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Treatment for Jaw Pain and Grinding Teeth
Masseter Muscle Treatment for Jaw Pain, Teeth Grinding and TMD Relief
Masseter Muscle Relaxing Treatment is a procedure in which a muscle relaxant is injected into the masseter muscle (1) to relax it. The masseter muscle is a large muscle that connects our lower jaw to the upper jaw. It is the main chewing muscle, along with the temporalis muscle, which is situated at the side of the top of the head.
If you suffer from grinding or clenching (parafunction) of your teeth, or have pain/headaches that are related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), then a muscle relaxant in this muscle can make a huge difference.
The muscle is large, so by relaxing some of it to alleviate the excess pressure being put through it during grinding/clenching, the power being transferred to the jaw joint and teeth is much reduced, without stopping normal chewing function.
Our teeth and jaw joints are designed to be in contact for approximately 5-7 minutes total a day during normal chewing – clenchers and grinders can have contact in excess of 8 hours a day…so no wonder we see the damage in the teeth and jaw joints as often as we do.
Breaking the Teeth Grinding Cycle with Muscle Relaxant Treatment
Like any muscle, the more it is used, the bigger it becomes, and along with this, more power, thus being able to cause more damage. The clenching and grinding usually start as a stress response, but can very easily become habitual as a result. By reducing the power that the muscles can put through the dental structures, the damage caused is reduced, as well as the size of the muscle. Muscle relaxants, therefore, can act as a stress breaker.
Although the muscle-relaxing injections work very predictably, how many treatments you require to remain symptom-free, and how long you have relief for, varies from patient to patient. This variance largely relates to how ingrained your clenching or grinding habit is, how long you have suffered with the symptoms for, and how stressful life is for you.
For some patients, a special mouthguard called a “Michigan Splint” may be prescribed in conjunction with the muscle relaxant injections, and indeed, the temporalis muscle may also require treatment if this looks to be involved in the clenching or grinding.
Following a consultation, the treatment can be carried out if you are suitable.
The skin is cleansed, the injection points marked out, and the muscle relaxant is administered. The treatment is relatively quick and not painful. Effects take up to 2 weeks to manifest, during which time you may notice it takes you a little longer to chew your food. A review is then conducted 2-4 weeks after this initial dose to see if you require any further product.
(1) Masseter muscle - Chewing muscle
(2) Bruxism - Teeth grinding/clenching
Masseter Muscle Relaxant Treatment Pricing
Consultation – Free
Masseter injections - £350
Masseter & Temporalis injections - £650
Masseter & Michigan splint - £1000
Masseter, Temporalis & Michigan Splint - £1300
The correct treatment will be discussed with you at your consultation. All fees include the review 4 weeks/1 month post-treatment after the initial treatment.
After care:
It is important to NOT do the following 24 hours post-procedure:
Touch the areas treated with unclean hands
Apply makeup to the treated areas
Drink alcohol (please keep well-hydrated post-procedure)
Exercise
Get too hot – hot bath/shower, sauna, sunbathe on hot day
Before your appointment please avoid alcohol for 24 hours before to reduce bruising risk as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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At the Facial Aesthetics Centre, our pricing for these specialised treatments is as follows:
Consultation: Free
Masseter injections: from £350
Masseter and Temporalis injections: from £650
Masseter and Michigan splint: from £1,000
Masseter, Temporalis and Michigan splint: from £1,300
All of our fees include the follow-up review, conducted 2–4 weeks after your initial treatment, to ensure your results are exactly where they need to be.
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Yes, Masseter Botox can help reduce facial asymmetry. Many people have one masseter muscle that is more developed than the other, often due to a habit of chewing on one side, which can create a wider or more prominent appearance on that side of the face. By strategically relaxing the larger muscle, we can reduce its volume over time, creating a more balanced, slimmer, and symmetrical facial profile.
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Yes, jaw Botox is considered very safe when performed by a properly-qualified professional. Because it is a non-surgical procedure, it carries a low risk profile compared to invasive alternatives. The most important safety factor is the practitioner's expertise; by choosing a clinician with an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, you ensure the treatment is precisely targeted to the masseter muscle, minimizing the risk of affecting adjacent facial expressions or structures.
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Facial aesthetics are exceptionally safe in a dental clinic environment, as our team consists entirely of experienced, properly-qualified professionals who possess an expert-level understanding of facial anatomy. This specialized knowledge is at the heart of our practice; for instance, our clinic lead, Dr. Sally Rayment, lectures nationally on the intricacies of masseteric Botox and facial rejuvenation techniques. Operating from calm, private treatment rooms within a clinical setting ensures the highest standards of hygiene and patient care, providing you with a secure, professional, and controlled environment for every procedure.
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Medical Botox and beauty Botox are essentially the same substance—a purified protein that acts as a muscle relaxant. The primary difference lies in the purpose of the treatment and the clinical focus required for each.
Beauty Botox is typically used for cosmetic enhancement, such as smoothing lines and wrinkles by relaxing specific facial muscles to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Medical Botox is used to treat functional or chronic issues, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, TMJ pain, or chronic migraines. Because these areas involve deeper muscle groups or complex joints, they require an expert understanding of facial anatomy and clinical pathology to ensure the treatment is effective and safe.
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When choosing an aesthetics provider, always prioritize safety by ensuring your practitioner is a properly-qualified professional with extensive, specific training in facial anatomy. Avoid practices that do not conduct a thorough aesthetic consultation, and look for a clinical environment that adheres to strict hygiene and professional standards.
The Facial Aesthetics Centre is the premier choice for your treatment because we combine this high-level facial aesthetics expertise with an artistic approach to natural results. Our team is led by Dr. Sally Rayment, a nationally recognised expert who lectures across the UK on the intricacies of advanced procedures like masseteric Botox.
By choosing us, you are placing your care in the hands of seasoned professionals who operate in a clean, private, and controlled clinical environment. We prioritize your long-term safety and aesthetic harmony above all else, ensuring that every treatment is tailored precisely to your unique anatomy.
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Choosing a clinic over a beauty salon is essential for your safety and results. Our practitioners are medically qualified professionals with extensive dental and medical training, ensuring an expert-level understanding of facial anatomy that non-medical providers lack.
Operating within a clinical setting guarantees the highest standards of hygiene and patient care. By choosing a medical environment, you benefit from a professional, controlled atmosphere where your safety, anatomy, and long-term well-being are always the priority.
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Yes, a dental clinic offers a distinct advantage because our practitioners are properly qualified professionals with an expert-level understanding of the facial structure.
At the Facial Aesthetics Centre, we work with the head and neck anatomy daily, providing us with a deeper, more detailed knowledge of the muscles, nerves, and tissues than standard aesthetic providers. This is why our patients frequently report feeling greater confidence knowing their treatment is being performed by professionals who truly understand the complexity of their facial anatomy
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Yes. Clenching and grinding usually start as a stress response, but they can very easily become ingrained habits. The amount of treatment required and the duration of relief vary significantly, as they are largely dependent on how deeply rooted the habit has become and your ongoing stress levels.