Masseter Botox

The masseter muscle, one of the strongest muscles in the human body, plays a fundamental role in chewing, speaking, and jaw movements. However, overactivity of this muscle can lead to many problems such as tooth wear, fractures, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, headaches, and facial pain. With masseter botox, a minimally invasive medical aesthetic procedure, the volume and activity of the muscle are gradually reduced.  This not only alleviates the excessive load on the teeth but also ensures a more balanced appearance of the jawline.

Masseter botox, applied in dentistry, does not eliminate the causal treatment of bruxism (teeth grinding) alone; however, it is highly effective in controlling the symptoms. After the application, muscle strength gradually decreases, damage due to teeth clenching slows down, and the feeling of tension in the jaw area significantly lessens. Orthodontist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who serves his patients in his clinic in Adana, explained what masseter (jaw) botox is, why, and how it is applied.

What is Masseter (Jaw) Botox?

Masseter botox is a non-surgical treatment method applied to control excessive jaw muscle activity resulting from teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism) and to reduce related functional problems. In this application, botulinum toxin is injected in specific doses into the masseter muscle, which is involved in chewing function, thereby reducing the muscle's excessive contraction strength. Masseter botox helps reduce jaw pain, headaches, muscle tenderness associated with bruxism, and the risk of wear and damage to teeth. Its aesthetic effects are not the primary goal of the treatment but are considered a secondary benefit. The effect of the application usually begins within a few days and lasts for an average of 4–6 months. The procedure can be repeated at certain intervals according to clinical need.

Why is Masseter (Jaw) Botox Performed?

Masseter botox is applied to reduce the excessive and uncontrolled activity of the masseter muscle, which is a chewing muscle. This excessive muscle activity can negatively affect both dental health and jaw functions. The reasons for the application are generally categorized under two main headings: functional (therapeutic) and aesthetic. The therapeutic and aesthetic reasons are as follows:

Therapeutic (Functional) Reasons

• To control the habit of teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism),
• To reduce the risk of tooth wear, cracks, and fractures developing due to teeth clenching,
• To alleviate jaw muscle pain, and the feeling of fatigue and stiffness in the jaw in the mornings,
• To reduce headaches and muscle-related pains radiating to the facial area,
• To help reduce the severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders,
• To provide complementary support in addition to treatments like night guards.

Aesthetic Reasons

• To soften the square and wide face appearance caused by an overdeveloped masseter muscle,
• To achieve more oval and balanced facial contours by reducing the prominence of the jaw angles,
• To contribute to the alleviation of an asymmetrical appearance in the lower facial area.

How is Masseter (Jaw) Botox Performed?

Jaw Muscles Are Examined in Detail: Masseter botox is a non-surgical injection treatment applied to reduce the activity of the overactive masseter muscle due to teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism). Before the application, the patient's jaw muscles are examined in detail; injection points are determined by evaluating the muscle's volume, strength, and activity level.

Botulinum Toxin Reduces Muscle Contraction Strength: During the procedure, botulinum toxin is injected into both masseter muscles in controlled and personalized doses using fine-tipped needles. Botulinum toxin temporarily weakens the transmission between the muscle and the nerve, thereby reducing the muscle's excessive contraction strength. Thanks to this effect, muscle tension, jaw fatigue, and pain associated with teeth clenching and grinding are alleviated; the excessive load on the teeth is reduced. The application generally takes 10–15 minutes and does not require anesthesia in most patients. After the procedure is completed, the patient can resume their daily life without interruption.

How Long Does the Effect of Masseter Botox Last?

The effects of masseter botox generally begin to appear within 3–7 days, and the maximum effect is observed within a few weeks. Over time, a more balanced and softer appearance of the jawline can be achieved due to the reduction in the volume of the masseter muscle. The effect of the application lasts for an average of 4–6 months, depending on the individual. When the treatment is evaluated together with other approaches for the cause of teeth clenching (such as night guard use, occlusal adjustments, and stress management), it contributes to achieving more successful and sustainable results.

What Should Be Considered Before Getting Masseter Botox?

Masseter botox is a non-surgical injection application frequently preferred in the treatment of teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism). To ensure the safe and effective performance of the procedure, it is important to pay attention to certain points before the application. The main points to consider before masseter botox are as follows:

• On the day of the procedure, the skin should be clean, and there should be no makeup on the jaw and face area.
• If blood-thinning medications (aspirin, some painkillers, herbal supplements, etc.) are being used, the doctor must be informed at least 3–7 days before the procedure. These medications should not be discontinued without a doctor's recommendation.
• If there has been a previous botulinum toxin application, muscle disease, or a neurological disorder, the doctor must be informed.
• Masseter botox is generally not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding; this situation must be evaluated.

What Should Be Taken Care of After Masseter Botox?

• For the first 24 hours, the injected area should not be rubbed or slept on.
• On the same day, avoid hammams, saunas, steam baths, and very hot showers.
• It is recommended not to consume foods that require hard and intense chewing in the first few hours.

 Is Masseter and Temporal Muscle Botox a Treatment That Must Be Applied Together?

 Not a Treatment That Must Be Applied Together: Masseter and temporal muscle botox is not a treatment that must necessarily be applied together in every patient. Although these two muscles work together in chewing function, excessive muscle activity may not be observed in the same muscle groups in every patient. Therefore, the decision for application should be made individually based on the patient's complaints and clinical examination findings.

Masseter Muscle Botox; is applied to reduce significant muscle hypertrophy, jaw pain, and excessive load on the teeth, especially at the jaw angles, due to teeth clenching and grinding. In patients where muscle strength is dominant in the lower facial area, it can often be sufficient on its own.

Temporal Muscle Botox; is preferred more in patients who experience pain, headaches, a feeling of fullness and tenderness in the temples in the mornings, and who transfer the load to the temporal muscles during teeth clenching. It can be an effective complementary treatment option, especially in cases of bruxism accompanied by tension-type headaches.

When are they applied together?

• If teeth clenching and grinding are advanced,
• If muscle pain and tenderness are present in both the jaw angles and the temple area,
• If headaches and temple pains persist despite masseter botox,
• If widespread excessive activity is detected in all chewing muscles.