muscles. In dentistry this treatment is often used therapeutically to help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, while also softening the contour of the jaw.
What Is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum Toxin is a purified protein that works by temporarily reducing the signals between nerves and muscles. This reduces the strength of muscle contraction.
In aesthetic medicine it is often used to soften facial lines and wrinkles, particularly around:
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the Forehead
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Between the Eyebrows
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Around the Eyes
However, Botulinum Toxin is also widely used in Dentistry and Facial Aesthetics to treat the Masseter Muscles — the large chewing muscles located at the angle of the jaw.
When these muscles become enlarged due to chronic clenching or grinding, they can make the lower face appear wider or more angular. Carefully placed injections can help reduce muscle activity and gradually slim the jawline.
Can Botox Help Teeth Grinding?
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realising it, particularly during sleep. This condition is known as bruxism.
In some cases, Botox can be used to help reduce the strength of the masseter muscles responsible for clenching and grinding. By relaxing these muscles, treatment may reduce jaw tension, headaches and the force of teeth grinding.
Mild bruxism may cause:
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Scalloping along the Sides of the Tongue
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Cheek Biting
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Jaw Tightness
More significant grinding can lead to:
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Tooth wear and Fractures
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Headaches
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Jaw and Facial Pain
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Earache
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Neck Discomfort
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Increased Tooth Sensitivity
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Difficulty opening the Mouth Fully
Over time, repeated clenching can cause the masseter muscles to become enlarged, creating a broader or heavier jawline.
Jaw Shape and Facial Contours
A strong square jawline is often associated with a more masculine facial appearance. For some people this is desirable, but others may feel their jawline appears too wide or angular due to enlarged chewing muscles.
Many patients seek treatment to create a softer facial contour, particularly if the muscle enlargement is caused by bruxism.
How Treatment Works
By placing small amounts of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles, we can reduce the strength of the muscle contraction.
You will still be able to:
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Speak Normally
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Chew Comfortably
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Carry out Normal Jaw Movements
However, the excessive clenching force is reduced. Over time the muscle gradually becomes smaller, which can help:
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Relieve Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
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Reduce Jaw Tension and Headaches
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Slim the Lower Face
Most patients begin to notice improvement in symptoms within a few days, with facial contour changes developing gradually over the following weeks.
The effects typically last around three to four months, after which the muscle activity slowly returns and treatment may be repeated if required.
Dental Assessment Is Important
At Orchard House Dental Care, treatment always begins with a full dental and/or facial assessment.
This helps us identify the underlying cause of teeth grinding and ensure the correct treatment plan is recommended. In many cases we may also advise a custom bite splint (night guard) to protect the teeth from wear and damage caused by grinding.
Combining dental protection with muscle-relaxing treatment often provides the best long-term results.
Therapeutic Toxin Consultation
If you suffer from teeth grinding, jaw tension, or a bulky jawline, a consultation can help determine whether therapeutic toxin treatment may be suitable. Learn more about our Botox treatments and how they can support patients suffering from teeth grinding.