Doctor-led assessment and treatment for bruxism, including botulinum toxin injections to ease jaw clenching, teeth grinding and related jaw pain and headaches.
Bruxism is the medical term for involuntary teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It can occur while awake or during sleep and, over time, can cause considerable discomfort and damage to the teeth.
At The Wright Practice, we offer doctor-led assessment and treatment for bruxism, including botulinum toxin injections to reduce excessive activity of the jaw muscles where appropriate.
You may notice:
Some people clench or grind their teeth without realising they are doing it.
There isn’t always a single cause.
Bruxism can be associated with:
Your doctor will discuss possible contributing factors before recommending treatment.
For some patients, botulinum toxin injections can be an effective way of reducing excessive jaw-muscle activity.
Small amounts are injected into the masseter muscles, the powerful muscles at the sides of the jaw responsible for chewing and clenching.
The aim is not to stop normal jaw movement. Instead, treatment reduces the strength of excessive muscle contraction, helping to reduce clenching and the discomfort associated with it.
Treatment is straightforward:
The procedure itself usually takes only a few minutes.
Botulinum toxin does not work immediately.
You will usually begin to notice a reduction in muscle activity within the first couple of weeks, with the full effect developing subsequently.
The effects are temporary and gradually wear off, so treatment may need to be repeated.
Possibly.
People who have been clenching for a long time can develop enlarged masseter muscles, producing a broader or more square appearance to the lower face.
Repeated treatment may cause these muscles to reduce in size, which can slim the lower jawline.
For patients being treated for bruxism, however, our primary aim is to reduce excessive muscle activity and symptoms rather than to produce a cosmetic change.
No.
Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, treatment may also include:
A mouthguard and botulinum toxin perform different roles: a guard can protect the teeth from damage, while botulinum toxin aims to reduce excessive muscle contraction.
Bruxism treatment should start with understanding why you are grinding or clenching your teeth, rather than simply performing injections.
Our doctors will assess your symptoms, examine your jaw and discuss whether botulinum toxin is appropriate or whether dental, sleep or other medical assessment would be more useful.
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Bruxism is involuntary teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It can happen during the day or while you are asleep.
You may wake with jaw pain, tightness or headaches, notice tooth wear or sensitivity, or have a partner who hears you grinding your teeth.
A dentist may also identify characteristic wear or damage during an examination.
Botulinum toxin can reduce the strength and activity of the muscles responsible for clenching and grinding and can improve symptoms in appropriately selected patients.
It does not necessarily eliminate bruxism completely or address every underlying cause.
Treatment is usually directed into the masseter muscles on either side of the jaw. Other muscles may occasionally be considered following clinical assessment.
The aim is to reduce excessive muscle activity without interfering with normal jaw function.
Some people can experience temporary changes in chewing strength, particularly with harder foods, which will be discussed before treatment.
The effect is temporary and commonly lasts several months, although this varies between individuals.
If treatment has been effective, it can be repeated when appropriate.
Most side effects are mild and temporary and can include:
Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you before treatment.
Yes. If you have significant tooth wear, cracked teeth, dental pain or other evidence of damage from grinding, dental assessment remains important.
Botulinum toxin does not replace appropriate dental care or protection of the teeth.
Our bruxism service is primarily intended to reduce excessive jaw-muscle activity and associated symptoms.
Some patients notice slimming of the lower face as the masseter muscles become less prominent, but this is a secondary effect rather than the primary purpose of treatment.
If teeth grinding, jaw clenching or facial tension is causing discomfort, book an appointment with one of our doctors to discuss your treatment options.
Book online | Call: +44 (0)207 139 1833 | Email: info@thewrightpractice.com
101 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AH
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