Do you have symptoms of teeth grinding? If so, Botox® might be your answer. At Family Smile Dental, the professional team in the Sheepshead Bay and Midwood neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York City, provides the highest level of expertise to deliver treatments for teeth grinding and more. To learn how Botox can help with your bruxism, call the practice today or book your appointment online.
What is Botox?
Botox is a well-known treatment in the cosmetic industry used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When injected into specific muscles in your face and forehead, it paralyzes or relaxes them so they can’t contract, which smooths the wrinkles.
Botox also helps people who grind their teeth (bruxism), experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or have migraines. A localized treatment can calm the nerves and tissues in the targeted area to reduce tension.
How does Botox work for teeth grinding?
Bruxism can occur subconsciously while you’re awake or during sleep. It affects about 10% of American adults and up to 15% of children. Risk factors for developing bruxism include, stress, health disorders, age, and heredity.
Teeth grinding can cause issues, including:
When you’re treated for teeth grinding with Botox, your provider injects a small amount into the masseter muscle, which moves your jaw and helps you chew.
The solution blocks the signals from your brain that tell the muscles to contract, significantly relaxing the muscle and reducing the wear-and-tear on your teeth. It can also ease jaw soreness.
Your treatment can also dissipate tension in your head that causes headaches.
You should notice a difference in about 1-3 days after the procedure with results lasting up to six months.
What are the benefits of Botox?
Botox offers several advantages, including:
When consulting with the team at Family Smile Dental, they work with you to develop a customized plan.
Can Botox cure bruxism?
Botox can’t cure bruxism. However, it is a preferred treatment over other bruxism remedies, such as dental devices or anti-inflammatory medications.
Botox addresses the source of the problem by targeting the excessive muscle activity. It also controls your discomfort caused by bruxism.
To schedule a consultation with the team at Family Smile Dental about Botox, call the practice or use the online booking tool today.
