Botox for Teeth Grinding

Botox injections are a newer form of treatment at the dental office for TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) issues which may include: muscle tension headaches and clenching/grinding (Bruxism) of teeth.

Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism).

Botox injections can help to reduce the pain, and improve the function of the joint for patients who had limited success with the other forms of treatment for TMD (Temporomandibular disorders).

• TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) is the hinge- joint that connects the skull to the jaw
• TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder) is a disorder that affects the TMJ and creates pain in the jaw and muscles around it

Masseter botox

Botox to the masseter muscle is typically done for cosmetic purposes with the aim of achieving a slimmer jaw line, but also alleviates grinding and headaches associated with TMD.

How does Botox treatment work?

 Botox injections to specific muscles of the TMJ, block the nerve signals to them, causing them to relax and decrease the unconscious and uncontrollable movement of the jaw.

While reducing the ability of facial muscles to engage in problematic grinding and wear on the the teeth, Botox allows the patient to still perform daily activities.

Botox cost

Both you and Dr Pirbhai will determine what your needs are.

Botox treatment is priced at $12 per unit of botox needed, and the amount you will need is completely individual, and determined by the severity of your TMD. 

The initial consult is $130, where we cover a treatment plan. We start low and adjust upwards based on your response to it.

What will my Botox appointments look like?

Before booking a consult appointment with Dr Pirbhai, it is recommended that you try other forms of treatment for TMD first such as a bruxism appliance, massage, physiotherapy and or muscle relaxants. 

The consult fee is billed as a specific exam under the current ODA (Ontario Dental Association) fee guide.   

At this appointment, please indicate all medical conditions and medications that you are taking.  

For example, patients who are pregnant or nursing and have neuromuscular conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome should not receive Botox treatment

For convenience, some patients book this treatment with their regular check up and cleaning appointments.  

After a few treatments, it is common for the muscle to atrophy so the frequency of treatments will decrease.